Decatur Probate Court Records

Probate court records for Decatur residents are kept by Morgan County Probate Office. As the county seat of Morgan County, Decatur is home to the probate court offices found at 302 Lee Street Northeast at the Morgan County Courthouse. Estate administration files, wills, guardianship proceedings, conservatorship appointments, adoption records,. And name change petitions filed by Decatur residents are permanently preserved at Morgan County Probate Office. Judge Greg Cain serves as Probate Judge. The court runs Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. 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 Decatur

Decatur is found in Morgan County. And serves as the county seat. All probate court filings for Decatur residents are handled by the Morgan County Probate Court. As the county seat, Decatur is home to the Morgan County Courthouse. And probate court offices.

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.

Morgan County Probate Office

Morgan County Probate Office serves all Morgan County residents. Wills in Decatur need to be submitted to the Morgan County probate office at the Morgan County Courthouse. The court handles estates, wills, guardianships, conservatorships, adoptions,. And other probate matters.

Types of Probate Records Available for Decatur Residents

Estate Administration Files

When a Decatur resident dies, their estate must be administered through Morgan 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

Morgan 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.

Name Change Records

Decatur residents seeking a legal name change must file a verified petition in Morgan 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 Morgan County Probate Office at 256-351-4600 for the current full fee schedule.

Legal Aid and Resources for Decatur Residents

Legal Services Alabama

NARCOG Senior Legal Services

Huntsville Madison County Volunteer Lawyers Program

Some attorneys volunteer with this program. And may serve Morgan County area.

Alabama State Bar Resources

• Volunteer Lawyers Program
• Lawyer referral services available

Federal Court

Nearby Major Cities

Other major Alabama cities with probate court information:

• Huntsville
• Madison
• Birmingham
• Montgomery

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