Overview
Hale County is located in Alabama with a population of approximately 15,116. The Hale 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 Letters of Administration (if 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: Under the Revised Alabama Small Estates Act (effective Oct. 1, 2025), estates with a value not exceeding the combined homestead allowance, exempt property allowance, and family allowance (approximately $47,000, adjusted annually for inflation) may qualify for Summary Distribution. This simplified procedure avoids full probate administration.
Statutory Fees: Alabama law provides for reasonable compensation for personal representatives, often calculated as a percentage of the estate value (typically 2.5% of receipts and 2.5% of disbursements), subject to court approval.
This guide provides an informational overview of the Hale 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
Hale County Probate Court
Probate matters in Hale County are handled at the Hale County Courthouse.
Address: 1001 Main Street, Greensboro, AL 36744
Phone: (334) 624-8740 (Probate Office)
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM (verify with court)
The Probate Judge, currently Hon. David L. Parker, presides over estate proceedings. The Probate Office is located on the first floor of the courthouse.
Parking and Access
Free street parking is generally available around the courthouse square in downtown Greensboro. The building is accessible to the public during business hours, with security screening at the entrance.
Filing Process
Step 1: Determine If Probate Is Necessary
Before filing, assess whether formal probate is required:
- Summary Distribution: If the estate consists of personal property valued at approximately $47,000 or less (indexed annually), you may qualify for a simplified summary distribution after a 30-day waiting period.
- Survivorship Rights: 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 Letters Testamentary or Petition for Letters of Administration with the Hale County Probate Court. Include:
- Original Will (if applicable)
- Certified copy of the Death Certificate
- List of heirs and next of kin with addresses
- Filing fee (approximately $360.00)
- Waiver of Bond (if applicable/allowed by Will)
E-filing is not currently mandatory for all probate matters in Hale County; paper filing is standard.
Step 3: Provide Notice
After filing, you must:
- Mail notice of the hearing to all heirs, beneficiaries, and interested parties.
- Publish notice to creditors in a newspaper of general circulation in Hale County (such as the Greensboro Watchman) for three successive weeks.
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: Creditors have 6 months from the date of Letters to file claims.
- 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 after the creditor period expires.
Local Requirements
Hale County-Specific Procedures
- Filing Method: While some Alabama counties have moved to e-filing, Hale County primarily accepts paper filings. Contact the clerk to confirm current e-filing status.
- Bond: A surety bond is generally required 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 county newspaper, typically the Greensboro Watchman.
- Local Rules: The court may require specific local forms for the inventory or final settlement; check with the Probate Clerk.
Timeline & Fees
Filing Fees (Hale County)
- Probate of Will / Administration: approximately $360.00
- Small Estate (Summary Distribution): approximately $251.00 (fees vary, verify with clerk)
- Recording Fees: $25.00 for the first page, $4.00 for each additional page
- Publication costs: approximately $100-$200 depending on the newspaper and length of notice
Payment Methods
The court typically accepts cash, cashier's checks, or money orders. Personal checks may not be accepted from pro-se litigants.
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 minimum for formal probate.
Local Resources
Hale County Court Resources
- Court Website: halecountyal.gov
- Probate Office: (334) 624-8740
- Alabama Probate Forms: alacourt.gov
Legal Aid and Attorney Referrals
- Alabama State Bar Lawyer Referral: alabar.org
- Legal Services Alabama: (866) 456-4995 — Provides civil legal aid to low-income residents.
Publication
- Greensboro Watchman: (334) 624-8562 — Common newspaper for probate notices.