Find Deed Records in Lee County

Lee County deed records are filed at the Probate Court in Opelika. This is one of the fastest-growing counties in Alabama, home to Auburn University and the city of Auburn.

Lee County Probate Court

The Lee County Probate Judge records all deeds. This office handles land transfers, estate matters, and other probate work. Staff index documents by grantor and grantee names. Records are tracked by book and page number. The courthouse is on South 9th Street in downtown Opelika.

Lee County has grown fast in recent years. Auburn University brings students, faculty, and staff. The city of Auburn has more than 83,000 residents. Opelika, the county seat, has about 31,000 people. This growth means lots of real estate activity and deed recordings.

How to Search Lee County Deed Records

Lee County has limited online access to deed records. The office offers in-office viewing stations where you can search records. For remote access, you may need to call the office or visit in person. This is different from counties with full online portals.

To search deed records, try to have:

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

Lee County has satellite offices in Smiths Station and Auburn. These may offer some services. Call ahead to find out what each location can do. The main office in Opelika has the full records system.

Title companies and attorneys regularly search Lee County records. If you are buying property, your title company handles this work. For personal research, visiting the office may be your best option.

Lee County Recording Fees

Lee County charges fees to record deeds. These fees cover staff work and document storage. Call to confirm current rates before your visit.

Recording fees typically include:

• First page: Base recording fee
• Each additional page: $3.00
• Transfer tax: $0.50 per $500 of value

The deed transfer tax applies to most sales. Under Code of Alabama Section 40-22-1, two thirds goes to the state. One third stays in Lee County. Some transfers are exempt, like family transfers or spouse-to-spouse transfers.

The office accepts cash and checks. Ask about credit cards before you visit. Fees can change, so confirm amounts before filing.

Recording Requirements

Alabama law sets what deeds must include. The Lee County Probate Judge checks every document. Deeds missing required items will be rejected. Review your deed before you submit.

A deed in Lee County must have:

• Full legal description of the property
• Grantor name, address, and marital status
• Grantee name and mailing address
• Derivation clause showing source of title
• Name of the person who prepared the deed
• Notarized signatures of all grantors
• Completed RT-1 form

Marital status is required by Code of Alabama Section 35-4-73. The deed must say if the grantor is married, single, widowed, or divorced. If married, the spouse may need to sign. The Probate Judge can refuse deeds without this.

The RT-1 form reports the sale price or value. Required since August 2012. Get it from the Alabama Department of Revenue. No deed can be recorded without it.

Types of Deeds

Several deed types are filed in Lee County. The area sees lots of real estate activity due to Auburn University. All deed types go through the same recording process.

Common deeds include:

• Warranty deed: Full title guarantee
• Quitclaim deed: No warranties, just transfer
• Special warranty deed: Limited guarantees
• Personal representative deed: From estates
• Tax deed: From county tax sales

Warranty deeds are standard for most sales. The seller guarantees clear title. Quitclaim deeds offer no such promise. They transfer whatever the grantor has. Use these for family transfers or to fix title issues.

A lawyer can help pick the right deed type. The Probate Office cannot give legal advice.

Other Property Records

The Probate Office keeps more than deeds. Other documents affect property rights. A complete title search looks at all records.

Other records in Lee County:

• Mortgages and deeds of trust
• Mortgage releases and satisfactions
• Judgment liens and mechanic's liens
• Easements and restrictions
• Plat maps and surveys
• Powers of attorney

Tax records are at the Revenue Commissioner. Check there for property assessments and unpaid taxes. Tax liens can lead to property loss at tax sales.

Court records are at the Circuit Clerk. Lawsuits over land, divorce decrees, and judgments are filed there. Judgments can attach to real estate as liens.

Historical Records

Lee County was formed in 1866 from parts of Chambers, Macon, Russell, and Tallapoosa counties. The county is named after Robert E. Lee. If you need records from before 1866, check the parent counties.

Auburn University was founded in 1856 and has shaped the county's growth ever since. The university brings constant real estate activity as students, faculty, and staff buy and sell property.

For federal land patents, check the Alabama Secretary of State. They have original land grants. Search them free online.

Cities in Lee County

Lee County has several cities and towns. All deed recordings happen at the county Probate Court in Opelika. The city where land sits does not change where you record.

Auburn is the largest city with about 83,000 people. It is home to Auburn University. Opelika, the county seat, has about 31,000 people. Other communities include Smiths Station, Phenix City (partly), Beauregard, and Loachapoka.

Nearby Counties

Lee County borders these Alabama counties. Check which county your property is in before recording a deed.