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States→Alabama→Jefferson County→How to File

How Do I File Probate in Jefferson County, Alabama?

A step-by-step guide to filing at the Probate Court—what documents you'll need, where to go, and what happens after you file.

OverviewGetting StartedCosts & FeesHow to FileFind Attorneys

Probate documents in Jefferson County can be filed in person at the Probate Court, by mail, or electronically. Most families handling probate themselves prefer paper filing, though e-filing is available if you're comfortable with online systems.

Your Filing Options

How to File Your Documents

Paper Filing Available

You can file your probate documents in person at the court or by mail.

E-Filing Also Available

If you prefer, you can file electronically through the state's online system. This is optional for families filing without an attorney.

View E-Filing Information

Can You File Without an Attorney?

Not every estate requires an attorney. Factors like estate size, asset types, and whether beneficiaries agree can determine if self-filing at the Probate Court is realistic for your situation.

For a detailed cost comparison and filing checklist, see the full Jefferson County Self-Filing Assessment.

Jefferson County Filing Requirements

These are specific requirements for filing probate in this county. Following these guidelines will help avoid delays or rejected filings.

Before You File

Self-represented litigants may file in paper

Self-represented (pro se) litigants are not required to use AlaFile electronic filing. Paper filing is available at the probate court for all filings.

In-Person Filing

The Probate Court is located at 716 Richard Arrington, Jr. Boulevard North, Birmingham, AL 35203. Phone: 205-325-5426. Hours: Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM.

Probate matters are overseen by Probate Judge, Place 1 (Presiding) Hon. Yashiba Glenn Blanchard.

What to Bring

Filing probate at the Probate Court requires the original will (if one exists), a certified death certificate, and information about heirs and beneficiaries. The court also requires details about estate assets and known debts.

Court Resources

For procedural questions about your filing, you can contact Deputy Probate Judge, Bessemer Division Jacqueline S. Knox. The clerk's office handles filing questions but cannot provide legal advice.

Additional resources, forms, and fee schedules are available on the Probate Court website.

Visit Court Website →

Frequently Asked Questions

You open probate by filing a petition with the Probate Court in Jefferson County, attaching the original will (if any), the death certificate, and the filing fee ($175). Once the court issues letters, the personal representative can act.

At minimum: petition for probate, application for letters testamentary or of administration, notice to heirs, and an oath for the personal representative. Jefferson County uses the standard Alabama probate forms — the court's website lists the current versions.

Alabama allows informal (unsupervised) probate, which many families handle themselves for simple estates. The Probate Court in Jefferson County does not require attorney representation. Use the Alabama self-filing assessment to see if your estate qualifies.

Yes. The Probate Court in Jefferson County accepts e-filing through the state portal. In-person filing at the courthouse is still available for those without digital access.

Assets stay locked, creditors can still pursue them, and beneficiaries cannot sell real property or close accounts. After a few years, interested parties can petition to open probate themselves. Waiting rarely helps. Families who set up a revocable living trust ahead of time bypass this problem entirely.

Probate Court

Jefferson County

716 Richard Arrington, Jr. Boulevard North

Birmingham, AL 35203

Phone:

205-325-5426

Hours:

Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Visit Court Website →
Paper Filing Available
E-Filing Optional

Notify Banks & Financial Institutions

Each institution has a separate death claim process. Find yours below.

Ameris Bank

Ameris Bank logo

Bank serving the Southeast and Northeast

Ameris Bank

Auto-Owners Life

Auto-Owners Life logo

Insurance Company serving the Midwest, Southeast, and more

Auto-Owners Life

Bank of Hope

Bank of Hope logo

Bank serving the West, Southeast, and more

Bank of Hope

Cadence Bank

Cadence Bank logo

Bank serving the Southeast, Southwest, and more

Cadence Bank

Centennial Bank

Centennial Bank logo

Bank serving the Southeast, Southwest, and more

Centennial Bank

COUNTRY Financial

COUNTRY Financial logo

Insurance Company serving the Midwest, West, and more

COUNTRY Financial

First Horizon

First Horizon logo

Bank serving the Southeast, Midwest, and more

First Horizon

Hancock Whitney

Hancock Whitney logo

Bank serving the Southeast and Southwest

Hancock Whitney

Huntington

Huntington logo

Bank serving the Southeast, Midwest, and more

Huntington

Keesler Federal

Keesler Federal logo

Credit Union serving Mississippi, Louisiana and Alabama

Keesler Federal

Origin

Origin logo

Bank serving the Southeast and Southwest

Origin

PenAir

PenAir logo

Credit Union serving Florida, Alabama and Virginia

PenAir

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