Small claims court in St. Clair County, Alabama
In St. Clair County, small claims cases up to $6,000 are heard by more than one court: Two courthouses. 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: 205-594-2184 (St. Clair County District Court (Small Claims), Circuit Clerk's Office) or see Official court directory.
Where to file in St. Clair County
One of several courts in St. Clair County: Two courthouses. Find the right one: Official court directory.
St. Clair County District Court (Small Claims), Circuit Clerk's Office
Address: 100 6th Avenue North, Ste. 400, Ashville, AL 35953 · Map
Phone: 205-594-2184
Online filing: available, per the court
Two courthouses: Ashville (main) and Pell City (1815 Cogswell Ave, Ste 217, Pell City, AL 35125; 205-338-2511). Ask the clerk which one serves the defendant's area.
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 St. Clair 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 St. Clair County?
St. Clair County has more than one small claims court (Two courthouses). 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 St. Clair County District Court (Small Claims), Circuit Clerk's Office, 100 6th Avenue North, Ste. 400, Ashville, AL 35953. Phone: 205-594-2184. 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 St. Clair 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 St. Clair 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 St. Clair County?
Yes. The court says online filing is available for small claims. Check the court website for the e-filing system and any fees.