Access Franklin County Deed Records

Franklin County deed records are filed at the Probate Court in Russellville. This office is the only place to record land transfers for property in Franklin County.

Franklin County Probate Court

The Franklin County Probate Judge handles deed recordings. This office sits in Russellville on Jackson Avenue. Staff members index all land documents by grantor and grantee names. They also organize records by book and page number.

Franklin County is in northwest Alabama along the Tennessee state line. The county was formed in 1818, one year before Alabama became a state. Russellville serves as the county seat and is the largest city in the county.

How to Search Franklin County Deed Records

Franklin County uses the Syscon online system for records. You can access it from any computer. Search by name, date, or document type. The interface shows basic record information. Full documents may require a fee or in-person visit.

To search deed records, try to have:

• The name of the buyer or seller
• Property address or legal description
• Approximate recording date
• Book and page number if known

The online portal works well for recent records. Older deeds may not be in the system yet. For those, you need to call or visit the Probate Office. Staff can search the physical deed books. They will make copies for a fee.

If you plan to visit, call ahead to make sure the records you need are available. The staff can sometimes pull files before you arrive. This makes your visit faster and easier.

Franklin County Recording Fees

Recording a deed in Franklin County costs money. Fees cover the work of processing and storing documents. The state sets minimum amounts, and counties can add local fees.

Current fees in Franklin County:

• First page: $11.00
• Each additional page: $3.00
• Transfer tax: $0.50 per $500 of property value

The deed transfer tax applies to most sales. Code of Alabama Section 40-22-1 sets this tax. Two thirds goes to the state, and one third stays in Franklin County. Some transfers are exempt. Transfers between family members or spouses may not owe this tax. Ask the Probate Office if you think your transfer qualifies.

Bring enough money for all fees. The office takes cash and checks. Call ahead to ask about credit cards. Fees can change, so confirm current rates before your visit.

Requirements for Recording

Alabama law tells what a deed must have. The Franklin County Probate Judge checks each document. If something is wrong or missing, the office will reject it. Check your deed carefully before you go.

Every deed in Franklin County needs:

• Complete legal description of the property
• Grantor's name, mailing address, and marital status
• Grantee's name and full mailing address
• Derivation clause showing source of title
• Name of whoever prepared the document
• Notarized signatures of all grantors
• Completed RT-1 form

The marital status requirement comes from Code of Alabama Section 35-4-73. Even if the grantor is single, the deed must say so. If married, the spouse may need to sign as well. Missing this information can stop your recording.

The RT-1 form has been required since August 2012. This form tells the state the sale price or fair market value. Get it from the Alabama Department of Revenue website. No RT-1 means no recording.

Types of Deeds

Several deed types are used in Franklin County. The type you pick affects legal rights and protections. All types cost the same to record and go through the same process.

Common deeds filed here include:

• Warranty deed: Full protection for the buyer
• Quitclaim deed: Transfers whatever the grantor owns
• Special warranty deed: Limited time protection
• Personal representative deed: From estates
• Tax deed: From county tax sales

Warranty deeds are standard for most property sales. The seller promises clear title and will defend it against claims. Quitclaim deeds give less protection. They just transfer whatever interest the grantor has. Use these for family transfers or clearing title issues.

Talk to a lawyer if you are unsure which deed type to use. The Probate Office cannot advise you on legal matters. They just handle the recording process.

Related Property Records

The Probate Office keeps more than deeds. Other records affect property rights too. A complete title search checks all of them.

Other records at the Franklin County Probate Office:

• Mortgages and deeds of trust
• Releases and satisfactions of mortgages
• Liens against property
• Easements and restrictions
• Plat maps and land surveys
• Powers of attorney

Tax records are kept at the Revenue Commissioner office. This is separate from the Probate Court. The Revenue office handles property assessments and tax payments. Check there for unpaid taxes or tax liens.

Court records are at the Circuit Clerk. Lawsuits over property, divorce decrees, and money judgments are filed there. A court judgment can become a lien on real estate.

Historical Deed Records

Franklin County was created in 1818 from Cherokee and Chickasaw lands. It is one of the oldest counties in Alabama. The county is named after Benjamin Franklin. Land records here go back nearly to statehood.

For the earliest land records, check the Secretary of State office. They keep federal land patents from territorial times. These show who first owned each parcel from the government. You can search these free online at the state website.

Franklin County has worked to preserve its historical records. Many old documents are on microfilm now. Some have been digitized. Ask staff about access to older records when you visit.

Cities in Franklin County

Several cities and towns are in Franklin County. All of them file deeds at the county Probate Court in Russellville. The city does not matter for recording purposes.

Cities in Franklin County include Russellville, Red Bay, Phil Campbell, and Vina. Russellville is the largest with about 10,000 people. None have populations over 100,000. All deed records go through the Franklin County Probate Office.

Nearby Counties

Franklin County borders these Alabama counties. Make sure you know which county your property is in before recording.