Circuit Clerk

The purpose of this article is to give residents, jurors, litigants, and attorneys a practical, detailed guide to the Autauga County AL Circuit Clerk—what the office is responsible for, how the court divisions are organized, what to expect when you file or appear, and which phone numbers to use for specific needs. You’ll also find step-by-step tips on preparing filings, paying court costs, handling jury service, and understanding related responsibilities such as absentee election management and garnishments. The focus is on clear explanations grounded in official court content so you can move confidently through your case or civic duty.

Understand the Autauga County AL Circuit Clerk’s Core Responsibilities

The Circuit Clerk is the court system’s official record keeper and business manager. This constitutional officer maintains the integrity and security of case records for both the District and Circuit Courts, oversees the collection and disbursement of court funds, and serves the public at the filing windows throughout the courthouse workday. Daily duties include receiving and indexing pleadings, issuing subpoenas and notices of hearings, receipting fines and fees, and maintaining dockets across multiple divisions—civil, criminal, domestic relations, child support, traffic, juvenile, and warrants. In Autauga County, the Circuit Clerk also administers the jury process and, as Absentee Election Manager, carries statutory responsibilities during county, state, and federal elections.

To learn more about the constitutional role and leadership of the office, consult the page for the Circuit Clerk, Debra Hill, which presents official duties and responsibilities, along with pathways to the court divisions this office supports.

Map Your Matter to the Right Court Division Before You File

Getting your paperwork to the correct division speeds up processing and avoids unnecessary trips. The Autauga County court system is organized to make sure each type of dispute or charge is handled by a division with the right procedures and docketing practices.

Know what the Circuit Court covers

Alabama’s Circuit Courts are trial courts of general jurisdiction. In Autauga County, Circuit Court has original jurisdiction over civil cases where the amount in controversy exceeds $20,000, handles felony prosecutions, and hears family court matters. It shares concurrent jurisdiction with District Court for civil claims greater than $6,000 up to and including $20,000 (exclusive of interest and costs). Circuit Court also hears appeals from District Court, Probate Court, municipal courts, and certain administrative or municipal boards. For a broad overview of this authority and to view trial dockets organized by judge, review the Circuit Court jurisdiction page.

Understand when a case belongs in District Court

District Court manages a defined set of criminal, traffic, and civil matters that fall within statutory limits. Civilly, District Court handles cases up to and including $20,000 in tandem with Circuit Court, and it processes traffic citations and many misdemeanor criminal cases at first instance. If you’re unsure whether a civil claim fits District or Circuit Court, consider the amount in controversy and use the appropriate filing division windows. For a high-level orientation, see the District Court overview.

Prepare and File Effectively With the Clerk’s Office

Bringing a complete filing packet saves you time at the counter and reduces the chance of continuances.

Build a complete filing packet

Before you visit a clerk’s window:

Identify the division that corresponds to your matter—civil, criminal, domestic relations, child support, traffic, juvenile, warrants, or small claims.

Organize your documents in the order they should be filed (complaint/petition, required cover sheets, exhibits, service documents, and proposed orders if applicable).

Check fees in advance so you arrive prepared to pay filing fees, service costs, or copy charges. Fee schedules are posted by the court system; consult the official Court Costs resource before you come to the courthouse.

Bring case identifiers if your matter is already open. A case number, the defendant’s name, citation number, or the style of the case will help clerks locate your file instantly.

Plan for service of process. If you are filing a new civil case, ensure you have complete names and addresses for each party and indicate your preferred method of service consistent with Alabama rules.

Pay fees and track disbursements accurately

The Clerk’s Office is responsible for receipting fines, filing fees, and court costs and for disbursing funds as ordered by the court. The Payments window handles in-person payments and can answer questions about amounts due and acceptable methods of payment at the counter. Bookkeeping maintains internal accounting records, reconciles deposits, and processes refunds or distributions when ordered.

Helpful approach at the window:

Have your case number ready.

Confirm the division (e.g., “Circuit Civil” vs. “District Civil”) to ensure the payment posts to the correct ledger.

Retain the receipt; it is your proof of payment and may be necessary for driver’s license reinstatement, satisfaction of judgment, or audit purposes.

Use the Right Division: Practical Guidance for Each Case Type

Because the Clerk’s Office organizes filings and dockets by division, understanding what each counter handles will help you move efficiently.

Civil disputes (Circuit Civil and District Civil)

Circuit Civil is the filing counter for money-damage suits over $20,000 and for higher-stakes injunctive or declaratory actions.

District Civil manages lower-amount claims (generally up to $20,000) and is the faster venue for many straightforward disputes.

What to bring: A verified complaint or statement of claim, service addresses for all defendants, any required cover sheet, and your initial filing fee.

