Probate in Alabama, handled for you
Alabama settles estates through the Probate Court in each county. In Alabama, a personal representative opening a formal estate is generally expected to act through a licensed attorney, because the executor acts on behalf of the estate — not just themselves. The good news is that Alabama has a homestead allowance and a small-estate affidavit for estates under $25,000. Kindred handles the administration and coordinates the attorney for the parts that require one.
Alabama requires a licensed attorney for a formal probate — and we include one. In Alabama, a personal representative opening a formal estate is generally expected to act through a licensed attorney — a non-lawyer filing probate petitions on behalf of an estate may constitute the unauthorized practice of law. Kindred handles all the administrative work and coordinates a fixed-price attorney for the legal filing.
The four things families ask first
Hourly / flat fee
Read moreA formal Alabama probate typically runs about 9 to 14 months, driven by the 6-month creditor-claim period.
Read more$25,000
Read moreProbate Court, in the county where the person lived
What it could cost in Alabama
≈ 45 hours of admin and legal work, all billed at lawyer rates.
Kindred + your attorney
Estimated difference vs. a full-service firm
$5,500
+ about 150 hours of your own time
Full-service estimated at $250–$400/hr for ~45hours; the attorney figure is an illustrative fixed fee. Illustrative only — not a quote or legal advice. Figures vary by estate. We're not a law firm; an independent attorney always handles the legal work.
Worth knowing in Alabama
Homestead allowance
Alabama provides a $15,000 homestead allowance to a surviving spouse or minor children, set aside from the estate before creditors are paid. There's also a $7,500 exempt-property allowance. Both are priority claims that reduce the probate estate.
Frequently asked
Do I need a lawyer for probate in Alabama?
Generally yes — in Alabama, a personal representative opening a formal estate is expected to act through a licensed attorney. Kindred handles all the administrative work and coordinates a fixed-price attorney for the legal filing, so you get one predictable price. For very small estates that qualify for the affidavit procedure, no formal probate is needed. Kindred is not a law firm.
How much does probate cost in Alabama?
No statutory percentage fee — attorneys typically bill $200-$350/hour or a flat fee. Filing fees run about $100-$200. A small-estate affidavit can skip probate for estates under $25,000. Homestead and exempt-property allowances ($15,000/$7,500) protect assets for the family. These are illustrative figures.
How long does probate take in Alabama?
A formal probate typically runs 9 to 14 months because creditors have 6 months to file claims. A small-estate affidavit can resolve in weeks for estates under $25,000. An inventory is due within 2 months of appointment.
What is Alabama's homestead allowance?
Alabama provides a $15,000 homestead allowance to a surviving spouse or minor dependent children, paid from the estate before most creditors. There's also a $7,500 exempt-property allowance. Both are priority claims that protect family assets and reduce the probate estate.
Last verified June 2026. Figures are illustrative and vary by estate — not a quote or legal advice. Kindred is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice; we handle the administrative work and coordinate an independent attorney where one is legally required.
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