ProbateUS
Probate Court

Morgan County

Alabama

256-351-4675

Phone

256-351-4675

Fax

256-351-4884

Website

Official Site →

Email

probcourt@morgancounty-al.gov

In Morgan County, Alabama, you file a probate case with the Morgan County probate court at 302 Lee Street NE, Decatur, AL 35601. You can reach the court at 256-351-4675. Below you'll find 1 filing fee, 49 downloadable forms and the office hours.

Court details last updated

Court Location & Contact

Address

302 Lee Street NE, Decatur, AL 35601

Fax

256-351-4884

Visit Official Court Website

Filing Fees

Morgan County, Alabama

Fee TypeAmount
Probate of Will (Will being 5 pages or less*)$52.00

Judges & Officers

JG
Judge Greg Cain

Probate Forms Library

49 fillable forms. Scroll the list to see them all.

Every Morgan Countyform, with a short summary and the official source →
Administrators Handbook (.pdf)countyDownload
JUNE-2023 — Alabama Guide For Guardians And ConservatorscountyDownload
4675 — Click Here.countyDownload
Service Checklist and Affidavit for Adoption Petitions (.pdf)countyDownload
4675 — Website User ID Application (.pdf)countyDownload
1041 — Accumulation Distribution for Certain Complex TrustsfederalDownload
1041-T — Allocation of Estimated Tax Payments to BeneficiariesfederalDownload
1041 — Alternative Minimum Tax — Estates and TrustsfederalDownload
Application For Burial BenefitsfederalDownload
SSA-4 — Application for Child's Insurance BenefitsfederalDownload
SF 2800 — Application for Death Benefits (CSRS)federalDownload
SF 3104 — Application for Death Benefits (FERS)federalDownload
Application For DIC, Survivors Pension And/Or Accrued BenefitsfederalDownload
SS-4 — Application for Employer Identification NumberfederalDownload
706 — Application for Extension of Time To File a Return and/or Pay U.S. Estate TaxesfederalDownload
SSA-10 — Application for Widow's or Widower's Insurance BenefitsfederalDownload
1041 — Beneficiary's Share of Income, Deductions, Credits, etc.federalDownload
1041 — Capital Gains and Losses (Estates and Trusts)federalDownload
706-CE — Certification of Payment of Foreign Death TaxfederalDownload
FE6 — Claim for Death Benefits (FEGLI)federalDownload
VA40-1330 — Claim For Standard Government Headstone Or MarkerfederalDownload
SF 2818 — Continuation of Life Insurance Coverage as AnnuitantfederalDownload
FE7 — Designation Of Beneficiary (FEGLI)federalDownload
SF 2823 — Designation Of Beneficiary Federal Employees' Group Life InsurancefederalDownload
FS 5336 — Disposition of Treasury Securities Belonging to a Decedent's Estate Being Settled Without AdministrationfederalDownload
8855 — Election To Treat a Qualified Revocable Trust as Part of an EstatefederalDownload
1041 — Estimated Income Tax for Estates and TrustsfederalDownload
706 — Generation-Skipping Transfer Tax (Form 706)federalDownload
706-GS — Generation-Skipping Transfer Tax Return for DistributionsfederalDownload
706-GS — Generation-Skipping Transfer Tax Return for TerminationsfederalDownload
8971 — Information Regarding Beneficiaries Acquiring Property From a DecedentfederalDownload
56 — Notice Concerning Fiduciary RelationshipfederalDownload
706-GS — Notification of Distribution From a Generation-Skipping TrustfederalDownload
1041-V — Payment Voucher (Estate or Trust)federalDownload
I-360 — Petition For Amerasian, Widow(er), Or Special ImmigrantfederalDownload
2848 — Power of Attorney and Declaration of RepresentativefederalDownload
FS 1455 — Request By Owner or Person Entitled to Payment for Reissue of United States Savings BondsfederalDownload
706 HAS — Request for Discharge From Personal Liability Under IRC 2204 or 6905federalDownload
4810 — Request For Prompt Assessment Under Internal Revenue Code Section 6501(d)federalDownload
FS 1522 — Special Form of Request for Payment of United States Savings and Retirement SecuritiesfederalDownload
SSA-721 — Statement of Death by Funeral DirectorfederalDownload
1310 — Statement of Person Claiming Refund Due a Deceased TaxpayerfederalDownload
706-NA — U.S. Estate Tax Return for Nonresident Not a Citizen of the U.S.federalDownload
706-QDT — U.S. Estate Tax Return for Qualified Domestic TrustsfederalDownload
1041 U — U.S. Income Tax Return for Estates and TrustsfederalDownload
1041-A — U.S. Information Return Trust Accumulation of Charitable AmountsfederalDownload
706-A — United States Additional Estate Tax ReturnfederalDownload
706 UNITED — United States Estate (and Generation-Skipping Transfer) Tax ReturnfederalDownload
709 — United States Gift (and Generation-Skipping Transfer) Tax ReturnfederalDownload

How Probate Works in Morgan County

Probate in Morgan County, Alabama

The Morgan County Probate Court handles all matters related to the estates of deceased persons, including the validation of wills, appointment of executors and administrators, and the supervised distribution of assets. If you need to file for probate in Morgan County, AL, this guide covers what you need to know.

