Alabama § 45-39-233.01 - Service of Process; Fees.
Full text of Alabama Code of Alabama § 45-39-233.01 — Service of Process; Fees., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 45-39-233.01. Service of Process; Fees.
(a) The Sheriff of Lauderdale County, except for warrants for arrest, may contract with or enter into contract or agreement with a private, public, or governmental entity for the purpose of service of process. Nothing in this section should be construed as conflicting with Rule 4.1 (b)(2) of the Alabama Rules of Civil Procedure.
(b)(1) In addition to all existing charges, fees, judgments, and costs of court, the clerk, sheriff, or other appropriate court official in the civil division of the district and circuit courts of Lauderdale County shall increase the fees by twelve dollars fifty cents ($12.50) per document personally served by the sheriff’s office, or its designee. For purposes of this section, the term document shall include multiple papers served on a party or entity at one time. The court costs imposed by this section may be taxed as costs to any party to the action by the judge in the case.
(2) The court official designated in Lauderdale County by law for the respective courts shall collect the additional service of process fee designated in subdivision (1) and remit the fees collected to the sheriff for deposit in the Sheriff’s Civil Process Fund, which shall be established in the county treasury and shall be expended for law enforcement purposes.
(c) The sheriff may use the monies generated by this section for law enforcement purposes in Lauderdale County, including contracting with or entering into a contract or agreement with a private, public, or governmental entity for service of process of documents from the civil or criminal division of the district or circuit court.
Source: official Alabama text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Alabama § 45-39-233.01
What does Code of Alabama § 45-39-233.01 cover?
Section 45-39-233.01 ("Service of Process; Fees.") 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 § 45-39-233.01?
A common citation format is "Code of Alabama § 45-39-233.01" (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 § 45-39-233.01 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.