Bullock County Deed Records

Bullock County deed records are kept at the Probate Court in Union Springs. This rural county requires in-person visits for most record searches.

Bullock County Probate Court

The Probate Court handles all deed recording in Bullock County. The office is in Union Springs at the courthouse. Staff record documents, keep the index books, and help with property searches. This small office serves all property owners in the county.

Bullock County is one of Alabama's smallest counties. About 10,000 people live here. The rural nature means lower real estate activity than urban areas. The Probate Court staff know their records well. They can often help you find what you need quickly.

How to Search Bullock County Deed Records

Bullock County does not have an online deed records portal. You need to visit the courthouse in Union Springs for record searches. Call ahead to confirm hours and let staff know what you need. This helps them prepare for your visit.

At the courthouse, you can search the index books. Deeds are indexed by grantor and grantee names. Staff can help you understand the system. Older records may be in paper form only. Some may be on microfilm. Plan extra time for historical research.

Before visiting Bullock County Probate Court:

• Call to confirm office hours
• Explain what records you need
• Ask about fees and payment methods
• Bring all names and dates you know
• Have cash or check ready for copies

Staff are helpful with searches. Small county offices often provide more personal service. They may remember past transactions or know shortcuts in the records. Be patient and courteous for the best results.

Recording Deeds in Bullock County

To record a deed in Bullock County, bring your document to the Probate Court. Staff will review it for required items. You pay the recording fee and deed transfer tax at the time of filing. The deed gets a book and page number once recorded.

Call the Probate Court for current recording fees. Fees can change and may vary by document type. The base fee is a few dollars per page. Extra charges may apply for indexing and special services. Get an exact quote before you visit.

The deed transfer tax applies in Bullock County like everywhere in Alabama. The rate is fifty cents per five hundred dollars of property value. Two thirds goes to the state. One third stays with the county. This tax is separate from recording fees.

Requirements for Recording

Your deed must meet Alabama state requirements. The Probate Court will check before accepting your document. Missing items cause rejection. Review your deed before you drive to Union Springs.

Every deed in Bullock County must have:

• Original signatures of grantors
• Notarized acknowledgment
• Marital status of grantors
• Complete legal description
• Grantee mailing address
• Preparer name and address
• Derivation clause showing prior title
• RT-1 form with sale price

Under Code of Alabama Section 35-4-51, deeds and other conveyances must be recorded in the Probate office. Recording gives notice to the world of your ownership.

Historical Deed Records

Bullock County was formed in 1866 after the Civil War. The county has property records going back to that time. These old documents show the history of land ownership in the area. They are valuable for title research and genealogy work.

Older deeds in Bullock County may use different formats. Handwriting styles varied. Legal descriptions used local landmarks. Some boundaries referenced trees, creeks, or old roads that no longer exist. A surveyor can help interpret these old descriptions.

The Alabama Secretary of State has historical land patents. These show original grants from the federal government. Many Bullock County parcels trace back to these early documents. Search them free at sos.alabama.gov.

Property Research in Bullock County

Complete property research involves more than just deeds. Other records help verify ownership and find liens. The Probate Court has some of these. Other offices keep the rest.

Records to check for Bullock County property research:

• Deed records showing ownership transfers
• Mortgage records for loans
• Release records for paid loans
• Tax records from Revenue Commissioner
• Probate records for inherited property
• Court records for judgments

The Revenue Commissioner keeps property tax records. These show who pays taxes and the assessed value. Tax records help confirm ownership when deeds are unclear. The two offices work together on property matters.

Title Services in Bullock County

Most property buyers use a title company for research. Title companies do the deed search for you. They check for liens, mortgages, and other claims. Then they issue insurance protecting your ownership. This is standard practice for real estate sales.

Few title companies are based in Bullock County. Many buyers use firms from Montgomery or other nearby cities. These companies send staff to Union Springs to search the records. They know how to work with the local Probate Court.

If you do your own title search, be thorough. Check all years the property existed. Look at both grantor and grantee indexes. Search for mortgages and liens too. Missing something can cause problems later. Professional title services are worth the cost for most buyers.

Cities in Bullock County

Bullock County has a few small communities. Union Springs is the county seat and largest town. All deed recording happens at the courthouse there. There are no satellite offices.

Other communities include Perote, Midway, and Fitzpatrick. All property transfers in these areas file at the Bullock County Probate Court in Union Springs. The one office serves the entire county.

Nearby Counties

Bullock County is bordered by these Alabama counties. Montgomery County is to the northwest. Macon County is to the north. Check your property location to file in the right county.