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Statement of Claim for Eviction Unlawful Detainer

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STATEMENT OF CLAIM
Eviction/Unlawful Detainer

State of Alabama

Unified Judicial System

Form C-59 Rev. 03/14

(Front)

Case Number

Sections 35-9A-101, et seq., and 6-6-310, et seq., Ala. Code 1975

IN THE COURT OF COUNTY, ALABAMA

PLAINTIFF(S)

ADDRESS:

V.

DEFENDANT(S)

ADDRESS:

PLAINTIFF'S ATTORNEY (if applicable):

ADDRESS:

COMPLAINT

1. Plaintiff(s) demands the right to possession from the defendant(s) of the following described residential, commercial or other real property located at:

2. Defendant(s) no longer has the right to possession because:

3. Defendant(s) right of possession has been lawfully terminated by written notice.

4. Plaintiff(s) also claims the sum of $ plus court costs from the Defendant(s) consisting of:

5. Plaintiff(s) also claims future rent and late charges, plus attorney's fees (if applicable) and other charges accruing through the date Plaintiff(s) obtains possession of the above described property.

Clerk

Address:

Plaintiff or Attorney Signature

Phone Number: ()

Attorney Code:

NOTICE TO DEFENDANT(S) - READ CAREFULLY

This eviction or unlawful detainer complaint must be answered by you within seven (7) days after these papers were either served or posted at the leased premises as provided by law. Your answer must be received by the Court Clerk at the above address within the above seven (7) days. A copy of the answer must be sent to the Plaintiff(s) or Plaintiff(s)' Attorney at the above address. If you file an answer, a notice of trial will be mailed to you; otherwise, a judgment may be entered against you.

Court Record (Original)

Plaintiff (Copy)

Defendant (Copy)

Form C-59 (Back) Rev. 08/10

STATEMENT OF CLAIM Eviction/Unlawful Detainer

SUMMONS

To any Sheriff or any person authorized by Rule 4 (i) (1) (A) or (B) of the Alabama Rules of Civil Procedure to effect Service in the State of Alabama: You are hereby commanded to serve the Summons and Complaint in this action upon the defendant named in the style of the Complaint and make proper return to this court.

Date

Date Received

Clerk

PERSONAL SERVICE: served on the defendant(s) named

DATE SERVED

SHERIFF/CONSTABLE

PROCESS SERVER

Server must complete:

Print Name

Address

Phone Number

SERVICE BY DELIVERY TO PERSON SUI JURIS RESIDING ON THE PREMISES: served the defendant(s) named

by delivering a copy of the Summons and Complaint on a person who is sui juris residing on the premises described in the Complaint.

DATE SERVED

() served for is sui juris and is a resident of the premises described in the Complaint.

SHERIFF/CONSTABLE

PROCESS SERVER

Server must complete:

Print Name

Address

Phone Number

POSTING OF SUMMONS AND COMPLAINT: served on the defendant(s) named

by posting a copy of the Summons and Complaint on the door of the premises described in the Complaint, and A COPY OF THE SUMMONS AND COMPLAINT WAS MAILED BY FIRST CLASS MAIL ON THE FOLLOWING DATE that is not later than the close of the next business day following the aforesaid posting. This complaint was posted after first having attempted to personally serve the defendant and having tried to serve someone else residing on the premises who is Sui Juris.

DATE SERVED

SHERIFF/CONSTABLE

PROCESS SERVER

Server must complete:

Print Name

Address

Phone Number

SERVICE BY CERTIFIED MAIL: This service by certified mail of the summons and complaint is initiated upon the request of Plaintiff pursuant to Rule 4 (i) (2) of the Alabama Rules of Civil Procedure.

Date Requested

Date Mailed

Return Receipt Date

Clerk

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What the Statement of Claim for Eviction (Unlawful Detainer) Is

Statement of Claim for Eviction (Unlawful Detainer) is a court pleading landlords use to start formal eviction proceedings when a tenant fails to comply with rental obligations. The document identifies parties, describes tenancy terms, states grounds for eviction, and requests possession and any damages or unpaid rent. It must include factual allegations, jurisdictional statements, and the relief sought. Filing, service, and local procedural rules vary by jurisdiction; many states impose statutory notice requirements before filing. This template outlines typical contents and procedural considerations for U.S. landlord-tenant practice.

