Limestone County, Alabama court records are available through several channels. LimestoneCourt.us allows you to search for public information on court cases in the county. Additionally, records can be found through official state court resources, including the Alabama Administrative Office of Courts portal, directly at the Circuit Clerk's office, or through public terminals in the Limestone County courthouse.
Limestone Court System & Jurisdictions
Limestone County is part of the 39th Judicial Circuit of Alabama. There are two main trial courts here — Circuit Court and District Court — each handling clearly defined categories of cases.
Circuit Court — a court of general jurisdiction. It handles:
- Felony criminal cases
- Civil lawsuits over $20,000
- Divorce, child custody, and alimony cases
- Appeals from District Court
The official custodian of all materials for both courts is the Limestone County Circuit Clerk — Kelly Davis. This office manages case registration and issues document copies.
District Court handles a different array of cases:
- Misdemeanor criminal offenses
- Traffic violations
- Civil lawsuits up to $20,000
- Small Claims cases — up to $6,000
- Preliminary hearings in criminal cases
A separate Probate Court operates under the county's Probate Judge. This court deals with estate matters, wills, incompetency declarations, and issues marriage licenses. Traffic violation cases sometimes initially go to municipal courts (e.g., Athens Municipal Court), but appeals go to Circuit Court.
Court address:
Limestone Court Calendar & Upcoming Hearings
To find out the schedule of hearings for today, tomorrow, or the current week, there are several options.
- Visit the official website of the 39th Judicial Circuit — updates on the schedule and general court information are published there.
- Use the "Just One Look" system on the Alabama Administrative Office of Courts portal. This system provides real-time access to state trial court records, including hearing dates.
- Call the Circuit Clerk's office directly at (256) 216-3865 to inquire about a specific case or hearing date.
Appellate court calendars are available separately — through the public portal of Alabama appellate courts. Please note: the schedule may change without notice, so it is advisable to confirm information by phone before visiting the court.
How to Get a Copy of a Limestone Court Document
Copies of court documents are issued by the Circuit Clerk's office. There are two types of copies — and the difference between them is significant.
Uncertified copy — a regular photocopy or printout. Suitable for review but has no legal force.
Certified copy — contains the official seal and signature of the court clerk. Such a copy is required by other courts, employers, or government agencies.
How to obtain a copy:
- In person. Visit the Circuit Clerk's office in the courthouse. You will need the case number or the full name of the party and approximate date. Copies are usually issued the same day.
- By mail. Send a written request specifying case details, type of copy (certified or uncertified), and payment. Mailing address for requests:
- Online. Through the "Just One Look" system on alacourt.gov, you can view case information and order documents. For electronic filing, attorneys use the AlaFile system.
Some records have restricted access. Juvenile cases, sealed materials, and certain family cases are not issued without an appropriate court order.
Limestone Court Records Fees & Payment
Fees for copies and searches in court records are set according to Alabama state law. Below are approximate rates — it is better to confirm the exact amount with the Circuit Clerk's office, as some fees may be adjusted by administrative orders.
| Service | Approximate Cost |
|---|---|
| Record search (per name) | Check with Clerk's office |
| Uncertified copy (per page) | $0.50 – $1.00 |
| Certified copy of a document | $1.00 for the first page + $0.50 for each additional page |
| Certification fee | Usually included in the cost of a certified copy |
| Online access via "Just One Look" | Fee for case viewing (alacourt.gov system) |
Payment in the office is usually accepted in cash, money orders, and, in some cases, credit cards. When sending a request by mail, include a money order payable to "Limestone County Circuit Clerk." It is recommended to confirm specific amounts and acceptable payment methods in advance by calling (256) 216-3865 to avoid delays.