What happens next: The clerk assigns a case number, issues service documents (sheriff, certified mail, or process server), and places the case on the civil docket according to local scheduling practices.

Criminal prosecutions (Circuit Criminal and District Criminal)

District Criminal/Traffic is the gateway for many misdemeanor charges and traffic citations.

Circuit Criminal handles felony prosecutions and the felony docket.

Clerk functions: Receipt of pleadings and motions, issuance of subpoenas and notices of hearing, maintenance of the docket, and recordkeeping of orders and dispositions.

Domestic Relations

The Domestic Relations counter receives divorce, custody, and related family filings that fall within Circuit Court’s family jurisdiction.

Clerk functions: File intake, docketing, and issuance of orders and notices.

Tip: Bring any existing case numbers for modifications or contempt motions so the filing attaches to the correct record.

Child Support

Child support filings and payment records are maintained in the Child Support division.

Clerk functions: Case record maintenance, scheduling notices, and coordination with enforcement mechanisms as directed by court order.

Traffic citations and court dates

The District Criminal/Traffic division windows handle citation payments (where permitted by law), docket questions, and filings related to traffic matters.

Clerk functions: Receipting, docket maintenance, and issuance of notices.

Practical note: Have your citation number ready; it allows the clerk to quickly locate the correct case record.

Small Claims and Unlawful Detainers/Evictions

The Small Claims counter accepts simple debt claims and, where applicable, unlawful detainer/eviction actions that follow Alabama’s expedited statutory process.

Clerk functions: Assigning case numbers, preparing service documents, and issuing trial settings and notices.

Filer checklist: Provide accurate addresses for defendants/tenants to avoid delays in service that can postpone your initial hearing.

Juvenile court matters

Juvenile filings involve sensitive issues of minors and are handled with heightened confidentiality.

Clerk functions: Secure recordkeeping, issuance of notices to the proper parties, and docket management aligned with the juvenile court’s confidentiality rules.

Warrants and Notice of Garnishments

The Warrants function encompasses records and processes associated with warrants as authorized by law.

The Notice of Garnishments process includes filing and issuance of garnishment notices pursuant to court orders.

Tip: When filing a garnishment on an existing civil judgment, bring your underlying case number and any specific wage or bank information required by Alabama procedure to ensure issuance without delay.

Serve When Called: Jury Management in Autauga County

Jury management falls under the Circuit Clerk. If you receive a summons:

Read the summons carefully for your report date and instructions.

Check official guidance on deferments, exemptions, and reporting procedures at the county level. The court system provides current directions for local jurors; review the Jury Information page for details on reporting, attire, and hardship requests.

Keep contact information current. If your address or phone number changes after you are summoned, promptly notify the Clerk’s Office so notices reach you.

Arrive early with identification. Early arrival allows time for courthouse entry procedures and check-in by the clerk’s jury personnel.

The Clerk’s Office will issue any supplemental notices about trial schedule changes and handle the administrative aspects of attendance records and juror compensation as provided by law.

Understand the Clerk’s Role in Elections: Absentee Election Manager

As a constitutional officer, the Autauga County Circuit Clerk serves as the Absentee Election Manager for county, state, and federal elections. During election cycles, this role includes:

Receiving and maintaining absentee ballot applications and related records.

Ensuring secure handling of absentee ballots and compliance with statutory deadlines.

Coordinating with election officials on notices and ballot processing protocols established by law.

If you have questions about absentee timelines or the status of an absentee ballot inside the legal window, contact the Clerk’s Office at the general number listed at the end of this article and be prepared to verify your identity consistent with election rules. The office will provide instructions aligned with Alabama’s election procedures.

Make Payments and Keep Your Case on Track

The Clerk’s Office maintains a dedicated Payments window and internal Bookkeeping function to support accurate case accounting.

Use the Payments window effectively

Bring your case number or citation number to speed up posting.

Pay in full when possible to eliminate additional notices and prevent delays in closing your matter.

Request and keep your receipt; receipts may be necessary for reinstatement, dismissal proof, or financial reconciliation.

Understand Bookkeeping’s role

Bookkeeping reconciles daily receipts, maintains ledgers for each division, and disburses funds under court orders (for example, restitution, cost distributions, or fee refunds).

For questions that require a ledger lookup or clarification on how a payment posted, be ready to provide the case number and the date of payment so the staff can find your transaction promptly.

Coordinate With the Clerk on Court Costs and Financial Obligations

Court costs are set by law and administrative schedules. Reviewing the official schedule before filing reduces surprises at the counter and helps you plan:

Filing fees vary by division and case type.

Service costs depend on the method (sheriff, certified mail, or process server where permitted).

Other costs can include copy fees, record certification, or issuance fees for certain writs.

