General Civil Case Cover Sheet

GENERAL CIVIL CASE COVER SHEET

State of Alabama — Circuit and District Courts

(ARCiv-93 Format — Required per Ala. R. Civ. P. 3(a) for All Non-Domestic Civil Actions)

FILING REQUIREMENT NOTICE: Pursuant to Alabama Rule of Civil Procedure 3(a), except in domestic-relations cases, each initial complaint must be filed with an informational cover sheet completed and signed by the plaintiff or the plaintiff's attorney (see Form 93 appended to the Alabama Rules of Civil Procedure — ARCiv-93, Rev. 09/25). This cover sheet is used by the Clerk of Court for case classification, fee assessment, statistical reporting, and docket management. All documents, including complaints, must be electronically filed through AlaFile in courts that have adopted mandatory electronic filing. The cover sheet does not replace any substantive pleading.

I. COURT AND CASE CAPTION

STATE OF ALABAMA

In the ☐ Circuit Court ☐ District Court of [________________________________] County, Alabama

II. FILER IDENTITY AND CAPACITY

☐ Attorney for Plaintiff(s)
☐ Attorney for Defendant(s) (filing counterclaim or cross-claim)
☐ Self-Represented Plaintiff
☐ Self-Represented Defendant
☐ Other (Describe): [________________________________]

III. PARTY INFORMATION

A. Plaintiff(s)

B. Defendant(s)

(List additional parties on a supplemental sheet using the same format)

IV. ATTORNEY INFORMATION

A. Attorney for Plaintiff(s)

B. Attorney for Defendant(s) (if known)

V. NATURE OF SUIT — SELECT ONE PRIMARY CASE TYPE

(Per ARCiv-93. Check ONE primary nature-of-suit category. If the complaint asserts multiple theories, select the most specific dominant category for statistical reporting and fee calculation.)

A. TORT / PERSONAL INJURY / PROPERTY DAMAGE

☐ A-01 — Motor Vehicle Accident — Personal Injury
☐ A-02 — Motor Vehicle Accident — Property Damage Only
☐ A-03 — Negligence (General)
☐ A-04 — Wantonness / Willful Misconduct (Ala. Code § 6-11-20)
☐ A-05 — Wrongful Death (Ala. Code § 6-5-410)
☐ A-06 — Product Liability (Alabama Extended Manufacturer's Liability Doctrine)
☐ A-07 — Premises Liability
☐ A-08 — Medical Malpractice (Ala. Code § 6-5-480 et seq.)
☐ A-09 — Other Professional Malpractice (Legal, Accounting, etc.)
☐ A-10 — Fraud / Misrepresentation (Ala. Code § 6-5-101)
☐ A-11 — Insurance Bad Faith (Ala. Code § 27-12-24)
☐ A-12 — Defamation / Libel / Slander
☐ A-13 — Conversion / Trespass
☐ A-14 — Toxic Tort / Environmental
☐ A-15 — Other Tort (Describe): [________________________________]

B. CONTRACT / COMMERCIAL

☐ B-01 — Breach of Contract (Written)
☐ B-02 — Breach of Contract (Oral)
☐ B-03 — Account Stated / Open Account
☐ B-04 — Promissory Note / Debt Collection
☐ B-05 — Insurance Coverage / Declaratory Judgment
☐ B-06 — Foreclosure — Mortgage / Lien (Ala. Code § 6-5-247 et seq.)
☐ B-07 — Unlawful Detainer / Ejectment (Ala. Code § 6-6-310 et seq.)
☐ B-08 — U.C.C. / Commercial Transaction (Ala. Code Title 7)
☐ B-09 — Specific Performance
☐ B-10 — Construction Contract Dispute
☐ B-11 — Other Contract (Describe): [________________________________]

C. EQUITY / OTHER CIVIL ACTIONS

☐ C-01 — Declaratory Judgment (Ala. Code § 6-6-220 et seq.)
☐ C-02 — Injunction / Temporary Restraining Order (Ala. R. Civ. P. 65)
☐ C-03 — Quiet Title / Ejectment (Ala. Code § 6-6-540 et seq.)
☐ C-04 — Replevin / Detinue (Ala. Code § 6-6-250 et seq.)
☐ C-05 — Habeas Corpus
☐ C-06 — Administrative Appeal — APA (Ala. Code § 41-22-1 et seq.)
☐ C-07 — Mandamus / Quo Warranto
☐ C-08 — Election Contest
☐ C-09 — Foreign Judgment Domestication (Ala. Code § 6-9-230 et seq.)
☐ C-10 — Post-Judgment Relief (Ala. R. Civ. P. 60(b))
☐ C-11 — Interpleader
☐ C-12 — Class Action (Ala. R. Civ. P. 23)
☐ C-13 — Eminent Domain / Condemnation (Ala. Code § 18-1A-1 et seq.)
☐ C-14 — Other (Describe): [________________________________]

