Cherokee Probate Court — contact & hours
| Address | 260 Cedar Bluff Rd., Centre, AL 35960 |
| Phone | (256) 927-3668 |
| Hours | Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM |
| Judge of Probate | Tim Burgess |
| Court website | cherokeecountyal.com |
What the Cherokee Probate Court handles
The Cherokee Probate Court in Centre has jurisdiction over estate administration, will probate, guardianships, conservatorships, mental health proceedings, and vital records including birth and death certificates. Cherokee County has a population of approximately 26,000, making it one of the smaller counties in North Alabama.
If a Cherokee County resident died with a will, the executor must file the original will and a petition for probate with this court. If there is no will, a family member petitions to be appointed administrator. In either case, the court issues letters testamentary or letters of administration that give the executor legal authority to manage the estate.
Filing fees at Cherokee Probate Court
Filing fees in Alabama probate courts are set by state law and are generally modest — they are not the primary cost of probate. Expect to pay approximately $150–$250 to open an estate in Cherokee County, plus the cost of certified copies of letters testamentary ($1–$5 each — get at least 8–10). Attorney fees and executor compensation are typically the larger costs. See our full guide on how much probate costs in Alabama.
Cherokee County estates — what to know
Cherokee County is a small, rural county in northeastern Alabama, bordered by Georgia to the east. The county seat is Centre, located on the shores of Weiss Lake — one of Alabama's most popular recreational lakes. Many Cherokee County estates involve lakefront or lake-access property on Weiss Lake, which can carry significant value and requires careful handling in probate.
As one of Alabama's smaller counties, Cherokee County Probate Court handles a modest volume of filings. However, the county's popularity as a retirement and second-home destination means a steady stream of estate matters involving out-of-state heirs or property held by former Georgia residents. If the deceased owned property in both Alabama and Georgia, ancillary probate in Georgia may be required.
Do you need a probate attorney in Cherokee County?
Alabama does not require an attorney for probate, but most families benefit significantly from professional help — especially when real estate is involved, when there are creditor disputes, or when heirs disagree. A North Alabama probate attorney can prepare all required documents, handle court filings, manage creditor notices, and guide you through the 8–12 month process from opening to closing.
Most probate attorneys offer free initial consultations. Our North Alabama attorney directory lists estate and probate attorneys serving all of North Alabama including Cherokee County.
Need help with a Cherokee County estate?
Connect with a North Alabama probate attorney — free consultation available.
Alabama probate — general overview
Regardless of which county you file in, Alabama probate follows the same basic process under Title 43 of the Alabama Code. The typical timeline is 8–12 months, driven primarily by the six-month creditor claim period. Assets cannot be fully distributed until this window closes. See our complete Alabama probate guide for a step-by-step overview, or our guide on when probate is required in Alabama — some estates may qualify for the simplified small estate process.