For current amounts, the court system maintains a public schedule; consult the Court Costs resource before visiting the courthouse so you can budget for filing and service at the time of submission.

View Judges’ Dockets and Plan for Hearings

Circuit judges’ dockets are organized by chambers, and the court publishes contact information and docket access pathways under each judge’s section. When you need to check a trial schedule or confirm a chambers preference:

Identify your assigned judge on your case caption or latest notice.

Check the official pages for docket procedures and contact methods listed for each judge under the circuit court’s information site (linked earlier).

Coordinate with the appropriate division window if you need copies of orders or a certified record for appeal.

Plan Your Courthouse Visit and Use Local Government Resources

Arriving prepared makes clerk-counter interactions faster and smoother.

Find the courthouse and plan logistics

For general information about the courthouse facility—including location details and building information—use the county’s resource on the Autauga County Courthouse. Plan to:

Allow time for entry screening.

Bring government-issued identification if you expect to access restricted files or receive juror compensation.

Know which room number serves your division (see the division list and room assignments at the end of this article) so you can go directly to the correct counter.

Coordinate with Probate when your case overlaps records

Many civil and domestic filings intersect with records maintained by the Probate Court (for example, name changes ordered in a domestic case may require updates to vital records, or estate documents may be relevant to a civil case). For county-level information about probate services, consult the county’s Autauga County Probate Office page and then call the relevant court number at the end of this article for direction on which office can handle your specific task.

Follow Best Practices for Submitting Pleadings and Evidence

High-quality filings help the clerk index your case correctly and help judges review your matter efficiently.

Use clear captions that list all parties exactly as they appear in prior orders or citations.

Number exhibits and label them consistently (Exhibit A, B, C).

Include complete service addresses and ensure names match driver’s licenses or official records to avoid service issues.

Avoid staples across the top edge that interfere with scanning or copying.

Bring extra copies if you need a file-stamped set for your records at the time of filing.

Confirm next steps at the counter: ask whether the clerk will issue a notice of hearing, whether you must coordinate with chambers, or whether a statutory waiting period applies.

Keep Jury Notifications and Hearing Notices Organized

Because the Clerk’s Office sends subpoenas and hearing notices, one of the easiest ways to stay on track is to keep a single, labeled file or digital folder for your case:

Place each Notice of Hearing in date order.

Clip subpoenas and service returns behind the pleading that prompted them.

Record the date you submitted filings and the method of service used so you can answer questions at the counter without searching.

Respect Confidentiality and Controlled Access Rules

Certain records—particularly those in Juvenile matters—are confidential by law. The clerk must verify your identity and your legal entitlement to access. Be prepared to:

Present identification at the window.

Explain your relationship to the case (party, counsel of record, legal guardian, etc.).

Wait while staff locate the file in a secure area or retrieve it electronically in accordance with confidentiality rules.

Understand Appeals and How the Clerk Supports Appellate Steps

When a case moves from District Court to Circuit Court (or from Circuit Court to an appellate court), the Clerk’s Office facilitates the process:

For District-to-Circuit appeals: The District Court record is transmitted and docketed in Circuit Court, and you will receive notice of settings from the Clerk’s Office.

For Circuit appeals to higher courts: Confirm with the division window what must be included in the record on appeal, and pay any required costs or deposits so the record can be prepared and transmitted on time.

Use Division Windows to Resolve Common Questions Quickly

When in doubt, call the right division window (see the contact list at the end of this article) and have the following ready:

The case number or citation number.

The party names as they appear on the pleadings.

A brief description of what you need (e.g., “copy of the latest order,” “pay fines,” “confirm trial date”).

Clerk staff can tell you whether your matter is set, whether a payment has posted, or whether your filing is missing a required cover sheet or fee—all of which prevents wasted trips or unnecessary continuances.

When Your Civil Case Involves Garnishment, Coordinate Early

If you seek to collect a civil judgment using garnishment:

Bring the underlying civil case number and the judgment information.

Provide as much employment or bank detail as you lawfully have to help the clerk issue the proper notice of garnishment under Alabama procedure.

Expect the clerk to issue and docket the garnishment and to direct you regarding service method and any subsequent filings needed to perfect the garnishment.

Traffic and Misdemeanor Matters: Keep Timelines in Mind

For traffic citations and many misdemeanors, timelines move quickly:

Payment windows may be available for eligible citations; verify eligibility at the District Criminal/Traffic counter.

Court appearance dates printed on citations or notices are mandatory unless the law allows payment in lieu of appearance.

Continuances require court approval; the clerk can tell you how to submit a request but cannot grant one at the window.

Arrive prepared with your citation number and any documentation the court may need (proof of insurance, license reinstatement, or completion of court-ordered classes, when applicable).