D. CIVIL RIGHTS / EMPLOYMENT

☐ D-01 — Employment Discrimination
☐ D-02 — Retaliation / Whistleblower
☐ D-03 — Wage and Hour Dispute
☐ D-04 — Workers' Compensation Appeal
☐ D-05 — Other Employment (Describe): [________________________________]

VI. MANNER OF FILING

☐ Initial Complaint
☐ Counterclaim
☐ Cross-Claim
☐ Third-Party Complaint (Ala. R. Civ. P. 14)
☐ Amended Complaint
☐ Transfer from Another Court
☐ Other (Describe): [________________________________]

VII. MONETARY DAMAGES / RELIEF SOUGHT

A. Compensatory Damages Requested

$ [________________________________]

B. Punitive Damages Requested

☐ Yes — Amount: $ [________________________________]
☐ No

Pleading Note: Under Ala. Code § 6-11-20, punitive damages may not be demanded in the initial complaint. A plaintiff must amend the complaint to add a punitive damage claim after a reasonable showing. The total amount of punitive damages is capped at the greater of three times compensatory damages or $500,000 for small businesses, $1,500,000 for other defendants (Ala. Code § 6-11-21).

C. Equitable / Declaratory Relief

☐ Yes ☐ No

If "Yes," describe: [________________________________]

D. Amount in Controversy (Good-Faith Estimate)

☐ $3,000 or less (Small Claims threshold)
☐ $3,001 – $10,000
☐ $10,001 – $50,000
☐ Over $50,000
☐ Non-monetary relief only

Fee Note: Under Ala. Code § 12-19-71, the filing fee is $197 for cases where the amount in controversy does not exceed $50,000, and $297 for cases exceeding $50,000 or where the amount is unspecified. Under Ala. R. Civ. P. 8(a)(3), complaints seeking more than $10,000 may state "exceeds $10,000" without specifying an exact figure.

VIII. COMPLEXITY AND JURY DEMAND

A. Complex Litigation

Does this action qualify for Complex Litigation treatment under Ala. R. Jud. Admin. 35?

☐ Yes ☐ No

If "Yes," briefly explain: [________________________________]

Note: If marking "Complex Litigation," file a simultaneous motion for complex designation and proposed case-management order.

B. Jury Demand

☐ Jury trial demanded pursuant to Ala. R. Civ. P. 38
☐ Jury trial NOT demanded at this time

If demanded, by whom: ☐ Plaintiff ☐ Defendant

Practice Note: Under Ala. R. Civ. P. 38(b), a jury demand must be made not later than 30 days after service of the last pleading directed to the issue. An additional $100 jury demand fee applies (Ala. Code § 12-19-71).

IX. SERVICE OF PROCESS INFORMATION

A. Method of Service Requested

☐ Personal Service by Sheriff (Ala. R. Civ. P. 4(c))
☐ Certified Mail — Return Receipt Requested (Ala. R. Civ. P. 4(i)(2)(B))
☐ Private Process Server — Name: [________________________________] (Ala. R. Civ. P. 4(c))
☐ Service by Publication (Ala. R. Civ. P. 4.3)
☐ Service on Secretary of State — Nonresident / Corporate Agent (Ala. R. Civ. P. 4.2)
☐ Waiver of Service (Ala. R. Civ. P. 4(i)(3))
☐ Other (Describe): [________________________________]

B. Number of Defendants to Be Served: [____]

C. Service Address(es)

X. RELATED OR COMPANION CASES

1. Are there any related cases presently or previously filed in any Alabama court?

☐ Yes ☐ No

2. If "Yes," list case number(s), court(s), and status:

3. Is a stay or transfer requested?

☐ Yes ☐ No

XI. FILING FEE CALCULATION

(Per Ala. Code § 12-19-71 et seq. Fee amounts are set by statute and supplemented by local surcharges.)

Method of Payment:
☐ Cash ☐ Check ☐ Money Order ☐ Credit/Debit Card ☐ E-Payment (Alacourt portal) ☐ In Forma Pauperis (IFP)

Important: The court will not issue service until all initial fees are paid in full. Budget accordingly. Confirm current fee totals with the clerk for the filing county, as local surcharges may apply.

XII. E-FILING COMPLIANCE (AlaFile)

(All documents in Alabama state courts must be electronically filed through AlaFile unless an exemption applies.)

