Skip to main content
SimplyTrust
SimplyTrust
Create a TrustNewForms & ToolsFreeResourcesStates
LoginGet started
Company
AboutCareersContactFormsCreate a TrustNew
Privacy PolicyTerms of ServiceSecurityAI Access

© 2026 SimplyTrust Software Inc.

SimplyTrust Logo

Every family deserves a plan. We'll help.

Get startedApp StoreGoogle Play

Forms

  • Revocable Trust
  • Last Will
  • Pour-Over Will
  • Healthcare Proxy
  • Financial POA
  • Transfer on Death Deed

Tools

  • Trust vs Will
  • Probate Calculator
  • Who Inherits
  • Estate Settlement
  • Death Tax Calculator
  • Life Insurance

Learn

  • Revocable Living Trusts
  • Last Will and Testaments
  • Articles
  • State Guides
  • Estate Law
  • Life Events

Directories

  • Law Firms
  • Financial Assets
  • Digital Assets
  • Government Agencies

Company

  • About
  • Careers
  • Contact
  • Create a Trust

SimplyTrust is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice, legal counsel, or attorney review. Information on this platform is for general informational purposes only. Use of SimplyTrust does not create an attorney-client relationship. You are solely responsible for all documents you create. For advice tailored to your circumstances, consult a licensed attorney in your state.

© 2026 SimplyTrust Software Inc. All rights reserved.

Privacy Policy·Terms of Service·Security··AI Access

All content, data, and calculations are proprietary. Automated scraping, systematic downloading, or data extraction is prohibited under our Terms of Service. Product visuals are simulated for illustrative purposes and may differ from actual experience. Logos provided by Logo.dev.

A will is a wish. A trust is a plan.

Create and manage your trust online.

How it works

No probate. No public record. No court.

Estate Ledger

Every decision signed, timestamped, and hashed

Pricing

Simple, transparent pricing

Download

Get the app on iOS and Android

Home→Tools→Probate Calculator→Alabama

How Much Does Probate Cost in Alabama?

Use our free calculator to estimate attorney fees, executor fees, court costs, and timeline for probating an estate in your state.

Frequently Asked Questions

Probate costs in Alabama typically include attorney fees (based on reasonable compensation determined by the court), executor fees, court filing fees, and publication costs.Ala. Code §§ 43-2-680 + 43-2-848 (executor compensation), 43-2-682 (attorney fees), 43-2-691, 43-2-692, 43-2-698 (small estate / Summary Distribution; HB164 / Act 2025-431, eff. Oct 1, 2025), 43-8-110/111/112/116 (homestead, exempt property, family allowance, CPI adjustment), 43-2-350 (creditor claims), 43-2-851 (bond), 43-2-834 (informal admin), 43-2-61 (publication), 12-19-90 (filing fees); Alabama State Treasury CPI Information page (treasury.alabama.gov/cpi-information) for current $18,800/$18,800/$9,400 allowances effective April 1, 2024 (next CPI adjustment July 1, 2026, effective April 1, 2027). Re-verified 2026-05-31 via enrolled HB164-enr.pdf (alison.legislature.state.al.us), treasury.alabama.gov/cpi-information, and legis.alabama.gov primary sources — all values confirmed correct.Verified May 31, 2026 Total costs generally range from 3-8% of the estate value depending on complexity. Use the executor fee calculator to estimate executor compensation separately.

Alabama allows estates valued at $47,000 or less to use a Summary Distribution, which avoids formal probate.Ala. Code §§ 43-2-680 + 43-2-848 (executor compensation), 43-2-682 (attorney fees), 43-2-691, 43-2-692, 43-2-698 (small estate / Summary Distribution; HB164 / Act 2025-431, eff. Oct 1, 2025), 43-8-110/111/112/116 (homestead, exempt property, family allowance, CPI adjustment), 43-2-350 (creditor claims), 43-2-851 (bond), 43-2-834 (informal admin), 43-2-61 (publication), 12-19-90 (filing fees); Alabama State Treasury CPI Information page (treasury.alabama.gov/cpi-information) for current $18,800/$18,800/$9,400 allowances effective April 1, 2024 (next CPI adjustment July 1, 2026, effective April 1, 2027). Re-verified 2026-05-31 via enrolled HB164-enr.pdf (alison.legislature.state.al.us), treasury.alabama.gov/cpi-information, and legis.alabama.gov primary sources — all values confirmed correct.Verified May 31, 2026 The waiting period is 30 days after death. Check eligibility with the Alabama probate need checker.

