Jefferson County District Court, Birmingham Division
Filing information for Jefferson County District Court, Birmingham Division in Birmingham, 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, Birmingham Division
716 Richard Arrington, Jr. Blvd. N.
Birmingham, AL 35203
Hours: 8:00 am – 5:00 pm, Monday - Friday
Area Served
The area of Jefferson County not served by the Bessemer Division.
How to File at Jefferson County District Court, Birmingham 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, Birmingham 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, Birmingham 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, Birmingham Division, and when is it open?
Jefferson County District Court, Birmingham Division is at 716 Richard Arrington, Jr. Blvd. N., Birmingham, AL 35203. Posted hours: 8:00 am – 5:00 pm, Monday - Friday. Phone: (205) 325-5355. Hours change around holidays and court closures — call ahead before you travel.
Do I have to have a lawyer to file in Birmingham?
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.