Why a Clear Statement of Claim Matters

A well-drafted Statement of Claim for Eviction clarifies the legal basis for possession, documents compliance with pre-filing notice requirements, and reduces the risk of procedural dismissal or service objections that can delay recovery of the property and any owed rent.

Why a Clear Statement of Claim Matters

Who Typically Prepares and Files This Claim

Who should prepare and file this Statement of Claim depends on the case: landlords, property managers, or attorneys representing property owners.

  • Individual landlords initiating eviction to regain possession and recover unpaid rent
  • Property management companies filing multiple unlawful detainer actions for different owners
  • Attorneys preparing and filing pleadings, verifying notice requirements, and representing landlords in court

Typical Signatories and Responsible Parties

Landlord / Owner

Owners or managers who sign the complaint are responsible for verifying facts, attaching required notices, and ensuring proper service. The signatory should have authority to sue and recover possession; inaccurate or unsigned pleadings risk dismissal or delay in obtaining relief.

Attorney / Manager

Attorneys and property managers often file on behalf of clients, prepare proofs of service, and respond to tenant defenses. Legal counsel can expedite timelines, reduce procedural errors, and prepare for possible post-filing motions or appeals.

Essential Information to Include

Plaintiff Name: Full legal name of landlord or entity
Defendant Name: Full legal name of tenant(s) and occupants
Property Address: Full street address including unit
Tenancy Dates: Lease start and relevant dates
Grounds for Eviction: Specific statutory or contractual basis
Relief Sought: Possession, rent, costs, damages

Key Components of a Professional Statement of Claim

A professional Statement of Claim for Eviction organizes jurisdictional facts, legal grounds, and supporting evidence to help the court determine entitlement to possession and any monetary recovery.

Parties

Identify the plaintiff and defendant with full legal names, business entities, and authorized agents; include contact addresses and, where applicable, owner or manager information for service and notices.

Jurisdiction

Allege the court's jurisdiction by stating property location, rental agreement venue, and any statutory bases for unlawfulness; include venue facts to satisfy local filing requirements and avoid procedural dismissal.

Statement of Facts

Provide chronological, specific allegations: lease terms, missed payments, notices given, tenant responses, and relevant dates. Stick to verifiable facts with dates and amounts to support relief sought.

Notices

Allege and attach copies of required statutory notices (pay or quit, cure or quit, notice to vacate), and include service dates and methods to establish compliance with pre-filing rules.

Relief Sought

Specify requested relief: possession of premises, unpaid rent, court costs, statutory damages, and attorney fees if permitted by law or contract; quantify amounts whenever possible.

Attachments

Include lease, payment history, receipts, communications, proof of service, and any repair or inspection records that corroborate factual allegations and damages calculations.

Step-by-Step: Completing and Filing the Claim

Follow these steps to complete and file a Statement of Claim for Eviction accurately and in compliance with local rules.

  • 01
    Prepare Complaint: Describe tenancy facts, breaches, and relief sought.
  • 02
    Attach Notices: Include required notices such as pay or vacate.
  • 03
    File in Court: Submit with filing fee and required copies.
  • 04
    Serve Defendant: Effectuate service per state rules and file proof.

How to Customize and Complete the Form Online

Configure online completion and submission to match local pleading formats, signature authentication level, and service methods used by courts.

Signer authentication and verification settings Email links, SMS codes, KBA, or RON as required
Template and Fields Setup Create reusable templates with conditional and calculated fields
Document Format and Margins Ensure court caption and margins meet local filing rules
Reminders and Expirations Set automatic reminders and signing expiration dates
Integration and Webhooks Connect to case management or e‑filing systems via API

Where and How to File or Submit Your Claim

Filing location and service method depend on state and county court rules; small claims versus superior court distinctions and e‑filing availability may apply.

