Estate Planning & Probate in Jefferson County, Alabama
Most Jefferson County estate questions come down to one fork: avoid probate before a death, or work through it after one. Pick the path that fits, then work from the local Probate Court details.
The Probate Process in Jefferson County
Probate is the court-supervised process of settling someone's estate after they die — validating the will, paying debts and taxes, and transferring what's left to the heirs. In Jefferson County, probate runs through the Probate Court at 716 Richard Arrington, Jr. Boulevard North, Birmingham.
Full Jefferson Countyprobate guide: cost, how to file & attorneys →Probate Court Record
Probate Court
Jefferson County
Address
Phone
Hours
Recording Deeds & Property Documents
Recording Office Record
Judge of Probate
Jefferson County · Yashiba Glenn Blanchard (Presiding, Birmingham Place 1); Jameria Johnson Moore (Birmingham Place 2); Jacqueline S. Knox (Bessemer Division)
Address
Phone
E-recording
$13 for the first page plus $3 for each additional page; TOD deeds are generally transfer-tax exempt.
Full recording details →Verified July 13, 2026 · Source
Frequently Asked Questions
The Probate Court for Jefferson County is located in Birmingham, Alabama. Full address, phone, hours, and e-filing details are listed on this page.
Yes. E-filing is available but optional in Jefferson County. Many families filing without an attorney prefer paper filing at the Probate Court; both are accepted.
No. Alabama allows estates under $47,000 to use a Summary Distribution and skip formal probate. The waiting period is 30 days after death. Use the Alabama probate decision tool to see if the estate qualifies.
When there is no will, Alabama's intestate succession rules decide who inherits. Spouses, children, and parents are prioritized in that order. The Jefferson County probate court applies the state rules without variation. See who inherits in Alabama for the exact order.
A revocable living trust is the cleanest way for most families to skip probate entirely. Assets titled to the trust pass to beneficiaries without court involvement, filing fees, or the Jefferson County probate docket. Create a revocable trust online to avoid putting your family through this process later.
Alabama Estate Planning Articles
Articles about estate planning, probate, and trusts relevant to families in Jefferson County.
Is this your situation?
Get a complete guide for your specific circumstances.
