Overview
Blount County is located in Alabama with a population of approximately 60,163. The Blount County Probate Court handles all probate and estate matters for decedents who were domiciled in the county at the time of death.
Alabama probate is governed by Title 43 of the Code of Alabama. The process begins with filing a Petition for Letters Testamentary (if there is a will) or Petition for Letters of Administration (if there is no will) to admit the will and appoint a personal representative. The court then issues Letters Testamentary for testate estates or Letters of Administration for intestate estates.
Alabama offers a simplified procedure known as the Small Estates Act (Summary Distribution). For the period of March 1, 2025, through February 28, 2026, this is available for estates where the value of personal property does not exceed $37,075 (adjusted annually for CPI). This process allows for the distribution of assets without full probate administration.
Alabama law allows for reasonable compensation for the personal representative and the attorney, often based on a percentage of the estate value (typically around 2.5% for ordinary services) or a reasonable hourly rate, subject to court approval.
This guide provides an informational overview of the Blount County probate process. It is not legal advice and is not a substitute for consulting a qualified attorney. Laws and local procedures may change — verify current requirements with the court.
Courthouse Information
Blount County Probate Court
Probate matters in Blount County are handled at the Blount County Courthouse.
Address: 220 2nd Avenue East, Room 101, Oneonta, AL 35121
Phone: 205-973-0584 (Probate Office)
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
The Probate Judge is Tamra Doty Alldredge. The office is located on the first floor of the courthouse.
Parking and Access
Public parking is available around the courthouse square and in designated lots nearby. Security screening is required upon entering the courthouse building.
Filing Process
Step 1: Determine If Probate Is Necessary
Before filing, assess whether formal probate is required:
- Small Estates Act (Summary Distribution): If the estate consists only of personal property valued at $37,075 or less (for 2025-2026), you may qualify for summary distribution.
- Survivorship: Assets held as "joint tenants with rights of survivorship" pass automatically to the surviving owner.
- Trust administration: Assets held in a living trust generally do not require probate.
Step 2: File the Petition
If formal probate is needed, file a Petition for Probate of Will or Petition for Letters of Administration with the Blount County Probate Court. Include:
- Original Will and Codicils (if applicable)
- Certified copy of the Death Certificate
- Petition for Letters Testamentary or Administration
- Filing fee (contact the court for the current exact amount, typically varies by estate value)
- Waivers and Consents from heirs (if applicable to speed up the process)
Step 3: Provide Notice
After filing, you must:
- Mail notice of the hearing to all heirs, beneficiaries, and interested parties at least 10 days before the hearing (or obtain waivers).
- Publish notice to creditors in a newspaper of general circulation in Blount County, such as The Blount Countian, once a week for three successive weeks.
Step 4: Attend the Hearing
The court will schedule a hearing on the petition. If the petition is uncontested and all requirements are met, the judge will admit the will to probate and issue Letters Testamentary or Letters of Administration.
Step 5: Administer the Estate
After receiving Letters, the personal representative must:
- Notify creditors and allow 6 months for claims to be filed.
- Inventory and appraise all estate assets within 2 months of appointment.
- Pay valid creditor claims and administrative expenses.
- File federal and state tax returns as needed.
- Distribute assets to beneficiaries.
- File a Final Settlement and petition for discharge.
Local Requirements
Blount County-Specific Procedures
- Filing Methods: Documents are typically filed in person or by mail. Check with the clerk regarding the availability of e-filing for probate matters.
- Bond Requirements: A bond is generally required for personal representatives unless the will explicitly waives it or all heirs consent to a waiver (and the judge approves).
- Publication: Notice to creditors must be published in a local newspaper, typically The Blount Countian.
- Local Forms: While Alabama uses standardized forms, the Blount County Probate Office may have specific cover sheets or requirements. It is advisable to contact the office directly.
Timeline & Fees
Filing Fees (Blount County)
Note: Fees are subject to change. Contact the Probate Office at 205-973-0584 for the most current schedule.
- Probate of Will / Administration: Approximately $50 - $100+ (varies based on estate value and page count)
- Small Estate (Summary Distribution): Approximately $40 - $60
- Recording Fees: $8.00 for the first page, $3.00 for each additional page
- Publication costs: Approximately $100 - $200 (paid directly to the newspaper)
- Certified copies: Approximately $3.00 - $5.00 per copy
Payment Methods
The court typically accepts cash, cashier's checks, or money orders. Credit cards may be accepted with a convenience fee.
Estimated Timelines
- Simple estates: 6-9 months (minimum 6 months for creditor claims)
- Average estates: 9-12 months
- Complex or contested estates: 12 months to several years
The 6-month creditor claim period is a mandatory statutory waiting period in Alabama before the estate can be fully closed.
Local Resources
Blount County Court Resources
- Court Website: blountcountyalprobate.com
- Alabama Probate Forms: eforms.alacourt.gov
Legal Aid and Attorney Referrals
- Alabama State Bar Lawyer Referral: alabar.org
- Legal Services Alabama: 1-866-456-4995 — legalservicesalabama.org
Publication
- The Blount Countian: 205-625-3231 — blountcountian.com