☐ This filing is submitted electronically through AlaFile (https://efile.alacourt.gov)
☐ This filing is submitted on paper (exemption granted or self-represented litigant)

AlaFile Compliance Checklist

☐ Document uploaded in PDF-A format
☐ All personal identifiers redacted per Ala. R. Jud. Admin. 5.2
☐ Separate Summons form(s) uploaded
☐ Filing fee paid through Alacourt's secure portal
☐ Cover sheet uploaded as a separate filing event

AlaFile Transaction / Confirmation Number: [________________________________]

XIII. CERTIFICATION AND SIGNATURE

I, the undersigned, certify that:

1. The information provided on this Cover Sheet is true and correct to the best of my knowledge, information, and belief formed after reasonable inquiry;

2. I have made a good-faith effort to select the most appropriate Nature-of-Suit category;

3. I am aware that misclassification may result in reassignment, additional fees, or sanctions;

4. The county identified in the caption matches the venue alleged in the Complaint (per Ala. Code § 6-3-2 et seq.);

5. I have complied with all applicable filing requirements, including privacy protections under Ala. R. Jud. Admin. 5.2.

XIV. CLERK'S OFFICE USE ONLY

(Do not write below this line)

XV. FILING CHECKLIST

☐ Complaint (original, with any exhibits)
☐ This Civil Cover Sheet (ARCiv-93 or equivalent)
☐ Summons (one per defendant — to be issued by Clerk)
☐ Filing Fee (per Section XI) or IFP Motion
☐ Corporate Disclosure Statement (if party is a corporation — Ala. R. Civ. P. 7.1)
☐ Affidavit of Substantial Compliance (Medical Malpractice — Ala. Code § 6-5-551)
☐ Detailed Statement of Negligence Theory (Medical Malpractice — Ala. Code § 6-5-551)
☐ Privacy Redaction Compliance (Ala. R. Jud. Admin. 5.2)
☐ Additional Local Forms (if any)
☐ Copies for Service

XVI. PRACTICE TIPS FOR ALABAMA CIVIL FILINGS

1. Venue: Verify venue under Ala. Code § 6-3-2 et seq. before selecting the county for filing. General venue lies where the defendant resides or where the cause of action arose.

2. Punitive Damages: Under Ala. Code § 6-11-20, a plaintiff may not initially plead punitive damages. After the case is underway and a reasonable basis exists, the plaintiff must amend the complaint to add punitive damages. Caps apply under § 6-11-21.

3. Medical Malpractice: Under Ala. Code § 6-5-551, a medical malpractice complaint must be accompanied by a detailed statement of the claimant's theory of negligence and a compliance affidavit. Failure to attach this statement may result in dismissal.

4. Statutes of Limitation: Alabama's general statute of limitations for personal injury is two years (Ala. Code § 6-2-38). For breach of written contract, six years (Ala. Code § 6-2-34). For fraud, two years from discovery (Ala. Code § 6-2-3).

5. Complex Litigation: When marking "Complex Litigation" under Ala. R. Jud. Admin. 35, file a simultaneous motion for complex designation and a proposed case-management order.

6. AlaFile: All documents must be filed electronically through AlaFile unless an exemption applies. Register at https://efile.alacourt.gov. Upload all documents in PDF-A format and ensure compliance with privacy redaction rules.

7. Additional Plaintiff Fees: Under Ala. Code § 12-19-73, an additional $100 is charged for each plaintiff beyond the first, up to a maximum of $1,000 in total additional plaintiff fees per case.

8. Service Timing: The court will not issue service until all initial fees are paid in full. Ensure full payment at the time of filing to avoid delay.

XVII. SOURCES AND REFERENCES

• Alabama Rules of Civil Procedure 3(a), 4, 7.1, 8(a), 14, 23, 38, 60(b), 65
• ARCiv-93 (Rev. 09/25) — Official Civil Cover Sheet Form
• Alabama Code:
• § 6-2-3, 6-2-34, 6-2-38 (Statutes of Limitation)
• § 6-3-2 et seq. (Venue)
• § 6-5-101 (Fraud)
• § 6-5-247 et seq. (Foreclosure)
• § 6-5-410 (Wrongful Death)
• § 6-5-480 et seq. (Medical Liability)
• § 6-5-551 (Medical Malpractice Detailed Statement)
• § 6-6-220 et seq. (Declaratory Judgments)
• § 6-6-250 et seq. (Detinue)
• § 6-6-310 et seq. (Unlawful Detainer)
• § 6-6-540 et seq. (Quieting Title)
• § 6-9-230 et seq. (Foreign Judgments)
• § 6-11-20, 6-11-21 (Punitive Damages)
• § 12-19-71 (Filing Fees)
• § 12-19-73 (Additional Plaintiff Fees)
• § 18-1A-1 et seq. (Eminent Domain)
• § 27-12-24 (Insurance Bad Faith)
• § 41-22-1 et seq. (Administrative Procedure Act)
• Title 7 (Uniform Commercial Code)
• Ala. R. Jud. Admin. 5.2 (Privacy Protection)
• Ala. R. Jud. Admin. 35 (Complex Litigation)
• AlaFile — https://efile.alacourt.gov
• Alabama AOC E-Forms — https://eforms.alacourt.gov
• Alabama Judicial System — https://judicial.alabama.gov

End of Alabama General Civil Case Cover Sheet Template