Search Auburn Probate Court Records

Probate court records for Auburn residents are kept by Lee County Probate Court. The county runs its main probate office in Opelika, the county seat, and keeps a satellite office in Auburn for the convenience of Auburn-area residents. Estate administration files, wills, guardianship proceedings, conservatorship appointments, adoption records,. And name change petitions filed by Auburn residents are permanently preserved at Lee County Probate Court. All probate matters must be filed with Lee County Probate Court. Under Alabama Code § 12-13-1, probate courts have original area over estates, guardianships, conservatorships, adoptions,. And name changes.

Which County Handles Probate Filings for Auburn

Auburn is found in Lee County. All probate court filings for Auburn residents are handled by the Lee County Probate Court. The main probate office is found in Opelika, with a satellite office in Auburn.

Under Alabama Code § 12-13-1, probate courts have original. And general area over estates of deceased persons, guardianships for minors and incapacitated adults, conservatorships, adoptions, name changes, and other statutory matters. Wills must be filed in the county. Where the deceased person lived. Alabama law needs wills to be filed within five years of death to remain effective.

Lee County Probate Court

Main Office (Opelika)

Auburn Satellite Office

Lee County Probate Court keeps a satellite office in Auburn to serve Auburn-area residents conveniently. The main probate court office is found in Opelika. The court handles estates, wills, guardianships, conservatorships, adoptions,. And other probate matters for all Lee County residents like Auburn.

Types of Probate Records Available for Auburn Residents

Estate Administration Files

When an Auburn resident dies, their estate must be administered through Lee County Probate Court. The process begins with filing a petition for letters testamentary if the deceased left a valid will. Or a petition for letters of administration if the deceased died intestate. Under Alabama Code Title 43, Chapter 8, the probate court has area in all matters relating to decedents' estates.

Under Alabama Code § 43-2-350, creditors have six months from grant of letters. Or five months from first publication to file claims against the estate. Estate files contain the original will or petition, letters issued by the court, inventory of assets, claims filed by creditors, accountings showing receipts and disbursements, receipts and releases from heirs or beneficiaries, and final settlement documents.

Small Estate Administration

Alabama Code § 43-2-692 gives a simplified procedure for small estates under the Alabama Small Estates Act. This statute allows summary distribution of personal property. When the estate value does not exceed limits adjusted annually for inflation. Small estate procedures give a faster distribution method without full probate administration.

Guardianship and Conservatorship Records

Lee County Probate Court appoints guardians for minors. And incapacitated adults who cannot manage their own affairs. Alabama Code Title 26, Chapter 2A governs guardianship and conservatorship proceedings. A guardian manages personal welfare and health care decisions. A conservator may be appointed. When an incapacitated person is unable to manage property and business affairs.

Adoption Records

Probate courts in Alabama have exclusive area over adoption proceedings. Adoption records are sealed by statute once the final decree is entered. Under Alabama Code Title 26, Chapter 10A, identifying information from sealed adoption files cannot be disclosed except by court order. Before the final decree, only the petitioner, their attorney, the preplacement investigator,. And any attorney for the minor have access to the adoption file.

Name Change Records

Auburn residents seeking a legal name change must file a verified petition in Lee County Probate Court. The court must find compliance with notice requirements, good and enough reason for the change, and that the change is consistent with the public interest.

Fees and Costs

Alabama Code § 12-19-90 sets a statutory fee schedule for probate court services. Standard fees include:

• Will probate (5 pages or less): $45.00 with three certified copies of letters testamentary
• Letters of administration: $45.00 with three certified copies
• Additional pages: $3.00 per page for wills over 5 pages and final settlements over 10 pages
• Filing petitions: $3.00 per petition or paper filed
• Certified copies: $2.00 to $5.00 per document plus page fees

Contact Lee County Probate Court at 334-737-3670 for the current full fee schedule.

Legal Aid and Resources for Auburn Residents

Lee County Legal Aid Society

Lee County Bar Association

The Lee County Bar Association is a professional association of attorneys practicing in Lee County like several Auburn-based attorneys. Members include attorneys who can give representation in probate matters.

Local Law Firms in Auburn

Auburn is home to several law firms. That handle probate matters:

• Walker Law Firm: Founded 1999, office in Auburn
• Haygood, Cleveland, Pierce, Thompson & Short, LLP: Servicing clients throughout Alabama since 1959

Alabama State Bar Volunteer Lawyers Program

AlabamaLegalHelp.org

Guide to free and low-cost legal aid services throughout Alabama. Search by location and legal issue.

Legal Services Alabama

Free legal services for low-income individuals in civil matters. Serves Lee County.

Federal Court

Nearby Major Cities

Other major Alabama cities with probate court information:

• Montgomery
• Birmingham
• Huntsville
• Tuscaloosa

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