In Alabama, simple estates typically take 6-12 months. Average estates take 12-18 months. Complex estates with disputes, tax issues, or unusual assets can take 18-36 months or longer.Ala. Code §§ 43-2-680 + 43-2-848 (executor compensation), 43-2-682 (attorney fees), 43-2-691, 43-2-692, 43-2-698 (small estate / Summary Distribution; HB164 / Act 2025-431, eff. Oct 1, 2025), 43-8-110/111/112/116 (homestead, exempt property, family allowance, CPI adjustment), 43-2-350 (creditor claims), 43-2-851 (bond), 43-2-834 (informal admin), 43-2-61 (publication), 12-19-90 (filing fees); Alabama State Treasury CPI Information page (treasury.alabama.gov/cpi-information) for current $18,800/$18,800/$9,400 allowances effective April 1, 2024 (next CPI adjustment July 1, 2026, effective April 1, 2027). Re-verified 2026-05-31 via enrolled HB164-enr.pdf (alison.legislature.state.al.us), treasury.alabama.gov/cpi-information, and legis.alabama.gov primary sources — all values confirmed correct.Verified May 31, 2026 The 6-month creditor claim period sets a minimum timeline.

Alabama uses a "reasonable compensation" standard for probate attorney fees.Ala. Code § 43-2-682 (court fixes reasonable attorney fees at settlement)Verified May 31, 2026 Courts consider factors such as the complexity of the estate, time spent, attorney skill, and local rates. Typical fees range from 2% to 4% of estate value.

Alabama allows executors to receive reasonable compensation.Ala. Code §§ 43-2-680, 43-2-848 (capped at 2.5% of receipts + 2.5% of disbursements; court may award more for extraordinary services)Verified May 31, 2026 Executors can waive their fee entirely or accept a reduced amount. See a detailed breakdown with the Alabama executor fee calculator.

Real property cannot be transferred using the small estate affidavit in Alabama.Ala. Code §§ 43-2-680 + 43-2-848 (executor compensation), 43-2-682 (attorney fees), 43-2-691, 43-2-692, 43-2-698 (small estate / Summary Distribution; HB164 / Act 2025-431, eff. Oct 1, 2025), 43-8-110/111/112/116 (homestead, exempt property, family allowance, CPI adjustment), 43-2-350 (creditor claims), 43-2-851 (bond), 43-2-834 (informal admin), 43-2-61 (publication), 12-19-90 (filing fees); Alabama State Treasury CPI Information page (treasury.alabama.gov/cpi-information) for current $18,800/$18,800/$9,400 allowances effective April 1, 2024 (next CPI adjustment July 1, 2026, effective April 1, 2027). Re-verified 2026-05-31 via enrolled HB164-enr.pdf (alison.legislature.state.al.us), treasury.alabama.gov/cpi-information, and legis.alabama.gov primary sources — all values confirmed correct.Verified May 31, 2026 Separate procedures apply.

Probate Costs in Alabama

Probate costs in Alabama depend on estate size, complexity, and whether disputes arise. Knowing what to expect helps families prepare financially and explore alternatives like trusts that bypass probate entirely. The trust vs. will comparison shows the trade-offs.

Alabama probate attorney fees range from 2%Ala. Code § 43-2-682 (court fixes reasonable attorney fees at settlement)Verified May 31, 2026 to 4%Ala. Code § 43-2-682 (court fixes reasonable attorney fees at settlement)Verified May 31, 2026 of estate value under a reasonable compensation standard. Unlike statutory-fee states, families have room to negotiate.

Estates under $47,000Ala. Code § 43-2-698Verified May 31, 2026 in Alabama may qualify for a simplified procedure that avoids formal probate. The waiting period is 30 daysAla. Code § 43-2-698Verified May 31, 2026 after the date of death.

The probate timeline in Alabama starts at 6 monthsAla. Code §§ 43-2-680 + 43-2-848Verified May 31, 2026 for simple estates. A revocable living trust avoids this process altogether, with assets distributed privately and without court involvement.

SimplyTrustSimplyTrust Editorial·Updated May 31, 2026

Legal Sources

  • Ala. Code § 43-2-682 (court fixes reasonable attorney fees at settlement)
  • Ala. Code § 43-2-698
  • Ala. Code §§ 43-2-680 + 43-2-848

Data sourced from Alabama statutes and official state code. How we research.

When you're ready, we're here.

A revocable living trust skips probate, stays private, and takes 15 minutes.

Get startedApp StoreGoogle Play

Alabama Estate Planning Resources

In-depth guides covering Alabama probate laws, trust requirements, and estate planning strategies.

$
$
$
$

Vehicles, jewelry, collectibles, etc.

$

Mortgages, credit cards, loans, etc.

Enter estate details

Select your state and enter an estate value to see a detailed cost estimate.

Quick examples:

Probate fee bases vary by state and may use gross estate, personal property, inventory value, or net property after debts. This calculator provides educational estimates only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. Actual costs vary significantly by county, attorney, and estate complexity. Consult a licensed attorney in your state for guidance specific to your situation.

SimplyTrust

We're here when you're ready

Is this your situation?

Get a complete guide for your specific circumstances.

Named as Executor

Named as Executor

Being named executor means navigating probate, managing assets, and distributing the estate. What's expected, what you can charge, and how to start.

Learn more
Death of a Parent

Death of a Parent

Losing a parent is overwhelming. What needs to happen next — settling the estate, navigating probate, and the steps to move forward.

Learn more