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Shelby County Eviction Court — Landlord Filing Guide (2025)

Everything Alabama landlords need to file a Unlawful Detainer in Shelby County — fees, courthouse info, timeline, and step-by-step process.

$156
Filing fee
2–3 weeks
Hearing wait
3–4 weeks
Total process
In Person
Filing method

🏛️ Shelby County Courthouse Information

⚠️ Shelby County — What Landlords Should Know

Shelby County follows standard Alabama eviction procedures.

Need an Eviction Attorney in Shelby County?

Procedural mistakes can get your case dismissed. Get matched with a local Shelby County eviction attorney — free consultation.

Step-by-Step: How to File an Eviction in Shelby County

1

Serve the Required Notice

Before filing, you must serve a written notice. For non-payment of rent, a 7-day Pay or Quit notice is required. For lease violations, serve a 7-day Cure or Quit notice. Make sure the notice is properly formatted and personally served or posted per Alabama law.

2

File Your Unlawful Detainer at Shelby County Courthouse

After the notice period expires without compliance, file your eviction complaint at the Shelby County Courthouse (112 N. Main St., Columbiana, AL 35051). The filing fee is $156. Bring: your lease agreement, the notice, and proof of service.

3

Serve the Summons on the Tenant

After filing, the court issues a summons. In Shelby County, service is typically handled by the Sheriff's office or a licensed process server for a fee of $25. You must NOT serve the summons yourself — improper service can get your case dismissed.

4

Attend the Court Hearing

Hearings in Shelby County are typically scheduled 2–3 weeks after filing. Attend with all documentation: lease, notices, payment records, and proof of service. If the tenant doesn't appear, you may receive a default judgment. Come prepared to present your case clearly.

5

Obtain and Enforce the Writ of Possession

After a judgment in your favor, request a Writ of Possession from the clerk. The Alabama Sheriff's office will serve the writ and oversee removal if the tenant refuses to leave voluntarily. Do NOT change locks or remove property yourself — this constitutes illegal self-help eviction in Alabama.

Shelby County Eviction Filing Cost Breakdown

Cost Amount Notes
Court Filing Fee $156 Paid to Shelby County Clerk of Court
Summons Service $25 Sheriff or process server fee
Writ of Possession ~$21–$25 Sheriff enforcement after judgment
Attorney (optional) $400–$1500 Recommended for contested cases

Frequently Asked Questions — Shelby County Evictions

How long does an eviction take in Shelby County?

The typical Shelby County eviction takes 3–4 weeks from serving the initial notice to enforcement — assuming the tenant does not contest. A contested eviction can take significantly longer. Shelby County is generally considered a landlord-friendly jurisdiction.

How much does it cost to file an eviction in Shelby County?

The court filing fee in Shelby County is $156. Additional costs typically include: process service or sheriff fee ($25), Writ of Possession enforcement (~$21–$25), and attorney fees if represented ($400–$1500). Total out-of-pocket without an attorney is typically $202–$206.

What court handles evictions in Shelby County?

Evictions in Shelby County are filed at the Shelby County Courthouse, located at 112 N. Main St., Columbiana, AL 35051. The case type is filed as a Unlawful Detainer.

Can I file an eviction online in Shelby County?

Shelby County does not currently offer online filing for eviction cases. You must file in person at the Shelby County Courthouse.

Do I need a lawyer to evict a tenant in Shelby County?

Alabama law allows landlords to represent themselves in eviction court. However, having an attorney reduces the risk of procedural dismissals and improves outcomes, especially in contested cases.

What happens if the tenant doesn't leave after the eviction judgment in Shelby County?

After a judgment in your favor, request a Writ of Possession from the court. The Shelby County Sheriff's office will then execute the writ — notifying the tenant to vacate, and physically removing them if they refuse. Do NOT attempt to remove the tenant yourself; self-help eviction is illegal in Alabama.

See full Alabama eviction laws and notice requirements.

Alabama Eviction Guide for Landlords →

Download the eviction notice you must serve before filing in Alabama.

Alabama Eviction Notice Templates →

Is your tenant facing eviction in Shelby County? See their rights.

Tenant Rights in Shelby County →

Relevant Alabama Statutes