Lawrence Probate Court — contact & hours
| Address | 14330 Court St., Moulton, AL 35650 |
| Phone | (256) 974-0696 |
| Hours | Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM |
| Judge of Probate | Greg Dutton |
| Court website | lawrencecountyal.org |
What the Lawrence Probate Court handles
The Lawrence Probate Court in Moulton has jurisdiction over estate administration, will probate, guardianships, conservatorships, mental health proceedings, and vital records including birth and death certificates. Lawrence County has a population of approximately 34,000, making it one of the smaller counties in North Alabama.
If a Lawrence 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 Lawrence 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 Lawrence 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.
Lawrence County estates — what to know
Lawrence County is a rural North Alabama county located along the Tennessee River between Decatur and Muscle Shoals, with Moulton as its county seat. The county has a strong agricultural tradition, and many Lawrence County estates involve farmland, timberland, and waterfront property along Wheeler Lake and the Tennessee River.
As a smaller county, Lawrence County Probate Court processes a more modest volume of estate filings than neighboring Morgan or Madison counties. This can mean faster processing times for straightforward estates. However, the rural nature of many Lawrence County properties means that real estate valuation and title work often require extra attention during probate.
Do you need a probate attorney in Lawrence 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 Lawrence County.
Need help with a Lawrence 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.