Access Covington County Court Docket

Court docket records in Covington County document the history of all cases filed in the local court system. The Circuit Clerk in Andalusia maintains these records and provides public access during business hours. Covington County comprises the entire 22nd Judicial Circuit, meaning it does not share judges with neighboring counties. Located in south Alabama near the Florida border, the county has a population of around 37,000. The courthouse in Andalusia serves as the central location for all court services. Online searches are available through the statewide Alacourt ACCESS portal.

Covington County Circuit Clerk

The Covington County Circuit Clerk is the official custodian of court records. This office processes case filings, updates docket entries, and provides copies of documents to the public. Staff can help visitors search for specific cases and explain procedures for obtaining certified copies. The office also manages jury selection and handles appeals to higher courts.

How to Search Court Dockets

Covington County court records can be accessed through several methods depending on your specific needs.

Online Search via Alacourt ACCESS

The Alacourt ACCESS system provides statewide access to court records from all 67 Alabama counties. Search by party name or case number. Fees are charged per search with costs displayed before completing each transaction. Subscriptions are available for frequent users. The database includes civil, criminal, domestic relations, and traffic cases.

In-Person Search

You can visit the Covington County Courthouse in Andalusia to search records without online fees. The Circuit Clerk staff will assist with your search. Bring identification and any information you have about the case, such as party names or approximate dates. Copy fees apply for documents you want to take with you.

Written Request

Mail a written request to the Circuit Clerk at the address above. Include full names of parties, case type, and any known dates or case numbers. Prepayment for search and copy fees is typically required. Response times vary but generally take two to four weeks.

Fees for Court Records

Covington County charges the following fees for court record services:

Payment is accepted by cash, check, or money order. Contact the office to verify accepted payment methods before visiting.

Types of Court Docket Records

Civil Case Dockets

Civil dockets record lawsuits between private parties. Common civil matters in Covington County include property disputes, contract claims, personal injury cases, landlord-tenant issues, and debt collection. Circuit Court handles civil cases exceeding $10,000. District Court handles smaller claims and small claims cases under $3,000.

Criminal Case Dockets

Criminal dockets track prosecutions by the State of Alabama. Felony cases are handled in Circuit Court, including drug offenses, property crimes, assault charges, and other serious matters. District Court handles misdemeanors and preliminary felony hearings. Traffic violations are also recorded in the docket system.

Domestic Relations Dockets

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

Probate Records

Probate Court is separate from Circuit Court and maintains its own records. The Probate Judge handles wills, estate administration, guardianships, conservatorships, and adoptions. Marriage licenses are issued through Probate Court. Adoption records are generally sealed and not available for public inspection.

Covington County Court Records Portal

The image below shows the Alacourt ACCESS search interface for Covington County court records.

Legal Framework for Record Access

Public Records Law

Alabama Code Section 36-12-40 establishes the right of Alabama residents to inspect and copy public records. Court records fall under this statute. A 2024 amendment requires proof of Alabama residency. An Alabama driver license or voter registration card is acceptable identification. The statute is construed in favor of public disclosure.

Privacy and Confidentiality Rules

The Alabama Rules of Court-Record Privacy and Confidentiality became effective January 1, 2025. These rules designate 96 categories of information as privileged or confidential. Protected information includes Social Security numbers, tax identification numbers, financial account numbers, medical records, names of minor crime victims, and domestic violence victim addresses.

Sealed Records

Courts may seal records when there is clear and convincing evidence that disclosure would cause harm. Reasons for sealing include trade secret protection, national security concerns, scandal prevention, and family privacy in domestic cases. Juvenile records are confidential by statute. Youthful offender and adoption records are typically sealed as well.

Expungement

Alabama Code Section 15-27-1 and following sections permit expungement of certain criminal records. Eligible records include dismissed charges, acquittals, and some non-violent offenses. Once expunged, records are removed from public databases and searches.

22nd Judicial Circuit

Covington County is the sole county in the 22nd Judicial Circuit. Unlike many rural counties that share judges with neighbors, Covington has its own dedicated circuit judges. This means all cases filed in the county are heard by judges assigned exclusively to this circuit.

The Circuit Court handles felony criminal cases, civil matters over $10,000, domestic relations, and appeals from District Court. Having a dedicated circuit can mean more consistent court scheduling since judges do not need to travel to other counties.

Covington County Court System

The county maintains its own website with information about the court system at covingtoncountycourts.com. This site provides information about court schedules, procedures, and local court rules. The Circuit Clerk remains the official source for court records.

Additional Court Resources

Alabama Appellate Courts

Appeals from Covington County go to the Court of Civil Appeals or Court of Criminal Appeals depending on case type. The Alabama Appellate Courts Public Portal provides free access to appellate records. No registration or payment required.

Federal Courts

Federal matters involving Covington County fall under the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Alabama in Montgomery. Access federal court records through PACER. Registration and fees apply.

Legal Aid

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

Search Covington County Court Dockets

Use the search tool below to find court docket records in Covington County.

Cities and Towns in Covington County

Court records for residents of these communities are maintained by the Covington County Circuit Clerk:

• Andalusia (county seat)
• Opp
• Florala
• Red Level
• Lockhart
• Sanford
• River Falls

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

Nearby Counties

These counties share borders with Covington County: