Clay County - Fortieth Circuit Court of Alabama

Clay County - Fortieth Circuit Court of Alabama Court cases in Clay County, Ashland, AL

Clay County Circuit Court, located in Ashland, Alabama, is a state circuit court (trial court of general jurisdiction). It handles felony criminal cases; general civil lawsuits and higher‑value claims; domestic relations matters, including divorce, child custody, and child support; and equitable actions. The court conducts jury and nonjury trials and hears appeals for trials de novo from the Clay County District Court and local municipal courts, including misdemeanors, traffic offenses, and small‑claims matters. Lower‑level criminal, traffic, small‑claims, and juvenile cases typically begin in district or municipal courts, with certain juvenile and other appeals reviewed by the circuit court.

Clay County - Fortieth Circuit Court of Alabama Contact and Location Information

Services and Case Types Handled in Clay County - Fortieth Circuit Court of Alabama

Clay County Circuit Court serves as the primary trial court of general jurisdiction for the county. It processes and maintains case filings and records for:
- Criminal matters (felonies and certain misdemeanors)
- Civil disputes (contract, tort, real property)
- Family/domestic relations (divorce, custody, child support)
- Probate and guardianship
- Juvenile delinquency and dependency
- Traffic and ordinance violations
- Protective orders (e.g., domestic violence, stalking)

Public services include: receiving filings (in person/e-filing), issuing summons and protective orders, calendaring and conducting court hearings and trials, managing jury services (summons, qualification, reporting), providing case information and certified copies, collecting fines/fees and restitution as ordered, and offering access to forms, self-help resources, interpreters, and ADA accommodations. It also handles appeals from lower or municipal courts where authorized.