AL estate risk
Probate risk in Alabama
Court-supervised estate process, timing, cost exposure, and public record requirements.
Alabama probate runs through the county probate court, with a summary distribution option for personal-property-only estates below a CPI-adjusted cap.
At a glance
Key takeaways
- Summary distribution is limited to personal property and is filed in the probate court where the decedent was domiciled.
- Estate value must be within a $25,000 cap that is adjusted annually for inflation.
- No personal representative can be pending or appointed, and at least 30 days must pass after notice.
- Funeral expenses must be paid or arrangements made before distribution.
Questions to consider
Questions to consider in Alabama
- How long does probate typically take here?
- What costs and fees should families expect?
- What becomes public during probate?
State overview
Alabama probate runs through the county probate court, with a summary distribution option for personal-property-only estates below a CPI-adjusted cap.
- Summary distribution is limited to personal property and is filed in the probate court where the decedent was domiciled.
- Estate value must be within a $25,000 cap that is adjusted annually for inflation.
- No personal representative can be pending or appointed, and at least 30 days must pass after notice.
- Funeral expenses must be paid or arrangements made before distribution.
- Summary distribution petitions are filed in the probate court for the county of the decedent's domicile.
Sources
- https://law.justia.com/codes/alabama/title-43/chapter-2/article-18/division-10/section-43-2-692/
- https://www.nolo.com/legal-encyclopedia/alabama-avoiding-probate-31826.html
Background sources
- Uniform Probate Code (2019) - Probate of wills and administration
Article III covers appointment, notices, creditor claims, and small-estate collection (Section 3-1201).
National sources provide baseline context; state statutes and court rules control in Alabama.
Optional next steps
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