Alabama § 45-51-232.03 - Service of Process Fee.
Full text of Alabama Code of Alabama § 45-51-232.03 — Service of Process Fee., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 45-51-232.03. Service of Process Fee.
(a) In addition to all existing charges, fees, judgments, and costs of court, in the civil division and in the criminal division of the district and circuit courts of Montgomery County, an additional one-time service of process fee of thirty dollars ($30) per document shall be imposed and collected for service of process on each document requiring personal service of process by the Sheriff of Montgomery County for matters pending or to be commenced in a court in Montgomery County.
(b) An additional one-time service of process fee of thirty dollars ($30) per document shall be imposed and collected for service of process on each document requiring personal service of process by the Sheriff of Montgomery County for matters pending or to be commenced in a court outside of Montgomery County.
(c) The court official designated in Montgomery County by law for the respective courts shall collect the service of process fee designated in subsections (a) and (b) and shall remit the fees collected as follows: Ten percent of each fee shall be retained by the circuit clerk and deposited in the circuit clerk’s fund or similar fund to be used for the operation of the circuit clerk’s office and the remainder of the fee shall be distributed to the Montgomery County Commission to be deposited in the county general fund. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the fee shall not be imposed and collected if the court finds payment of the fee will create a substantial hardship. A verified statement signed by the person requesting service and approved by the court attesting the substantial hardship shall be filed with the clerk of the court.
(d) The district attorney, law enforcement, and grand juries shall be exempt from payment of the fees provided in this section. Service of process requests from the office of the Public Defender for Montgomery County shall also be exempt from the payment of fees under this section, with prior approval from the sheriff or his or her designee.
Source: official Alabama text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Alabama § 45-51-232.03
What does Code of Alabama § 45-51-232.03 cover?
Section 45-51-232.03 ("Service of Process Fee.") 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 § 45-51-232.03?
A common citation format is "Code of Alabama § 45-51-232.03" (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 § 45-51-232.03 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.