Alabama § 45-31-234.20 - Fee for Service of Certain Documents from Courts Outside Alabama; Geneva County Sheriff’s Service of Process Fee Fund.
Full text of Alabama Code of Alabama § 45-31-234.20 — Fee for Service of Certain Documents from Courts Outside Alabama; Geneva County Sheriff’s Service of Process Fee Fund., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 45-31-234.20. Fee for Service of Certain Documents from Courts Outside Alabama; Geneva County Sheriff’s Service of Process Fee Fund.
(a) In addition to all other charges, fees, and costs of court, a service of process fee not to exceed one hundred dollars ($100) shall be collected for service or attempted service of process on each document requiring personal service of process by the sheriff for matters pending or to be commenced in a court outside of the State of Alabama. The exact amount of the fee shall be set by the county commission.
(b) The Geneva County Sheriff’s Service of Process Fee Fund is created to supplement the budget of the Geneva County Sheriff’s Office. The fund shall be used for law enforcement vehicles, communication equipment, and other technology for the office.
(c)(1) The clerk of the court, or his or her designee, shall collect the service of process fee provided in subsection (a) and distribute the fee to the fund to be held and administered by the Geneva County Commission.
(2) Notwithstanding the foregoing, the fee may not be imposed and collected if the court finds payment of the fee will create a substantial hardship. A verified statement attesting to the substantial hardship shall be signed and filed with the clerk by the person requesting service and shall be approved by the court.
(d) The fund shall be an additional fund separate from the budget of the sheriff as provided for in the county general fund. The fees deposited into the fund shall not diminish, offset, or take the place of budgeted funds or any other source of income established for the sheriff or for the operation of the office of the sheriff.
Source: official Alabama text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Alabama § 45-31-234.20
What does Code of Alabama § 45-31-234.20 cover?
Section 45-31-234.20 ("Fee for Service of Certain Documents from Courts Outside Alabama; Geneva County Sheriff’s Service of Process Fee Fund.") is part of the Code of Alabama, the codified statutory law of Alabama. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Alabama § 45-31-234.20?
A common citation format is "Code of Alabama § 45-31-234.20" (Alabama). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Alabama law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Alabama official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Alabama attorney.
How does Alabama § 45-31-234.20 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Alabama can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Alabama.