Court records of Morgan County, Alabama, are available through several channels. MorganCourt.us allows you to search for public information about court cases in the county. Additionally, official resources — including the website of the 8th Judicial Circuit Clerk and the Alabama Administrative Office of Courts portal — provide access to court case records. You can also contact the court clerk's office directly or use public terminals in the courthouse.
Morgan Court System & Jurisdictions
Morgan County is part of the 8th Judicial Circuit of Alabama. Several courts operate here, each handling specific categories of cases.
Circuit Court — a court of general jurisdiction. It handles serious criminal cases (felonies), large civil claims over $20,000, divorce cases, child custody, and protective orders. The Family Division of the Circuit Court separately handles cases related to divorce, alimony, and domestic violence.
District Court operates differently — it handles:
- Misdemeanors (less serious crimes)
- Civil claims up to $20,000
- Preliminary hearings in criminal cases
- Traffic violation cases
- Small claims up to $6,000
Probate Court at the county courthouse is responsible for wills, estate cases, guardianship of incapacitated persons, and also issues marriage licenses. The oldest records in the Morgan County archive are from the Probate Court.
Municipal Courts in the cities of Decatur, Hartselle, and other localities in the county handle violations of city ordinances and minor traffic offenses. These courts operate independently of the county system.
Morgan Court Calendar & Upcoming Hearings
The schedule of court hearings for today, tomorrow, or the current week can be found in several ways.
- Visit the official website of the Morgan County Circuit Clerk — announcements and schedule changes are published there, including notices about temporary relocation of courtrooms due to construction work.
- Call the court clerk's office and confirm the date and time of a specific hearing by providing the case number.
- Use the Alabama Administrative Office of Courts portal, which provides access to trial court records throughout the state.
The courthouse is located at:
Note: Due to construction work in the courthouse, some hearings may be held at a different location. It is advisable to check the latest information on the clerk's website before visiting.
How to Get a Copy of a Morgan Court Document
Copies of court documents are issued by the Circuit Clerk's office. There are two types of copies — certified and uncertified. A certified copy bears the clerk's seal and confirms the authenticity of the document; it is required for submission to other courts, government agencies, or when completing transactions. An uncertified copy is suitable for personal review.
How to obtain a copy:
- In person — visit the clerk's office at the courthouse. Provide the case number or party names so the staff can locate the required document.
- By mail — send a written request specifying the full name of the party, case number (if known), type of document, and number of copies. Include payment in the form of a money order.
- Online — through the Alacourt system, you can view some records, but to obtain a certified copy, you usually need to contact the clerk directly.
Mailing address for requests:
For appellate cases, documents are available through the public portal of Alabama appellate courts. Registered users can view and purchase documents online.
Morgan Court Records Fees & Payment
The fees for court documents in Alabama are regulated by state law. Below are typical fees applicable in county courts:
| Service | Approximate Cost |
|---|---|
| Search in court records | Depends on the type of request; check with the clerk |
| Uncertified copy of a document (per page) | $0.50 – $1.00 |
| Certified copy | $1.00 for the first page + $0.50 for each additional page (plus certification fee) |
| Certification fee | Usually $5.00 per document |
| Divorce certificate (through ADPH) | $15.00 for search and one certified copy |
The fee for a divorce certificate is charged by the Alabama Department of Public Health, not the court. Exact fees for court copies may vary — it is best to call the clerk's office to confirm the current rate before making a payment.
Accepted forms of payment usually include cash, money orders, and cashier's checks. Some clerk's offices accept credit or debit cards, but it is advisable to confirm this in advance. When sending a request by mail, use a money order made payable to the Morgan County Circuit Clerk.