Court records of Russell County, Alabama, are available through several channels. RussellCourt.us allows you to search for public information about court cases in the county. Additionally, records can be viewed through official court resources — including the Alabama Administrative Office of Courts portal — as well as directly at the district clerk's office or on a public computer in the Judicial Annex building at 501 14th Street, Phenix City, AL.
Russell Court System & Jurisdictions
Russell County is part of the 26th Judicial Circuit of Alabama. Several courts operate here, each handling specific categories of cases.
- Circuit Court — handles criminal felony cases, large civil claims (over $20,000), divorce and custody cases, as well as appeals from lower courts.
- District Court — deals with misdemeanors, civil claims up to $20,000, preliminary hearings in felony cases, and traffic violations.
- Small Claims — a division of District Court for small claims (up to $6,000). The procedure is simplified, and an attorney is not required.
- Probate Court — handles inheritance, wills, guardianships, as well as issuing marriage licenses and maintaining public records.
Magistrates in the county perform a separate function: they review applications for arrest warrants and search warrants, acting independently of Circuit and District Court judges. Traffic violation cases typically go to District Court, although some municipal violations are handled by the Phenix City Municipal Court.
District Clerk Jody Sellers serves as the official record keeper and business manager for all proceedings in Circuit and District Court.
Russell Court Calendar & Upcoming Hearings
To find out the schedule of hearings for today, tomorrow, or the current week, the fastest way is to call the clerk's office directly.
The Circuit and District Court calendar can also be checked through the Alacourt.com system, which provides access to Alabama trial court records on a subscription basis. Registered users can see hearing dates, case statuses, and other details. For appellate cases, there is a separate public portal of Alabama appellate courts, where access to registers is free, and document viewing is for registered users.
If you need information about a specific hearing date, prepare the case number — this will significantly speed up the search. A public computer in the Judicial Annex lobby also allows you to view case information and hearing dates.
How to Get a Copy of a Russell Court Document
Most court records are considered public, but there is an important nuance: the Circuit Clerk's office cannot confirm court record information by phone. There are three channels available for obtaining document copies.
In Person
Visit the Judicial Annex and use the public computer in the lobby to view cases. Document copies can be ordered at the service window. You need to know the party's name or case number.
By Mail
Send a written request specifying the full name of the party, case number (if known), and type of document. Include a money order for the appropriate amount and a stamped, self-addressed envelope.
Special Documents
- Copy of Divorce Decree — costs $20.00. Send a request by mail along with a money order for $20.00 and a self-addressed envelope. Details are on the court's domestic relations page.
- State Divorce Certificate — issued by the Alabama Department of Public Health (Center for Health Statistics).
Note: Sealed records, juvenile cases, and some categories of criminal records have restricted access. If you are unsure whether a document is public, ask the clerk.
Russell Court Records Fees & Payment
Below are the main fees charged by the Circuit Clerk's office for copies and services. Payment is accepted in the form of a money order; check with the office if they accept cash or other forms of payment.
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Copy of Divorce Decree | $20.00 |
| Certified Copy of Document | Check with the clerk |
| Uncertified Copy | Check with the clerk |
Exact rates for certified and uncertified copies of other types of documents (e.g., judgments, civil decisions) are best confirmed by calling the clerk's office at (334) 298-0516. Fees for searching the Alacourt.com database are set at the state level and are not dependent on the county.
For mail requests, always use a money order — personal checks may not be accepted. Remember to include a stamped, self-addressed envelope, or the processing of your request may be delayed.