- Updated for 2027
- Free for homeowners
- Any condition
- No obligation
- You choose who to talk to
Selling a house in probate in Alabama.
In Alabama, probate runs through the probate judge in the county where the person lived. Here is how a personal representative's authority to sell a home generally works.
Tell us about your home
Alabama · Free, private and no obligation.
Probate · Alabama
How it works in Alabama.
Every Alabama county has a probate court led by a probate judge, and an estate is usually opened in the county where the person who died was living. The judge issues letters testamentary when there is a will, or letters of administration when there is not. Whoever receives those letters is called the personal representative, and that document is what title companies and buyers ask to see before a house can be sold.
Selling the house is not automatic, even with letters in hand. Alabama law separates what a personal representative may do on their own from what needs the probate court's prior approval, and the answer often depends on what the will says. Every estate is different, so it helps to talk with an Alabama probate attorney or the probate office in your county before you list, sign a contract or promise a closing date to anyone.
Alabama specifics
What to know in Alabama.
Probate is handled county by county
Alabama estates are generally opened before the probate judge of the county where the person was living when they died. Local procedures, forms and filing fees can differ from county to county, so the probate office where the estate is filed is a good first call.
Letters give the personal representative authority
The court issues letters testamentary to an executor named in a will, or letters of administration when there is no will. Either way, Alabama calls the person a personal representative. Buyers and title companies will usually ask for a copy of the letters.
Court approval may be needed to sell
Under Alabama's Probate Procedure Act, a personal representative generally needs prior court approval to sell estate real property unless the will expressly authorizes the sale. If the will grants a power of sale, the process can be simpler. An attorney can review the will's wording.
Sales to divide property among heirs
Alabama law also allows estate land to be sold by order of the probate court when it cannot be fairly divided among the heirs or devisees, or when an adult heir or devisee files written consent to the sale. This is common when several relatives inherit one house together.
Small estate shortcut usually excludes houses
Alabama has a summary distribution process for small estates that is filed with the county probate judge and requires published notice and notice to the Alabama Medicaid Agency. It is generally limited to personal property, so it usually does not help when the person owned a house that did not pass by survivorship.
This is general information, not legal or tax advice. Rules can change and every situation is different, so confirm the details for your case with a Alabama attorney or the appropriate office.
Your options
There is more than one path.
Distribute the home to heirs
Instead of selling, the estate can transfer the house to one or more heirs once probate allows. This can work well if someone wants to live in or keep the home. It may require heirs to agree on buyouts or shared ownership.
List with an agent who knows probate
An agent familiar with probate sales can help with pricing, court requirements and marketing to the open market. This is often the clearest way to see what the home is worth. It can take longer, especially if court confirmation or repairs are involved.
Explore offers from investors and professionals
Some executors prefer to hear from buyers who are comfortable with probate timelines and homes sold as-is. Through Doorbloom, you can share the property details and decide whether to talk with independent professionals. Any sale still has to follow the court's rules, and it is worth comparing against a listing.
How it works
Three clear steps.
- 1
Tell us about your home
Share the address, condition and your timeline. It takes about a minute, and we only ask what is needed for the next step.
- 2
Review who is interested
Real estate investors and professionals review your home. You see who they are before anyone gets your contact details.
- 3
Choose your next step
Talk to the people you want, compare your options, or decide not to sell. There is no pressure and no obligation.
Questions
Questions from Alabama homeowners.
Does Alabama require court approval to sell a house in probate?
Often, yes. Alabama law generally requires prior approval from the probate court before a personal representative sells estate real property, unless the will expressly authorizes the sale. A probate attorney can tell you which rule applies to your estate.
Which court handles probate in Alabama?
Probate is generally handled by the probate court in the county where the person lived at death, with a probate judge overseeing the estate. Your county probate office can explain its local steps and forms.
Can I use Alabama's small estate process for a house?
Usually not. Alabama's small estate summary distribution is generally limited to personal property of a person who owned no real property at death, apart from property that passed automatically, such as by survivorship. A house in the person's name alone typically means a regular estate is needed.
Does Alabama have transfer-on-death deeds that skip probate?
Alabama does not currently have a statute creating transfer-on-death deeds for real estate. Homes owned jointly with an expressly stated right of survivorship may pass to the surviving owner without probate. An attorney can confirm how your family's home was titled.
Is Doorbloom buying my house?
No. Doorbloom is a platform that connects Alabama homeowners with real estate investors and professionals. Any offer comes from them, and nothing is binding until you sign a purchase agreement.
What does it cost?
Creating an account and telling us about your home is free for homeowners.
Official Alabama resources
Independent help in Alabama.
Alabama cities
More Alabama guides
Explore the next step when you are ready.
Tell us about your Alabama home. It is free, and you stay in control of who you talk to.
Tell us about your home