Find Probate Court Records in Dothan

Probate court records for Dothan residents are kept by Houston County Probate Court. As the county seat of Houston County, Dothan is home to the probate court offices found at 462 N. Oates Street. Estate administration files, wills, guardianship proceedings, conservatorship appointments, adoption records,. And name change petitions filed by Dothan residents are permanently preserved at Houston County Probate Court. Houston County Probate Court runs Monday through Thursday from 7:00 AM to 5:30 PM and is closed on Fridays. Patrick H. Davenport serves as Probate Judge. 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 Dothan

Dothan is found in Houston County and serves as the county seat. All probate court filings for Dothan residents are handled by the Houston County Probate Court. As the county seat, Dothan is home to the 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.

Houston County Probate Court

Houston County Probate Court serves all Houston County residents, like those in Dothan. The court handles estates, wills, guardianships, conservatorships, adoptions, name changes, and other probate matters. The court runs on a unique schedule, open Monday through Thursday with extended hours until 5:30 PM and closed on Fridays.

Types of Probate Records Available for Dothan Residents

Estate Administration Files

When a Dothan resident dies, their estate must be administered through Houston 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

Houston 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

Dothan residents seeking a legal name change must file a verified petition in Houston 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 Houston County Probate Court at 334-677-4701 for the current full fee schedule.

Legal Aid and Resources for Dothan Residents

Legal Services Alabama - Dothan Office

Unity Law, LLC

Houston County Bar Association

The Houston County Bar Association is a professional association of attorneys practicing in Houston County. Members include attorneys who can give representation in probate matters. Judge Patrick Davenport, the current Probate Judge, is a member of the Alabama Bar Association. And Houston County Bar Association.

Wiregrass Inns of Court

Legal professional organization in the Wiregrass region, separate from but related to the bar association.

Alabama State Bar Volunteer Lawyers Program

Federal Court

Nearby Major Cities

Other major Alabama cities with probate court information:

• Montgomery
• Mobile
• Birmingham
• Auburn

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