Lauderdale Probate Court — contact & hours
| Address | 200 S. Court St., Florence, AL 35630 |
| Phone | (256) 760-5800 |
| Hours | Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM |
| Judge of Probate | Sara Holmes |
| Court website | lauderdalecountyal.gov |
What the Lauderdale Probate Court handles
The Lauderdale Probate Court in Florence has jurisdiction over estate administration, will probate, guardianships, conservatorships, mental health proceedings, and vital records including birth and death certificates. Lauderdale County has a population of approximately 93,000, making it one of the larger counties in North Alabama.
If a Lauderdale 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 Lauderdale 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 Lauderdale 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.
Lauderdale County estates — what to know
Lauderdale County is the most populous county in the Muscle Shoals area, with Florence as its county seat. Florence is home to the University of North Alabama and has a growing professional and retiree population. As one of the larger North Alabama counties, Lauderdale County Probate Court handles a significant volume of estate filings.
The Tennessee River forms the southern boundary of Lauderdale County, and waterfront and river property are common estate assets in the area. Many Lauderdale County residents also hold property across the river in Colbert County, and estates spanning both counties may require coordinated probate proceedings. Florence has a growing community of estate planning attorneys serving the broader Shoals area.
Do you need a probate attorney in Lauderdale 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 Lauderdale County.
Need help with a Lauderdale 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.