Search Hoover Probate Court Records

Probate court records for Hoover residents are kept at the Jefferson County Probate Court Birmingham Division. Hoover is a large suburban city found in Jefferson County with a population of about 92,448 residents. Jefferson County runs two probate divisions to serve the county's population of over 700,000 citizens. The Birmingham Division handles probate matters for Hoover. And surrounding areas in the eastern portion of the county. The Bessemer Division serves the western portion. Estate administration files, probated wills, guardianship proceedings, conservatorship orders, sealed adoption records, name change decrees, and property transfer documents are filed and kept at the Birmingham Division courthouse on Richard Arrington Jr. Boulevard. Hoover residents seeking to probate a will, open estate administration, set guardianship or conservatorship, file for adoption, or petition for a name change must file their case with the Birmingham Division of Jefferson County Probate Court.

Which County Handles Probate Filings for Hoover

Hoover is found in Jefferson County. All probate court filings for Hoover residents are handled by the Jefferson County Probate Court Birmingham Division. Jefferson County runs two probate divisions due to the county's large population. And geographical size. The Birmingham Division serves Hoover. And the eastern portion of Jefferson County. The Bessemer Division serves the western portion of the county.

Under Alabama Code Section 12-13-1, the probate court has original and general area over all matters relating to estates of deceased persons, guardianships and conservatorships for minors and incapacitated adults, adoptions, name changes, and other matters stated by statute. Wills must be filed in the county. Where the deceased person lived.

Jefferson County Probate Court Birmingham Division

The Birmingham Division of Jefferson County Probate Court is found on Richard Arrington Jr. Boulevard in downtown Birmingham, about 10 to 15 miles from Hoover. This location handles all probate court functions for Hoover residents like estate administration, guardianships, conservatorships, adoptions, name changes, marriage licenses, motor vehicle title transfers, deed recordings,. And elections administration. The court serves over 700,000 Jefferson County citizens.

Hoover residents must file probate matters at the Birmingham Division. Staff at this office can assist with filing documents, searching records, requesting copies, and answering procedural questions.

Types of Probate Records Available for Hoover Residents

Estate Administration Files

When a Hoover resident dies, their estate must be administered through the Jefferson 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 2, the personal representative must file an inventory and appraisement within two months of appointment. Creditors have six months from grant of letters. Or five months from first publication to file claims under Alabama Code Section 43-2-350.

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. These files remain permanently in the probate court archives. Interested parties can review estate files to find out property ownership, identify heirs and beneficiaries, verify payment of debts, or research family history.

Small Estate Administration

Alabama Code Section 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. Volunteer Lawyers Birmingham gives limited probate services for cases involving decedent funds in banks or life insurance policies with values of $20,000.00 and below for eligible low-income Hoover residents.

Guardianship and Conservatorship Records

The 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 and has property that will be wasted without proper management or needs funds for support.

Adoption Records

Probate courts in Alabama have exclusive area over adoption proceedings. However, 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. Volunteer Lawyers Birmingham gives limited help with adoptions by relatives only for eligible low-income Jefferson County residents like Hoover residents.

Name Change Records

Hoover residents seeking a legal name change must file a verified petition in Jefferson County Probate Court under Alabama Code Title 12, Chapter 13. 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 Section 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 per document plus page fees
• Uncertified copies: $1.00 per page

Contact the Jefferson County Probate Court Birmingham Division at 205-325-5420 for the current full fee schedule.

Legal Aid and Resources for Hoover Residents

Volunteer Lawyers Birmingham

Volunteer Lawyers Birmingham gives free civil legal help to low-income residents of Jefferson County like Hoover. Eligibility is based on income and asset levels. The organization offers limited probate services like adoption by relatives only, quitclaim deeds, corrective deeds,. And cases involving decedent funds in banks or life insurance policies with values of $20,000.00 and below. Meetings with volunteer lawyers are by appointment only.

Senior Legal Assistance

The Alabama Department of Senior Services Legal Help program serves adults age 60 and older. This statewide system of legal professionals gives help to older adults on various civil matters like estate planning. And probate issues.

Birmingham Bar Association

The Birmingham Bar Association serves Hoover as part of the metropolitan Birmingham area. The association has almost 3,000 lawyers. And judges in the metropolitan Birmingham area like Hoover. The association offers a lawyer referral service to help find attorneys with experience in probate and estate planning matters.

Law Firms Serving Hoover

Several probate and estate planning law firms keep offices in. Or near Hoover. Local attorneys give services in estate planning, probate administration, elder law, guardianship, conservatorship, and trusts. Many offer free initial consultations to Hoover residents.

Federal Court Access

The Hugo L. Black United States Courthouse in Birmingham serves the Northern District of Alabama. The courthouse is about 15 miles from Hoover.

Hoover Probate Resources

Nearby Cities with Probate Records

The below cities in Alabama also keep probate court records through their respective county probate courts:

• Birmingham - Jefferson County
• Tuscaloosa - Tuscaloosa County
• Montgomery - Montgomery County
• Mobile - Mobile County