Tuscaloosa Probate Court Records Lookup

Probate court records for Tuscaloosa residents are kept at the Tuscaloosa County Probate Court found at 714 Greensboro Avenue, Suite 121. Tuscaloosa is the county seat of Tuscaloosa County with a population of about 111,338 residents. The probate court serves all Tuscaloosa County residents like those living in the city of Tuscaloosa. Estate administration files, probated wills, guardianship proceedings, conservatorship orders, sealed adoption records, name change decrees, and property transfer documents are filed and permanently kept at the Tuscaloosa County Probate Court. Tuscaloosa residents seeking to probate a will, open estate administration, set guardianship. Or conservatorship, file for adoption,. Or petition for a name change must submit their case to Tuscaloosa County Probate Court. The court handles estates, wills, guardianships, conservatorships, adoptions, and name changes for all Tuscaloosa County residents. Office hours are Monday through Friday from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM.

Which County Handles Probate Filings for Tuscaloosa

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

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. Alabama law needs wills to be filed within five years of the testator's death to remain effective.

Tuscaloosa County Probate Court

The Tuscaloosa County Probate Court is found at 714 Greensboro Avenue in Tuscaloosa. The court handles all probate court functions for Tuscaloosa residents like estate administration, guardianships, conservatorships, adoptions, name changes, marriage licenses, motor vehicle title transfers, deed recordings, and elections administration. Staff at the probate court can assist with filing documents, searching records, requesting copies,. And answering procedural questions.

Probate court records are public under Alabama Code Section 36-12-40 except where restricted by law for adoptions, mental health proceedings, or other confidential matters. The office serves the city of Tuscaloosa and all of Tuscaloosa County.

Types of Probate Records Available for Tuscaloosa Residents

Estate Administration Files

When a Tuscaloosa resident dies, their estate must be administered through the Tuscaloosa 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. Small estate procedures give a faster distribution method without full probate administration for qualifying estates.

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.

Guardianship files include the petition for appointment, medical evidence. Or certificates of incapacity, court orders appointing the guardian or conservator, bonds, annual accountings and reports, court orders approving actions or expenditures, and final discharge orders. Guardians and conservators must file detailed annual accountings with the court. These records are usually public under Alabama Code Section 36-12-40, subject to recent privacy rules restricting certain personal information.

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. 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

Tuscaloosa residents seeking a legal name change must file a verified petition in Tuscaloosa 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. For child name changes, notice must be given to both parents unless waived.

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
• Presiding in noncontested causes: $10.00
• Presiding in contested causes: $25.00 per day
• Certified copies: $2.00 to $5.00 per document plus page fees

Contact the Tuscaloosa County Probate Court at (205) 464-8204 for the current full fee schedule. Fees are subject to change. Payment is usually needed at the time of filing. Or when requesting copies.

Legal Aid and Resources for Tuscaloosa Residents

Legal Services Corporation of Alabama - Tuscaloosa Regional Office

Legal Services Corporation of Alabama gives various civil matters like probate-related services. Call the office straight with questions about qualification and eligibility.

Alabama State Bar Volunteer Lawyers Program - Tuscaloosa Free Legal Aid Clinics

Free legal aid clinics are held at Tuscaloosa Public Library every third Thursday from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM. Services include probate matters like wills, living wills, and small estate administration. No appointment is needed for the clinic. The clinic is not held in December.

University of Alabama School of Law - Civil Law Clinic

The University of Alabama School of Law gives free legal services to locals. And university students facing civil issues. Services may include probate matters. This resource gives unique access to clinical legal programs through the law school.

Tuscaloosa County Bar Association

The Tuscaloosa County Bar Association is a not-for-profit organization that encourages professionalism among lawyers in the Tuscaloosa County area. The association promotes professionalism. And collegiality and holds annual meetings to discuss ethical issues. Monthly VLP clinics are usually held on the third Thursday except December. Contact the Alabama State Bar Volunteer Lawyers Program at (888) 857-8571 as an alternative.

Federal Court Access

The Northern District of Alabama holds court at Anniston, Birmingham, Florence, Huntsville,. And Tuscaloosa. The nearest major federal courthouse is the Hugo L. Black United States Courthouse in Birmingham at (205) 278-1700.

Tuscaloosa 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
• Montgomery - Montgomery County
• Hoover - Jefferson County
• Mobile - Mobile County