Chilton County Deed Records

Chilton County deed records are maintained at the Probate Court in Clanton. The office has public access stations in the vault room for searching records.

Chilton County Probate Court

The Probate Court records all deeds in Chilton County. The office is on 2nd Avenue in Clanton. Staff handle document recording and maintain the public indexes. They help visitors search for property records. This office serves all of Chilton County.

Chilton County is in central Alabama south of Birmingham. The county is known for peach orchards and agriculture. Clanton sits along Interstate 65 making it easy to reach. The Probate Court serves residents from across the county with modern systems and helpful staff.

How to Search Chilton County Deed Records

Chilton County has four public access stations in the vault room. Visitors can use these computers to search deed records. Staff can help you get started. The system lets you search by name, date, or document type.

The county also offers online access to records. Check the Probate Court website for current portal options. Online searching saves a trip to the courthouse for basic research. You may still need to visit for copies or complex searches.

To search deed records at the Chilton County courthouse:

• Visit during regular business hours
• Ask to use the public access stations
• Search by grantor or grantee name
• Note book and page numbers
• Request copies of documents you need

Staff are available to help with the system. They can answer questions about records and search methods. For large research projects, call ahead to let them know your needs.

Chilton County Deed Recording Fees

Recording fees in Chilton County vary by document type and length. Contact the Probate Court for current rates. Most Alabama counties charge a first page fee plus a per page charge for extra pages. Expect similar pricing in Chilton County.

When you record a deed, you also pay the deed transfer tax. Alabama charges fifty cents per five hundred dollars of property value. This applies to all property sales. The tax is split between the state and county.

Before visiting the Probate Court, call to confirm:

• Current recording fees
• Copy costs
• Payment methods accepted
• Any special requirements

Bring enough money to cover recording fees and the transfer tax. Cash, check, and money order are usually accepted. Ask about credit card options when you call.

Requirements for Recording Deeds

Chilton County follows Alabama state requirements for deeds. Your document must include certain items to be recorded. The Probate Court checks each deed before accepting it.

Every deed filed in Chilton County must have:

• Original signatures of all grantors
• Notarized acknowledgment
• Marital status of grantors
• Complete legal description
• Grantee mailing address
• Preparer name and address
• Derivation clause
• RT-1 form

Under Code of Alabama Section 35-4-73, the grantor's marital status is required on all deeds. The Probate Judge can refuse to record without it. Make sure your deed has this before you visit.

Property Research in Chilton County

Complete property research uses several record types. Deeds show who owned the land over time. Mortgages show loans secured by the property. Releases prove when loans were paid off. All these records are at the Probate Court.

For thorough Chilton County property research:

• Search deed records for ownership chain
• Check mortgage and trust deed records
• Look for release records
• Review tax records at Revenue Commissioner
• Check court records for liens

The Revenue Commissioner keeps property tax data. They have assessment values and payment records. Tax parcel numbers help identify the exact property. These records work with deeds to confirm ownership.

Historical Deed Records

Chilton County was formed in 1868. Property records go back to that time. The courthouse holds these historical documents. They show how land changed hands over the generations.

Old deeds may be harder to read than modern ones. Handwriting styles were different. Legal descriptions used landmarks that may not exist now. Staff can help interpret old records. A surveyor may be needed for complex boundary questions.

The Alabama Secretary of State has original land patents. These show who first owned land after federal surveys. Many Chilton County parcels trace to these early grants. Search them free at sos.alabama.gov.

Cities in Chilton County

Chilton County has several cities and towns. All file deeds at the Probate Court in Clanton. One office serves the whole county.

Communities include Clanton, Jemison, Thorsby, Maplesville, and Verbena. Clanton is the county seat and largest city. It is known for the Peach Water Tower along I-65. All property in Chilton County records at the courthouse.

Nearby Counties

Chilton County borders these Alabama counties. Shelby County is to the north near Birmingham. Autauga and Elmore Counties are to the south.