What Is Probate?

Probate is the legal process of settling a deceased person's estate. It involves validating the will (if one exists), identifying and inventorying assets, paying debts and taxes, and distributing remaining property to heirs and beneficiaries. In Alabama, the probate court in each county oversees this process.

When Is Probate Required in Alabama?

Probate is generally required when:

  • The deceased owned real estate solely in their name

  • The estate contains assets above Alabama's small estate threshold

  • There are disputes among heirs or creditors

  • Assets are not held in a trust or joint tenancy

Steps to File for Probate in Morgan County

  1. Locate the will (if one exists) and gather the death certificate

  2. File a petition with the Morgan County Probate Court to open probate

  3. Notify heirs and creditors as required by Alabama law

  4. Inventory the estate — identify all assets, debts, and liabilities

  5. Pay debts and taxes — settle outstanding obligations from estate funds

  6. Distribute remaining assets — according to the will or state intestacy laws

  7. Close the estate — file a final accounting with the court

How Long Does Probate Take?

In Alabama, probate typically takes 6 to 18 months depending on the complexity of the estate. Simple estates with no disputes may be resolved faster, while contested wills or complex asset distributions can take longer.

Do You Need a Probate Attorney?

While Alabama does not always require an attorney for probate, it is strongly recommended, especially for estates with significant assets, real estate, business interests, or potential disputes. A local probate attorney familiar with Morgan County Probate Court procedures can help navigate the process efficiently.

Resources

For more information about the probate process, visit the Morgan County Probate Court directly or consult with a local probate attorney. You can also explore tools like EverSettled for step-by-step estate settlement guidance.

Funeral homes near the Morgan County probate court

Additional Notes

The Morgan County Probate office is located on the 2nd floor, inside the Morgan County Courthouse. The Probate Office will be temporarily moving to the old MCATS building located at 401 2nd Ave. SE, Decatur, AL, on February 9. 2026. The courthouse will be closed beginning February 16, 2026, for an estimated period of two to four weeks due to renovations.

Office Hours

Monday-Friday8:00 AM - 4:30 PM

Common Questions

Where do I file for probate in Morgan County, AL?

Probate petitions for estates in Morgan County are filed at the Morgan County Probate Court. Contact the court directly for filing instructions and office hours.

How much does probate cost in Morgan County?

Probate filing fees in Morgan County, Alabama vary based on the estate value and type of petition. Contact the probate court clerk for the current fee schedule.

How long does probate take in Alabama?

Probate in Alabama typically takes 6 to 18 months. Timeline depends on estate complexity, creditor claims, and whether the will is contested.

Can I avoid probate?

Assets held in trusts, joint tenancy, or with designated beneficiaries (like life insurance and retirement accounts) can pass outside of probate. Consult with an estate planning attorney for strategies specific to your situation.

Do I need a lawyer for probate in Morgan County?

While not always legally required in Alabama, a probate attorney is recommended for most estates, especially those involving real estate, business interests, or potential disputes among heirs.

What happens if someone dies without a will?

When someone dies intestate (without a will) in Alabama, their assets are distributed according to state intestacy laws. The Morgan County Probate Court will appoint an administrator to manage the estate.

Probate Attorneys

The closest we list to this court

Gay Maloney

Blackburn, Maloney and Schuppert, LLC

Decatur · < 1 mi

Cynthia Lamar-Hart

Maynard Nexsen

Birmingham · 76 mi

Alternate Dispute Resolution (ADR)Asset Protection+10

Vincent Schilleci

Maynard Nexsen

Birmingham · 76 mi

Asset ProtectionBusiness Planning+1

Jennifer McEwen

Maynard Nexsen

Birmingham · 76 mi

Asset ProtectionBusiness Planning+3

Kirby Sevier

Maynard Nexsen

Birmingham · 76 mi

See more attorneys near Morgan County→

Related Resources

AlabamaProbate Guide →All AlabamaCourts →Morgan CountyProbate Forms →Alabama executor fee calculator→Banks and Insurers to Notify →