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Find out if you can handle probate yourself, see estimated cost savings vs. hiring an attorney, and get a step-by-step filing checklist.
Yes. Self-filing in Mobile County works best for straightforward estates with a clear will and few beneficiaries.
File at the Probate Court, 151 Government Street, Mobile, AL 36602. Phone: 251-574-6000. Hours: Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM.
Mobile County offers e-filing for probate matters. AlaFile statewide e-filing system. Self-represented litigants may register but are not required to e-file. Paper filing available.
Mobile County doesn't have a dedicated probate self-help center, so self-filers should confirm local procedures with the court clerk.
Yes, Alabama offers informal probate procedures that are designed to be manageable without attorney representation.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, 2024Verified May 5, 2026 The process is most straightforward for simple estates with clear wills and cooperative beneficiaries.
Court filing fees in Alabama vary by county.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, 2024Verified May 5, 2026 Self-filing costs typically include the court petition fee, publication costs, and bond premiums. The filing fee is a fraction of total probate costs. See a full breakdown with the Alabama probate calculator.
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