  • County Court: Usually where the rental property is located.
  • Online Filing: Some jurisdictions accept electronic efiling.
  • Clerk's Office: File originals and obtain stamped copy.
  • Certified Mail: Service method if allowed by statute.

Distribution and Platform Requirements for Delivery and Filing

Choose distribution channels that meet court and service requirements, including email, certified mail, process servers, and e‑filing portals.

  • Integrations: Salesforce, Microsoft 365, NetSuite
  • Formats Supported: PDF, DOCX, HTML, Excel
  • Signer Authentication: Email, SMS, KBA, RON options

Typical Timelines and Deadlines to Track

Timelines for notice, filing, hearing, and appeal vary widely by state; follow statutory notice periods and local court calendars to avoid procedural defects.

Notice Period:

Often three to thirty days depending on grounds and state statute; verify local law.

Filing Window:

File after statutory notice period expires; some courts require waiting period proof.

Hearing Scheduling:

Court sets hearing date, often within one to four weeks after filing; check local rules.

Proof of Service:

File affidavit of service promptly per jurisdictional rules.

Appeal Period:

Post-judgment stays and appeal timelines differ; consult local rules for deadlines.

Key Milestones from Notice to Enforcement

Typical processing stages from notice delivery through enforcement and potential removal after judgment are sequential; track each milestone to preserve rights.

01

Notice Served

Deliver statutory notice to tenant with proof.

02

Complaint Filed

Submit claim to appropriate court and pay fee.

03

Service Proof Filed

File affidavit of service before hearing.

04

Judgment Entered

Court issues order for possession and any monetary award.

Real-World Examples of Digital Eviction Workflows

Examples show how electronic templates, signatures, and records support eviction workflows across landlords and legal teams.

Martin Properties (Tim Martin)

Martin Properties used digital execution to manage rental documentation and court filings for eviction cases when timely possession was needed.

  • Adopted fully digital signing and delivery workflows.
  • By standardizing templates, attaching notices, and tracking service proofs electronically, the company reduced delays and administrative overhead, enabling faster court scheduling and clearer evidence records for unlawful detainer matters.

BIS (Dan Rotelli)

BIS integrated eSignature into legal intake and case management to ensure uniform pleadings and reliable audit trails across multiple jurisdictions.

  • Improved audit trails and filing compliance.
  • Electronic records and timestamped signatures simplified proof of service and reduced challenges to procedural compliance, while secure retention ensured documentation met audit and regulatory requirements during and after eviction litigation.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Preparing the Claim

  • Failing to serve or attach required statutory notices is a primary reason courts dismiss unlawful detainer claims; document dates and service methods carefully.
  • Incomplete affidavits of service or using the wrong service method can invalidate a filing and force refiling or dismissal; follow jurisdictional rules.
  • Filing in the incorrect county or using the wrong court caption leads to transfer or dismissal and delays in obtaining possession relief.
  • Claiming inaccurate or unitemized rent and damages invites disputes, reduces recoverable amounts, and may lead to court sanctions in contested cases.

Penalties and Risks of an Incorrect Claim

Dismissal Risk: Case dismissal
Monetary Sanctions: Fines or costs
Delayed Possession: Extended tenant occupancy
Service Defects: Re-service requirements
Contempt Exposure: Enforcement complications
Appeal Costs: Additional expenses

eSignature Pricing and Feature Comparison for Eviction Workflows

Compare common eSignature vendors on price, bulk send, audit trail, HIPAA support, and envelope limits to evaluate suitability for eviction pleadings and related documents.

signNow DocuSign Adobe Sign PandaDoc HelloSign
Starting Price $8/user/mo $15/user/mo $14/user/mo $19/user/mo $15/user/mo
Free Trial 7-day free trial Varies by plan Varies by plan Varies by plan Varies by plan
Bulk Send Yes Yes Yes Yes No
Audit Trail Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
HIPAA Compliant Yes Yes Yes No No
Envelope Cap No envelope cap 100 envelopes/user/year No envelope cap No envelope cap No envelope cap

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about the Statement of Claim for Eviction address e-signature validity, notice requirements, service proof, and how to correct or withdraw filings; answers vary by jurisdiction.


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