Search Choctaw County Deed Records

Choctaw County deed records are kept at the Probate Court in Butler. The Probate Judge also serves as Chairman of the County Commission.

Choctaw County Probate Court

The Probate Court handles all deed recording in Choctaw County. The office is on South Mulberry Avenue in Butler. Staff record property documents, maintain indexes, and help with public searches. This small office serves all property owners in the county.

Choctaw County is in southwest Alabama near the Mississippi border. The county is rural with about 12,000 people. Butler is the only incorporated city and serves as the county seat. The Probate Judge wears two hats here, also serving as Chairman of the County Commission.

How to Search Choctaw County Deed Records

Searching deed records in Choctaw County usually requires an in-person visit. The county has limited online access to property records. Call ahead to confirm what is available remotely. Plan to visit the courthouse in Butler for complete searches.

At the courthouse, staff can help you search the index books. Deeds are indexed by grantor and grantee names. They can pull deed books for you to review. Older records may be in bound volumes or on microfilm.

Before visiting Choctaw County Probate Court:

• Call to confirm office hours
• Ask about any online options
• Prepare names and dates for your search
• Bring cash or check for copies
• Allow time for the trip to Butler

Staff are helpful with searches. Small county offices often provide personal attention. They know the records well and can guide you to what you need.

Choctaw County Deed Recording Fees

Contact the Probate Court for current recording fees in Choctaw County. Fees can vary by document type and page count. Most Alabama counties charge a first page fee plus a per page charge for extras. Call ahead to get the exact cost for your document.

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

Before recording your deed, confirm:

• Current recording fee schedule
• Copy and certification costs
• Payment methods accepted
• Total amount with transfer tax

Requirements for Recording Deeds

Choctaw County follows Alabama state law for deed recording. Your document must meet state requirements to be accepted. The Probate Court checks each deed before recording.

Every deed recorded in Choctaw 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
• RT-1 form

Under Code of Alabama Section 35-4-51, deeds and conveyances must be admitted to record. Recording creates public notice of the ownership transfer.

Property Research in Choctaw County

Complete property research uses several record types. Deeds show ownership changes. Mortgages show loans on the property. The Probate Court keeps all these documents. Other offices have tax and court records.

When researching Choctaw County property:

• Search deed records for ownership chain
• Check mortgage and release records
• Review tax records at Revenue Commissioner
• Look for liens in court records
• Check probate records for inherited land

The Revenue Commissioner keeps property tax information. They can tell you who pays taxes on a parcel. Tax maps show boundaries and parcel numbers. These records help confirm ownership.

Historical Deed Records

Choctaw County was formed in 1847. Property records go back to that time. The courthouse holds these historical documents. They show land ownership through generations.

The county is named after the Choctaw Native Americans who lived here. Many early deeds trace back to treaty land cessions. The Alabama Secretary of State has original land patents. Search them free at sos.alabama.gov.

Old deeds may be hard to read. Handwriting varied by the clerk. Legal descriptions used landmarks that may be gone. A surveyor can help with boundary questions on old property.

Cities in Choctaw County

Choctaw County has one incorporated city. Butler is the county seat and largest community. All deed recording happens at the courthouse there.

Other communities include Gilbertown, Lisman, Needham, Pennington, and Silas. All are unincorporated. Property transfers throughout the county file at the Choctaw County Probate Court in Butler.

Nearby Counties

Choctaw County borders these Alabama counties. Washington County is to the south. Clarke County is to the east. Mississippi is to the west.