Overview
Bullock County is located in Alabama with a population of approximately 9,901. The Probate Court of Bullock County handles all probate and estate matters for decedents who were domiciled in the county at the time of death.
Alabama probate is governed by Code of Alabama Title 43. 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.
Small Estates: Alabama offers a simplified process for small estates under the Revised Alabama Small Estates Act (effective October 2025). This procedure is available if the estate's value (excluding the homestead and certain exempt property) does not exceed the statutory threshold, which is approximately $47,000 for 2026 (adjusted annually for inflation).
Statutory Fees: Alabama law allows for reasonable compensation for personal representatives and attorneys. If the will does not specify compensation, the personal representative may be entitled to a commission not exceeding 2.5% of receipts and 2.5% of disbursements, subject to court approval.
This guide provides an informational overview of the Bullock 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
Probate Court of Bullock County
Probate matters in Bullock County are handled at the Bullock County Courthouse.
Address: 217 N Prairie St, Union Springs, AL 36089
Mailing Address: PO Box 230, Union Springs, AL 36089
Phone: (334) 738-2250
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM
The Probate Office is located in the county courthouse in Union Springs. The Judge of Probate, currently James Tatum, presides over estate matters.
Parking and Access
Public parking is available around the courthouse square and on nearby streets. The building is accessible to the public during business hours.
Filing Process
Step 1: Determine If Probate Is Necessary
Before filing, assess whether formal probate is required:
- Small Estate Summary Distribution: If the estate is valued at approximately $47,000 or less (verify current CPI-adjusted amount) and includes no real property, 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 the appropriate petition with the Probate Court of Bullock County. Include:
- Petition for Letters Testamentary or Letters of Administration
- Original will and codicils (if applicable)
- Certified death certificate
- Filing fee (typically varies; contact court for exact amount)
- 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.
- Publish notice in a newspaper of general circulation in Bullock County, such as the Union Springs Herald, for three successive weeks to notify creditors.
Step 4: Attend the Hearing
The court will schedule a hearing on the petition. At the hearing, the judge reviews the petition and, if approved, issues Letters Testamentary or Letters of Administration, granting the personal representative authority to act.
Step 5: Administer the Estate
After receiving Letters, the personal representative must:
- Notify creditors and allow the 6-month creditor claim period to run.
- 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
Bullock County-Specific Procedures
- Filing Methods: Documents are typically filed in person or by mail. Contact the court to confirm if e-filing is currently available for probate matters.
- Bond Requirements: A bond is generally required for personal representatives unless the will explicitly waives it or all heirs waive the requirement.
- Publication: Notice to creditors must be published in the Union Springs Herald.
- Local Fees: Bullock County may have specific local recording fees authorized by Alabama Code § 45-6-82.20. Always check the current fee schedule before filing.
Timeline & Fees
Filing Fees (Bullock County)
Note: Fees are subject to change. Contact the Probate Office at (334) 738-2250 for the most current schedule.
- Probate of Will / Administration: Approximately $50 - $150 (varies based on petition type and recording costs)
- Small Estate Summary Distribution: Approximately $50 - $100
- Recording Fees: Typically $3.50 per page or document type (varies by statute)
- Publication costs: Approximately $100 - $200 payable directly to the newspaper
Payment Methods
The court typically accepts cash, money orders, or cashier's checks. Some offices may accept credit cards with a processing fee (e.g., 3%). Personal checks may not be accepted.
Estimated Timelines
- Creditor Claim Period: 6 months from the date Letters are granted (mandatory waiting period).
- Simple estates: 6-9 months minimum.
- Average estates: 9-12 months.
- Complex or contested estates: 1 year or more.
Local Resources
Bullock County Court Resources
- Court Website: bullockal.com/probate-office
- Alabama Administrative Office of Courts: alacourt.gov
- State Probate Forms: eforms.alacourt.gov
Legal Aid and Attorney Referrals
- Alabama State Bar Lawyer Referral Service: (800) 354-6154 — alabar.org
- Legal Services Alabama: (866) 456-4995 — legalservicesalabama.org
Publication
- Union Springs Herald: (334) 738-2360 — The primary newspaper for legal notices in Bullock County.