Find Deed Records in Barbour County
Barbour County deed records are kept at the Probate Court in Clayton. The county has two county seats but deeds are recorded in Clayton.
Barbour County Quick Facts
Barbour County Probate Court
The Probate Court handles all deed recording in Barbour County. The office is in the courthouse in Clayton. Staff record new deeds, keep the index books, and help with record searches. This office serves all of Barbour County for property records.
Barbour County is unique because it has two county seats. Clayton serves as the judicial seat where the courthouse is. Eufaula is the other county seat for some county functions. But for deed recording, you go to Clayton. The Probate Court there handles all real property documents for the county.
| Office | Barbour County Probate Court |
|---|---|
| Address | 1 Court Square, Room 201 Clayton, AL 36016 |
| Phone | (334) 687-1585 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM |
| Website | barbourcountyal.gov |
How to Search Barbour County Deed Records
Searching deed records in Barbour County requires an in-person visit for most requests. The county has limited online access to property records. You may need to visit the courthouse in Clayton to do a full title search. Call ahead to ask about current online options.
At the courthouse, staff can help you search the index books. Deeds are indexed by grantor and grantee names. You can also search by book and page if you know those numbers. Older records are in paper form. Newer records may be on computer. Plan for extra time if you need old documents.
To search Barbour County deed records, bring:
- Names of the parties you are researching
- Any dates or time frames you know
- Property address or legal description
- Government issued ID
- Payment for copies
The Probate Court staff are helpful with searches. They know the records well. If you are doing title research, let them know the full scope of your project. They can point you to the right books and help with the indexes.
Barbour County Deed Recording Fees
Barbour County charges eighteen dollars for the first page of a deed. This is higher than many Alabama counties. Each extra page costs three dollars. A typical two page deed would cost twenty one dollars to record plus the deed transfer tax.
Recording fees in Barbour County include:
- First page: $18.00
- Each additional page: $3.00
- Certified copies: Extra charge
- Search fees: May apply
The Alabama deed transfer tax also applies. This is fifty cents per five hundred dollars of the property value. Two thirds goes to the state and one third stays with Barbour County. Calculate this tax before you go to the courthouse. Bring the right amount to avoid delays.
Cash, check, and money order are usually accepted. Call ahead to ask about credit cards. Some Alabama Probate Courts take cards but add a fee. Know your payment options before you make the trip to Clayton.
What Barbour County Deed Records Show
Deed records in Barbour County tell you about property transfers. Each deed names the grantor who sold or gave the land. It names the grantee who received it. The legal description shows exactly which parcel changed hands. The recording date proves when it became official.
A Barbour County deed record typically includes:
- Grantor and grantee names and addresses
- Marital status of the grantor
- Legal description of the property
- Source of title (prior deed reference)
- Sale price or consideration
- Signatures and notarization
- Recording stamp with book and page
The deed transfer tax on the recording stamp can hint at the sale price. Divide the tax by the rate to estimate value. But some transfers are exempt from tax. Family gifts and estate transfers may show no tax paid. Do not assume a low tax means a low price.
Legal Requirements for Deeds
Alabama law sets the rules for recording deeds. These rules apply in Barbour County. Under Code of Alabama Section 35-4-51, deeds must be admitted to record in the Probate office. This makes them official notice to the world.
Your deed must include certain items to be recorded in Barbour County. The grantor's marital status is required by Code of Alabama Section 35-4-73. You need a full legal description. The preparer must be named. The RT-1 form showing sale price is required since 2012.
If your deed is missing something, the Probate Court may reject it. Fix problems before you submit. An attorney can help make sure your deed meets all the rules. This is especially important for complex transfers or commercial property in Barbour County.
Historical Records in Barbour County
Barbour County has property records going back to the 1800s. Old deeds can help trace ownership through generations. Title companies use these records to verify clear title. Genealogists use them to research family land. The courthouse holds these historical documents.
Older records may be on microfilm or in bound books. The paper can be fragile. Handwriting styles were different long ago. Staff can help you read and understand old deeds. Some records may have been damaged over time. A few may be missing due to courthouse fires or other events.
The Alabama Secretary of State has historical land patents. These show original grants from the federal government. Many Barbour County parcels trace back to these early patents. You can search them free at sos.alabama.gov. This adds context to your title research.
Cities in Barbour County
All cities and towns in Barbour County file deeds at the Probate Court in Clayton. The main office serves the whole county. There is no satellite location in Eufaula for deed recording.
Major communities include Clayton, Eufaula, Clio, and Louisville. Eufaula is the largest city and sits on Lake Eufaula. All property transfers in these areas go through the Barbour County Probate Court in Clayton.
Nearby Counties
Barbour County shares borders with these counties. Henry and Dale Counties are to the south. Bullock County is to the west. Russell County is to the north. Make sure your property is in Barbour County before filing there.