Resources at a Glance: Where to Find Official Guidance Online

The court system maintains several official pages that help you navigate filings and procedures:

Learn about the office’s leadership and scope on the Circuit Clerk, Debra Hill page.

Review filing windows, division functions, and public-facing information about the office on the Autauga Circuit Clerk’s Office page.

Confirm subject-matter jurisdiction and dockets via the Circuit Court jurisdiction overview.

Check lower-court coverage on the District Court overview.

Prepare for jury duty using official Jury Information.

Verify filing and service amounts by consulting the Court Costs schedule.

For facility and visiting information, see the Autauga County Courthouse page.

For probate-related local information that often intersects with court filings, visit the Autauga County Probate Office page.

Circuit Clerk and Court-Adjacent Offices: How They Work Together

The court system’s efficiency depends on tight coordination across divisions:

Civil divisions rely on Bookkeeping for timely disbursement of costs, refunds, or funds held under orders.

Criminal and traffic processing depends on accurate receipts at the Payments window and prompt issuance of notices by clerk staff.

Domestic and child support records are maintained in discrete files to protect sensitive information, with clerk staff issuing orders and notices according to the court’s schedule.

Jury management requires consistent communication from the Clerk’s Office to citizens summoned for service, including reminders, excusal processing, and attendance documentation.

Election responsibilities are time-sensitive; the Absentee Election Manager role maintains secure, auditable records in accordance with election laws.

This coordination ensures that filings are accepted and posted correctly, that dockets run on time, and that citizens receive accurate and timely communications.

Courthouse Conduct and Professionalism at the Counter

Whether you are self-represented or an attorney:

Be courteous and patient. The Clerk’s Office serves many divisions simultaneously and must follow statutory processes.

Prepare in advance. Arriving with complete, legible documents helps the staff serve you faster.

Respect privacy rules. Do not request confidential juvenile or sealed records without proper entitlement.

Follow the posted instructions. Signage at each window explains what documents belong at that counter and which forms are required.

These practices support the clerk’s mandate to maintain accurate records and to handle public funds securely.

Departments, Locations (Room Numbers), and Phone Numbers

Autauga County Circuit Clerk’s Office (General Office) — Location: Division windows in Rooms 107, 114, 116, and 117; Phone: (334) 358-6800

Circuit Criminal Division — Location: Room 117; Phone: (334) 358-6807

District Criminal/Traffic Division — Location: Room 117; Phone: (334) 358-6802

Domestic Relations / Child Support Division — Location: Room 108; Phone: (334) 358-6809

Circuit Civil / District Civil Division — Location: Room 114; Phone: (334) 358-6806

Small Claims / Unlawful Detainers / Evictions Division — Location: Room 114; Phone: (334) 358-6805

Juvenile Division — Location: Room 107; Phone: (334) 358-6803

Payments Window — Location: Room 116; Phone: (334) 358-6804

Bookkeeping — Location: Room 116; Phone: (334) 358-6810

Autauga County Probate Court (General) — Location: Courthouse complex; Phone: (334) 361-3728

Autauga County Government (General Information) — Location: County administration; Phone: (334) 358-6700

Autauga County Circuit Clerk FAQs

How do I determine the proper division for my filing in Autauga County?

Begin by matching your case type to the court’s official divisions, then confirm jurisdiction. Civil cases exceeding $20,000 are filed in Circuit Civil, while claims between $6,000 and $20,000 may fall in either court depending on strategy and procedure—review the thresholds and appellate pathways on the Circuit Court page. For lower-dollar civil matters and traffic or many misdemeanor issues, consult District Court for the scope handled there. Using the correct division from the outset helps ensure prompt docketing and service issuance.

Where can I verify Circuit Court jurisdiction and view judges’ trial dockets?

Jurisdictional limits, felony coverage, and appellate routes are explained on Circuit Court, which also lists Autauga County’s circuit judges with docket access through each judge’s section. After identifying your assigned judge from your case caption or latest notice, follow that judge’s page to check scheduling preferences and the path to trial settings or chambers procedures posted by the court.

What should I review about court costs before submitting documents?

Filing fees, service methods, and other statutory charges are updated by the court system. Before you file, confirm the current amounts on Court Costs so you arrive prepared to pay initial fees and any service costs (e.g., sheriff or certified mail). Bring your case number for existing matters to ensure payments post to the correct ledger and keep your receipt for later verification or appellate record needs.

How do I confirm jury reporting instructions or request an excusal?

All juror reporting, deferment, and attire instructions are provided on Jury Information. Use that page to confirm your report date, review excusal or hardship procedures, and understand check-in steps on the day you’re summoned. If your address changes after receiving a summons, follow the court’s guidance to keep your information current so notices reach you.