Clay County Court Docket Search

Court docket information for Clay County is maintained by the Circuit Clerk at the courthouse in Ashland. The docket serves as the official log of all proceedings in civil, criminal, and domestic cases. Clay County is part of the 40th Judicial Circuit, which it shares with Coosa County. This small county in east-central Alabama has a population of about 13,000 residents. The Circuit Clerk office handles all court filings and records requests. Online access to docket records is available through Alacourt ACCESS, the statewide system that covers all Alabama counties. Visitors can also search records in person at the courthouse during regular business hours.

Clay County Circuit Clerk

The Circuit Clerk is the official keeper of court records in Clay County. This office receives and processes all new case filings, maintains the docket, and provides copies of documents to parties and the public. The Circuit Clerk also handles jury management and processes appeals. Staff members can assist with record searches and explain procedures for getting copies.

How to Search Court Dockets

You have several options for searching Clay County court records. The best choice depends on your situation and how much information you need.

Online Search via Alacourt ACCESS

The Alacourt ACCESS website provides electronic access to court records from all Alabama counties. Search by name or case number. Fees are charged per search and displayed before you complete the transaction. Subscriptions are offered for users who search often. The database includes civil, criminal, domestic, and traffic records.

In-Person Search

Going to the Clay County Courthouse in Ashland lets you search without paying online fees. The Circuit Clerk can help you find what you need. Bring any information you have about the case, including names and dates. Copy fees apply when you request documents to take with you.

Written Request

You can mail a written request to the Circuit Clerk. Include the names of parties, case type, and any other details you know. Prepayment for search and copy fees is usually required. Send your request to the address above. Response time is typically two to four weeks.

Fees for Court Records

Clay County assesses standard fees for court record services:

Payment is accepted by cash, check, or money order. Call ahead to confirm current payment options.

Types of Court Docket Records

Civil Case Dockets

Civil dockets record lawsuits between private parties. In Clay County, common civil cases include property disputes, contract claims, personal injury suits, and debt collection. Circuit Court handles civil matters over $10,000. District Court handles smaller claims. Small claims court covers disputes under $3,000.

Criminal Case Dockets

Criminal dockets track prosecutions brought by the State of Alabama. Circuit Court handles felonies including drug offenses, theft, assault, and other serious crimes. District Court handles misdemeanors and preliminary felony hearings. Traffic citations are also part of the docket system.

Domestic Relations Dockets

Family law matters appear on the domestic relations docket. This includes divorce cases, child custody, child support, visitation schedules, and domestic violence protective orders. Circuit Court has jurisdiction over all domestic relations cases in the county.

Probate Records

The Probate Court maintains separate records. Probate matters include wills, estate administration, guardianships, conservatorships, and adoptions. The Probate Judge handles these cases. Adoption records are generally sealed and not publicly available.

Clay County Court Records Portal

The image below shows the Alacourt ACCESS search page for Clay County court records.

Legal Framework for Record Access

Public Records Law

Alabama Code Section 36-12-40 establishes the right of Alabama residents to view and copy public records. Court records fall under this statute. A 2024 amendment now requires requesters to show proof of Alabama residency. Acceptable proof includes an Alabama driver license or voter registration. The law supports public access to records.

Privacy and Confidentiality Rules

The Alabama Rules of Court-Record Privacy and Confidentiality became effective January 1, 2025. These rules identify 96 categories of confidential information. Protected data includes Social Security numbers, bank account numbers, medical records, names of minor victims, and addresses of domestic violence victims.

Sealed Records

Courts may seal records when the need for privacy outweighs public interest in access. Grounds include trade secrets, national security, prevention of scandal, and family privacy in domestic cases. Juvenile records are confidential by law. Youthful offender and adoption records are also typically sealed.

Expungement

Under Alabama Code Section 15-27-1 and related sections, some criminal records may be expunged. This includes dismissed charges, acquittals, and certain non-violent offenses. Expunged records are removed from public databases.

40th Judicial Circuit

Clay County is part of the 40th Judicial Circuit along with Coosa County. Circuit judges serve both counties, rotating between courthouses based on the case schedule. This shared arrangement is common in rural parts of Alabama where caseloads do not require full-time judges in each county.

Despite sharing judges with Coosa County, Clay County maintains its own Circuit Clerk and court records. Cases filed in Clay County stay with the Clay County Circuit Clerk throughout the case, regardless of which judge presides.

Additional Court Resources

Alabama Appellate Courts

Appeals from Clay County go to the Court of Civil Appeals or Court of Criminal Appeals depending on case type. The Alabama Appellate Courts Public Portal offers free access to appellate records without registration or fees.

Federal Courts

Federal matters involving Clay County fall under the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Alabama. Access federal court records through PACER. Registration and fees are required.

Legal Aid

Legal Services Alabama offers free legal help to qualifying low-income individuals. Call 1-866-456-4995 for intake. The Alabama State Bar provides a lawyer referral service at 1-800-354-6154.

Search Clay County Court Dockets

Use the tool below to search for court docket records in Clay County.

Cities and Towns in Clay County

The Circuit Clerk maintains court records for residents of these communities:

• Ashland (county seat)
• Lineville
• Delta

Clay County has no cities with populations exceeding 100,000. For information about major Alabama cities, see Birmingham, Huntsville, Mobile, Montgomery, or Tuscaloosa.

Nearby Counties

Counties bordering Clay County maintain their own court records systems: