Search Monroe County Deed Records

Monroe County deed records are kept at the Probate Court in Monroeville. Note that the office closes early on Thursdays, so plan your visits accordingly.

Monroe County Probate Court

The Monroe County Probate Judge handles all deed recordings in the county. This office on North Alabama Avenue in Monroeville is where you file new deeds and search existing property records. Staff maintain index books going back to when the county was formed in 1815.

One important thing to know: the Monroe County Probate Court closes at noon on Thursdays. This is different from most other Alabama counties. If you plan to visit on a Thursday, get there early in the morning. The office is open regular hours Monday through Wednesday and Friday.

Searching Monroe County Deed Records

Monroe County has limited online access to deed records. Most searches require an in-person visit to the Probate Court or a phone request. Staff can look up property records by name or by legal description if you call ahead.

When you visit the Probate Court, staff can help you search the deed index books. These books list grantors and grantees in alphabetical order. Once you find an entry, you get the book and page number. Then staff can pull the actual deed for you to view. They can make copies for a fee.

To search Monroe County deed records effectively, bring as much information as you have:

• Names of buyers or sellers
• Approximate date of the deed
• Property address if known
• Legal description if you have it
• Prior deed reference if available

You can also request searches by mail. Write to the Probate Court with the property details and what you need. Include a check for copy fees. Response times depend on how busy the office is. Phone requests are often faster for simple lookups.

Monroe County Deed Recording Fees

Monroe County charges $12.00 to record the first page of a deed. Each additional page costs $3.00. These fees are about average for Alabama counties. The total depends on how long your document is.

The deed transfer tax applies on top of recording fees. Alabama sets this at $0.50 per $500 of property value. About two thirds goes to the state treasury. One third stays in Monroe County. Some transfers are exempt from this tax, like those between husband and wife.

Recording costs in Monroe County break down as:

• First page: $12.00
• Additional pages: $3.00 each
• Deed tax: $0.50 per $500 value
• RT-1 form: no charge
• Certified copies: additional fee

Every deed in Monroe County needs an RT-1 form. This Real Estate Sales Validation Form shows the sale price or value. The Alabama Department of Revenue requires it statewide. Without the form, the Probate Court will not record your deed.

How to Record a Deed in Monroe County

Recording a deed in Monroe County means following Alabama's document requirements. Your deed must have certain information or the Probate Court will reject it. Making sure everything is right saves time and extra trips to the courthouse.

Every deed in Monroe County must include:

• Grantor name, address, and marital status
• Grantee name and complete mailing address
• Legal description of the property
• Derivation clause citing the prior deed
• Name of who prepared the deed
• Notarized signatures of all grantors

Take your completed deed to the Probate Court at 65 North Alabama Avenue in Monroeville. Remember the Thursday closing time if you go that day. Staff check the document and calculate your fees. You pay the recording fee and any deed tax. The clerk stamps your deed with the recording information.

Processing is usually quick in Monroe County. The smaller volume means less wait time than in bigger counties. You can wait for your original or pick it up later. Keep a record of the book and page number they assign.

Title Searches in Monroe County

A title search traces property ownership through deed records. In Monroe County, this mostly means using the paper index books at the Probate Court. Start with the current owner and work backward through prior sales. Each deed should reference the earlier one.

For a complete title search, you also check for mortgages and liens. These show up in the same index system as deeds. You want to know about any claims against the property before you buy. A thorough search covers several decades of records.

Most buyers hire a title company or attorney to search records in Monroe County. They know the system and can search efficiently. Their work forms the basis for title insurance. If they miss something, the insurance covers the loss.

Things to check in a Monroe County title search:

• Chain of title through all prior owners
• Outstanding mortgages not released
• Tax liens from unpaid property taxes
• Judgment liens from court cases
• Easements that affect the property

Property Tax Records in Monroe County

The Monroe County Revenue Commissioner handles property taxes. This is separate from the Probate Court. They assess values and collect annual taxes. Contact them for information about tax amounts or payment status on any property.

Tax records help identify property before searching deeds. The tax assessor maintains maps showing parcel boundaries. Each parcel has an ID number that links to ownership and tax data. You can use this information to find the legal description for a deed search.

Unpaid taxes create liens on property. These liens show up in the Probate Court records. Check the tax status of any land you plan to buy in Monroe County. You do not want to inherit tax problems from a prior owner.

Legal Resources in Monroe County

Real estate attorneys can help with property matters in Monroe County. The Alabama State Bar has a lawyer referral service at (800) 392-5660. They connect you with attorneys who handle deeds, closings, and title issues.

Legal Services Alabama provides free legal help to low-income residents. They serve Monroe County through their regional office. Call (866) 456-4995 to ask about qualifying for assistance with property questions.

Monroeville is known as the home of author Harper Lee. The old courthouse, which inspired scenes in her novel, is now a museum. The current Probate Court operates in a different building nearby.

Nearby Counties

Monroe County is in southwest Alabama. These counties share borders with Monroe County. Make sure your property is actually in Monroe County before searching here.