Montgomery, Alabama guide

Montgomery County Probate Court's Wills and Estates division is the local starting point for estate proceedings. Its probate information distinguishes a will from the court's appointment of a personal representative. Confirm the decedent's county of residence before starting a case here.

For a Montgomery filing, identify whether you are asking to probate an original will, obtain an administration appointment, or request summary distribution. The Wills and Estates office describes these as different matters. Ask which original documents are needed and how notice is arranged before assuming a downloadable form completes the process. If the decedent lived outside Montgomery County but owned property here, ask counsel about the correct primary and any additional proceeding.

Alabama does not currently impose a state estate tax for 2026 deaths and does not currently impose a separate inheritance tax for 2026 deaths.

Alabama Revenue ties its former estate-tax filing requirement to the federal state-death-tax credit. Its guidance says no Alabama estate filing is required for deaths after 2004.

The Alabama guide covers the broader estate process. The local court does not provide a retirement or investment plan. An attorney addresses legal authority, a CPA addresses filings, and an advisor addresses financial planning. SBC has no local office in Montgomery.