Small claims court in Jefferson County, Alabama
In Jefferson County, small claims cases up to $6,000 are heard by more than one court: Two divisions. File with the one that serves the area where the defendant lives or does business, or where the problem happened.
Not sure which court? Call the clerk: 205-325-5355 (Jefferson County District Court (Small Claims), Circuit Clerk's Office) or see Official court directory.
Where to file in Jefferson County
One of several courts in Jefferson County: Two divisions. Find the right one: Official court directory.
Jefferson County District Court (Small Claims), Circuit Clerk's Office
Address: 716 Richard Arrington, Jr. Blvd. N., Birmingham, AL 35203 · Map
Phone: 205-325-5355
Online filing: available, per the court
Two divisions: Birmingham (main) and the Bessemer Division (1851 2nd Ave N, Bessemer, AL 35020; 205-497-8510), which serves the western part of the county. File in the division where the defendant lives or the claim arose.
Court addresses, phones and hours change. Call the clerk before you go, and ask whether small claims are filed at this location.
Is this the right county?
File with the District Court clerk in the county where the defendant lives or, for a business, where it does business or where the problem happened. Use the defendant's exact legal name.
If the person or business you are suing is in another county, use that county's court instead. See all Alabama counties.
How to file in Jefferson County
Ask for payment in writing
Alabama doesn't require a demand letter before you file, but asking for payment in writing first is a good idea. Make a free demand letter.
File it with the right court and pay the fee
The state sets base fees of $35 (up to $1,500), $109 (up to $3,000) and $198 (up to $6,000), and each county adds local fees, so you'll usually pay about $77 to $255. For example, Bullock County charges $77, $151 and $240; Pickens County $92, $166 and $255. Extra defendants and sheriff or certified-mail service cost more. Fee waiver: Affidavit of Substantial Hardship (asks the judge to let you pay later).
Have the papers served
The clerk sends the claim to the sheriff to deliver, or mails it by certified mail (used for P.O. boxes and out-of-state addresses). You pay the service cost when you file.
Go to the hearing
The trial is usually set about 6 to 8 weeks after the defendant's answer comes in. Bring receipts, photos, messages, the contract and your demand letter, with copies.
Want every detail? The full Alabama filing guide covers each stage with a checklist.
Open the filing guideCommon questions
Where is small claims court in Jefferson County?
Jefferson County has more than one small claims court (Two divisions). File with the one that serves the area where the defendant lives or where the problem happened, as the venue rules say. One of them is the Jefferson County District Court (Small Claims), Circuit Clerk's Office, 716 Richard Arrington, Jr. Blvd. N., Birmingham, AL 35203. Phone: 205-325-5355. Official list of all of them: Official court directory, https://www.sos.alabama.gov/city-county-lookup/circuit-clerk
How much can I sue for in Jefferson County small claims court?
Up to $6,000. You can sue for up to $6,000. People and businesses have the same limit. You must be 19 or older to file on your own. Bigger claims go to the regular District Court or Circuit Court.
How much does it cost to file in Jefferson County?
The state sets base fees of $35 (up to $1,500), $109 (up to $3,000) and $198 (up to $6,000), and each county adds local fees, so you'll usually pay about $77 to $255. For example, Bullock County charges $77, $151 and $240; Pickens County $92, $166 and $255. Extra defendants and sheriff or certified-mail service cost more. Fee waiver: Affidavit of Substantial Hardship (asks the judge to let you pay later).
Can I file a small claim online in Jefferson County?
Yes. The court says online filing is available for small claims. Check the court website for the e-filing system and any fees.