How Much Does Probate Cost in Mobile County, Alabama?
Understanding what probate costs before you start helps you plan and avoid surprises. Here's what families in Mobile County can expect.
Probate costs in Mobile County vary widely depending on estate size, whether disputes arise, and how much professional help you use. Here's what drives the total.
Attorney fees in Alabama are based on reasonable compensationAla. Code § 43-2-682 (court fixes reasonable attorney fees at settlement)Verified May 5, 2026, typically 2%Ala. Code § 43-2-682 (court fixes reasonable attorney fees at settlement)Verified May 5, 2026 to 4%Ala. Code § 43-2-682 (court fixes reasonable attorney fees at settlement)Verified May 5, 2026 of estate value. Many Mobile-area attorneys offer flat-rate arrangements for straightforward estates.
See what probate is likely to cost in Mobile County:
The Probate Court charges $45Ala. Code § 12-19-90Verified May 5, 2026 to open a probate case, plus additional fees for motions and final accounting.
Attorney fees in Mobile County typically range from 2%Ala. Code § 43-2-682 (court fixes reasonable attorney fees at settlement)Verified May 5, 2026 to 4%Ala. Code § 43-2-682 (court fixes reasonable attorney fees at settlement)Verified May 5, 2026 of estate value, though many local attorneys offer flat-rate arrangements for straightforward cases. Executor compensation in Alabama is based on reasonable payment for time and effort managing the estate.
You'll need to publish a creditor notice in a local Mobile County newspaper ($200-$500). Real estate and business interests also require professional appraisals, typically $300-$600 each.
A surety bond may be required unless the will waives it or all beneficiaries consent. If required, premiums typically cost 0.5%Ala. Code § 43-2-851Verified May 5, 2026 of estate value annually.
Expect the full process to run 12 monthsAla. Code §§ 43-2-680 + 43-2-848Verified May 5, 2026 to 18 monthsAla. Code §§ 43-2-680 + 43-2-848Verified May 5, 2026 at the Probate Court. The 6 monthsAla. Code § 43-2-350Verified May 5, 2026 creditor claim period is the single biggest driver of that timeline, and costs continue to accrue while the estate remains open.
Legal Sources
- Ala. Code § 12-19-90
- Ala. Code § 43-2-350
- Ala. Code § 43-2-682 (court fixes reasonable attorney fees at settlement)
- Ala. Code § 43-2-851
- Ala. Code §§ 43-2-680 + 43-2-848
Data sourced from Alabama statutes and official state code. How we research.
Frequently Asked Questions
Total probate costs usually run 3–8% of the estate value. For Mobile County, that means filing fees ($45 to open), attorney fees, executor compensation, publication costs, and possibly a bond. The calculator on this page runs the math for your estate size.
The petition to open probate costs $45 in Mobile County. Additional filings during administration (inventory, accounting, final petition) can add to the total. The calculator above shows the full picture.
Alabama uses "reasonable fees" — usually hourly billing or a percentage of the estate. Typical range is 2%–4% of estate value, negotiable based on complexity.
Alabama caps executor compensation by statute — the same schedule used for attorney fees in many states. Executors can waive this fee, which often makes sense for family members who are also beneficiaries.
Yes. Alabama estates under $47,000 can use a Summary Distribution and avoid most probate costs. Check the Alabama self-filing assessment to see if this applies.
A revocable living trust skips probate entirely — no filing fee, no attorney schedule, no executor commission. The cost of setting up the trust is typically recovered many times over compared to what probate would cost the estate. Create a revocable trust online and keep the estate out of Mobile County probate.
Probate Court
Mobile County
151 Government Street
Mobile, AL 36602
Phone:
251-574-6000Fax:
251-574-6005
Hours:
Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Paper Filing Available
E-Filing Optional
Notify Banks & Financial Institutions
Each institution has a separate death claim process. Find yours below.
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