Franklin Probate Court — contact & hours
| Address | 410 Jackson Avenue N, Russellville, AL 35653 |
| Phone | (256) 332-8801 |
| Hours | Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM |
| Judge of Probate | Barry Moore |
| Court website | franklincountyal.org |
What the Franklin Probate Court handles
The Franklin Probate Court in Russellville has jurisdiction over estate administration, will probate, guardianships, conservatorships, mental health proceedings, and vital records including birth and death certificates. Franklin County has a population of approximately 32,000, making it one of the smaller counties in North Alabama.
If a Franklin 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 Franklin 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 Franklin 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.
Franklin County estates — what to know
Franklin County is located in northwestern Alabama, with Russellville as its county seat. The county borders Mississippi and is part of the Muscle Shoals/Tennessee Valley region. Franklin County estates frequently involve agricultural land, timber rights, and mineral interests — asset types that require specialized valuation and careful deed work during probate.
Franklin County is one of the more rural counties in North Alabama, and many residents have not completed basic estate planning documents like wills, trusts, or powers of attorney. Dying without a will in Franklin County means Alabama's intestate succession laws determine who inherits — which may not reflect the deceased's actual wishes. See our guide on how to create a will in Alabama.
Do you need a probate attorney in Franklin 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 Franklin County.
Need help with a Franklin 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.