Process serving · Alabama
How to serve small claims papers in Alabama
Alabama's Small Claims Division of the District Court lists this method: The sheriff serves the statement of claim, or it is sent by certified mail (restricted delivery for individuals). The defendant has 14 days to answer. If that method lets you use a private process server or another adult, we can arrange a vetted local server in Alabama, quoted per job and confirmed before any work starts.
Here is how Alabama's small claims court says the papers reach the other side, and where a process server fits.
| Court | Small Claims Division of the District Court |
|---|---|
| Service | The sheriff serves the statement of claim, or it is sent by certified mail (restricted delivery for individuals). The defendant has 14 days to answer. |
| Where the case is filed | The small claims division of the district court in the county where the person or business you are suing lives or has an office (Lawrence County), or the county where the transaction took place (Russell County). |
| Small claims limit | $6,000. The maximum you may sue for, or be sued for, in small claims is $6,000 (county circuit clerk pages on alacourt.gov). |
| Filing fees | Russell County: claim up to $1,500, one defendant: $85; Russell County: $1,500.01 to $3,000: $159; Russell County: $3,000.01 to $6,000: $248; Lawrence County: claim up to $1,500, one defendant: $56; Lawrence County: $1,500.01 to $3,000: $130; Lawrence County: $3,000.01 to $6,000: $219; each additional defendant: $15 |
| Who can file | An individual who has reached age 19, a partnership or a corporation (Lawrence County page). A partnership or corporation without an attorney is represented by a partner, officer or full-time employee. |
When we can help in Alabama
Where Alabama leaves delivery to the plaintiff, we line up a local server, pass along your deadline and send back the signed proof of service when it's done.
The full Alabama small claims page, with limits and fees, is here.
Alabama · all states · serving someone in another state
If you represent yourself, you are responsible for your documents: what they say, that they are complete and signed, which court they go to and that they are filed on time. We are not lawyers, we do not give legal advice or draft pleadings, and we cannot guarantee any legal outcome. We file, serve or pull exactly what you send.
Sources
Before you send
- Send the papers to serve as a PDF, with every page in order.
- Give the best address, a description or photo of the person, and the times they're usually home.
- Up to three attempts at different times of day are included.
- You get a notarized affidavit of service once service is made.
- Rules on who may serve papers vary by state. The desk confirms them for your state before assigning a server.
Prefer to talk?
Call the desk and we'll take the request by phone.
Questions
Who serves small claims papers in Alabama?
The court's guide says: The sheriff serves the statement of claim, or it is sent by certified mail (restricted delivery for individuals). The defendant has 14 days to answer.
What does a Alabama serve cost?
Outside New Jersey every serve is quoted per job, because local server rates and travel differ. We confirm the price before any work starts.
Can you tell me if service was done correctly?
No. The Alabama court decides whether service was proper. We send you the server's proof of service so you can file it.