Jackson Probate Court — contact & hours
| Address | 102 E. Laurel St., Scottsboro, AL 35768 |
| Phone | (256) 574-9300 |
| Hours | Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM |
| Judge of Probate | Victor Manning |
| Court website | jacksoncountyal.gov/Probate-Court |
What the Jackson Probate Court handles
The Jackson Probate Court in Scottsboro has jurisdiction over estate administration, will probate, guardianships, conservatorships, mental health proceedings, and vital records including birth and death certificates. Jackson County has a population of approximately 53,000, making it one of the smaller counties in North Alabama.
If a Jackson 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 Jackson 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 Jackson 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.
Jackson County estates — what to know
Jackson County is located in the far northeastern corner of Alabama, bordering Tennessee and Georgia. The county seat is Scottsboro, home of the Jackson County Courthouse. Many Jackson County estates involve rural real property, farmland, and timber interests — asset types that require careful handling in probate to ensure proper valuation and transfer. If an estate includes real estate in both Alabama and Tennessee, ancillary probate proceedings in the other state may be required.
Jackson County is also home to a significant number of retirees and older residents, making estate planning and probate a common need in the community. The probate court handles a steady volume of smaller estates that may qualify for Alabama's small estate affidavit process if total probate assets are $25,000 or less.
Do you need a probate attorney in Jackson 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 Jackson County.
Need help with a Jackson 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.