Jefferson County District Court, Bessemer Division
Filing information for Jefferson County District Court, Bessemer Division in Bessemer, AL. Part of the Jefferson County small claims court system.
Small claims in Alabama — the numbers that apply at this court
$6,000
maximum claim
from $35
filing fee (published, varies by claim)
2–6 yrs
filing deadline by claim type
Yes
e-filing accepted
Published court information — verify before acting. See the full Alabama small claims guide · The form that starts a case (SM-1): every field explained.
Courthouse Details
Jefferson County District Court, Bessemer Division
1851 Second Ave N.
Bessemer, AL 35020
Hours: 8:00 am – 5:00 pm, Monday - Friday
Area Served
The Bessemer Cut-Off area of Jefferson County.
How to File at Jefferson County District Court, Bessemer Division
E-filing available
This court accepts electronic filing for small claims cases.
Note: Alabama's state court system has a centralized e-filing website (AlaFile). While available for various user types including pro se individuals, its primary use in civil cases is often by attorneys.
File in person
Bring your completed forms to the courthouse during business hours.
File by mail
Most small claims courts accept filing by mail — check with this court first. Typically you mail your completed forms with the filing fee plus a self-addressed stamped envelope for your returned copies.
Ready to get your money back?
A demand letter often settles disputes before a case is ever filed — and it only takes a few minutes.
Read the demand letter guideWrong court? Jefferson County has 2 courts.
See all 2 courts in Jefferson County →Small claims rules in Alabama
How much you can sue for
Individuals can sue for up to $6,000.
Deadline to file (statute of limitations)
6 yrs written contract · 6 yrs oral contract · 6 yrs property damage · 2 yrs personal injury
Common questions
How much does it cost to file a small claims case at Jefferson County District Court, Bessemer Division?
Filing fees in Alabama are set by the state and run from $35 to $198, depending on how much you're claiming. If you can't afford the fee, Alabama offers a fee waiver — ask the clerk how to apply. Fees change, so confirm the current amount with the court clerk before you file.
What's the most I can sue for in Jefferson County?
Small claims cases in Jefferson County are limited to $6,000. If your claim is worth more than that, you either have to bring it in a different court or give up the amount above the limit to stay in small claims. The clerk can confirm which court fits your claim.
Can I file online at Jefferson County District Court, Bessemer Division?
Electronic filing exists here, but the record indicates it isn't open to people representing themselves — it's for attorneys. Plan to file in person or by mail, and ask the clerk whether that's still the case.
Where is Jefferson County District Court, Bessemer Division, and when is it open?
Jefferson County District Court, Bessemer Division is at 1851 Second Ave N., Bessemer, AL 35020. Posted hours: 8:00 am – 5:00 pm, Monday - Friday. Phone: (205) 497-8510. Hours change around holidays and court closures — call ahead before you travel.
Do I have to have a lawyer to file in Bessemer?
Small claims court is built for people representing themselves, and most filers do exactly that. Whether an attorney may appear varies by state — the state guide linked on this page covers the rule where you are, and the clerk can confirm it.
Answers reflect published court data. Court rules and fees change — the clerk is always the authoritative source.