Overview
Lawrence County is located in Alabama with a population of approximately 33,567. The Lawrence 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 Summary Distribution for small estates. As of late 2025/2026, this is available for estates where the value of personal property (excluding the homestead and exempt property) does not exceed approximately $47,000 (this amount is adjusted annually based on the CPI).
Alabama does not have a statutory fee schedule for attorneys or personal representatives based on a percentage of the estate; fees must be reasonable and are subject to court approval if contested or if the will does not specify otherwise.
This guide provides an informational overview of the Lawrence 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
Lawrence County Probate Court
Probate matters in Lawrence County are handled at the Lawrence County Judicial and Administrative Center.
Probate Judge: Greg Dutton
Address: 14451 Market St., Moulton, AL 35650
Phone: (256) 974-2439 (Probate Judge's Office)
Additional Phone Numbers: (256) 974-2440, (256) 974-2495
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM
The Probate Judge's office is responsible for recording legal documents, issuing marriage licenses, and presiding over probate court proceedings.
Parking and Access
Public parking is available at the Judicial and Administrative Center. Visitors should be prepared for security screening upon entering the building.
Filing Process
Step 1: Determine If Probate Is Necessary
Before filing, assess whether formal probate is required:
- Summary Distribution (Small Estates): If the estate consists of personal property worth approximately $47,000 or less (2026 limit) and includes no real estate, 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 Letters Testamentary or Petition for Letters of Administration with the Lawrence County Probate Court. Include:
- The original Will (if applicable)
- Certified copy of the death certificate
- List of next of kin and heirs
- Filing fee (typically $50–$100 depending on the petition type; check current fee sheet)
- Waiver of Notice/Bond forms (if applicable and signed by heirs)
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 Lawrence County, such as The Moulton Advertiser, once a week for three successive weeks.
Step 4: Attend the Hearing
The court will review the petition. If the petition is uncontested and all waivers are filed, a formal hearing may not be required, or it may be a formality. Upon approval, the judge issues Letters Testamentary or Letters of Administration.
Step 5: Administer the Estate
After receiving Letters, the personal representative must:
- Notify creditors (creditors have 6 months from the grant 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 to close the estate (unless all heirs consent to a consent settlement).
Local Requirements
Lawrence County-Specific Procedures
- Filing Fees: Lawrence County maintains a specific "Probate Fee Sheet" (updated for 2025/2026). Fees for initial petitions typically range from $50 to $75, but additional costs for recording and certification apply.
- Bond: A surety bond is generally required for administrators (intestate) unless all heirs waive the requirement and the judge approves. Executors (testate) are usually exempt if the will waives bond.
- Publication: Notice to creditors must be published in The Moulton Advertiser.
- Local Forms: While Alabama uses statewide forms, the Lawrence County Probate Office may have specific cover sheets or preferences for document formatting.
Always check with the Probate Clerk for the most current local rules and fee schedules.
Timeline & Fees
Filing Fees (Lawrence County)
- Petition for Letters Testamentary/Administration: approximately $50–$75 (base fee)
- Recording Fees: typically $3.00 per page (varies by document type)
- Certified copies of Letters: approximately $3–$5 per copy
- Publication costs: approximately $100–$200 (payable directly to the newspaper)
- Small Estate (Summary Distribution): approximately $40–$60
Note: Fees are subject to change. Consult the 2025/2026 Probate Fee Sheet at the courthouse.
Payment Methods
The court typically accepts cash, cashier's checks, or money orders. Personal checks may not be accepted for all fees. Credit cards may be accepted with a convenience fee.
Estimated Timelines
- Simple estates (Summary Distribution): 30–60 days
- Average estates: 6–9 months (due to the 6-month creditor claim period)
- Complex or contested estates: 12 months to 2+ years
The 6-month creditor claim period is a mandatory statutory waiting period for closing a full estate.
Local Resources
Lawrence County Court Resources
- Court Website: lawrence.alacourt.gov
- Probate Judge Office: lawrencecountyal.org/probate-judge/
- Alabama Probate Forms: eforms.alacourt.gov
Legal Aid and Attorney Referrals
- Alabama State Bar Lawyer Referral: alabar.org
- Legal Services Alabama: (866) 456-4995 — legalservicesalabama.org
Publication
- The Moulton Advertiser: (256) 974-0643 — moultonadvertiser.com