Standard processing in Alabama takes 7-10 daysAlabama Department of Public Health - Center for Health StatisticsVerified Oct 15, 2026View source. A funeral home's order at the time of death usually arrives first.

Alabama sets a statutory order for who controls the disposition of remains: surviving spouse, then sole surviving child, or majority of surviving children, then sole surviving grandchild, or majority of surviving grandchildrenAla. Code § 34-13-11Verified Sep 10, 2026View source. The state allows you to name your own agent in a signed, written documentAla. Code § 34-13-11(a)(2)Verified Sep 10, 2026View source, and that designation takes priority over the default order. Those wishes can be recorded alongside the rest of an estate plan when you create a revocable living trust.

Alabama imposes a 24-hour minimum waiting periodAla. Code § 34-13-121Verified Sep 10, 2026View source before cremation. A medical examiner or coroner authorizes the cremation before it proceeds. Authorizing agent per § 34-13-11 must sign a cremation authorization form approved by the Board of Funeral Service, plus a state identification form. All cremations must be arranged through a licensed funeral establishment (§ 34-13-121(b)).

Alabama allows estates with personal property of $47,000Ala. Code § 43-2-696.02Verified Sep 8, 2026View source or less to use the Summary DistributionAla. Code § 43-2-696.02Verified Sep 8, 2026View source, which avoids full probate administration. Alabama's small estate shortcut is a court procedure: the court's own order authorizes collection. There is no affidavit to present to a bank. The waiting period is 30 daysAla. Code § 43-2-696.02Verified Sep 8, 2026View source after death.