Jurisdiction filing
Code of Alabama § 12-11-03

The Circuit Court shall have exclusive original jurisdiction of all civil actions in which the matter in controversy exceeds ten thousand dollars ($10,000), exclusive of interest and costs, and shall exercise original jurisdiction concurrent with the District Court in all civil actions in which the matter in controversy exceeds three thousand ($3,000), exclusive of interests and costs.

Circuit Court also has the authority to hear cases appealed from any courts of limited jurisdiction (such as Municipal Courts, Probate Courts, and District Courts). These cases will be tried de novo; meaning the case will be tried again and may be tried with or without a jury. As Circuit Court cases are often complex in nature, we highly recommend you consult with an attorney.

Foreign Judgment Act
Act 86-713

The term, "Foreign Judgment", as used in this act is defined as "any judgment, decree or order of court of the United States, or any other court, which is entitled to full faith and credit in this state."

Pursuant to the Code of Alabama, Section 6-9-232, a copy of any foreign judgment authenticated under the Acts of Congress, may be filed with the office of the Circuit Clerk. The judgment so filed has the same effect and is subject to the same procedures, defenses, and proceedings for reopening, vacating, or staying as a judgment of the circuit court of this state and may be enforced or satisfied in like manner.

At the time of filing, the judgment creditor, or his lawyer, shall make and file with the clerk of the circuit court an affidavit setting forth the name and last known post office address of the judgment debtor, and the judgment creditor. In addition such affidavit should include a statement that the foreign judgment is valid, enforceable, and unsatisfied.

* In accordance with an Act of Congress, the proper manner for authentication as provided in 28 U.S.C. Section 1738, attested by the Clerk with the seal of the Court annexed, together with a certificate of the court that the attestation is in proper form.

No Execution or other process for enforcement of a foreign judgment filed hereunder shall issue until 30 days after the date of judgment is filed.

A copy of a foreign judgment authenticated in the manner described above and filed in the circuit court may be recorded in the probate office as provided for judgments of the circuit courts of this state, and is being so filed shall have the same force and effect as the filing of a certificate of a judgment obtained in a circuit court of this state.