Alabama Probate Court Guardianship Fees by County

Why Fees Vary So Much

Alabama doesn't set a single statewide filing fee for minor guardianship petitions. Each county probate court publishes its own fee schedule, and the range is dramatic — from under $40 in some counties to several hundred dollars in others. On top of the base filing fee, some counties tack on mandatory deposits for court-appointed guardians ad litem and court representatives that can add hundreds more.

Knowing your county's actual costs before you walk into the clerk's office prevents surprises that can stall your filing.

County Fee Examples

These are published county probate court rates for minor guardianship filings. Always call your county clerk to confirm current fees before filing — courts update schedules periodically.

Jefferson County Probate Court — $175 for appointment of a guardian of a minor. Jefferson handles the largest volume of guardianship filings in the state.

Madison County Probate Court — $37 for a minor guardianship petition. Combined guardianship and conservatorship is $64. This is one of the lowest base rates in the state.

Lauderdale County Probate Court — $276.55 for a minor guardianship, which includes a partial guardian ad litem fee built into the filing cost. Emergency temporary guardianship runs $296.55. Recording a Title 26 power of attorney is $20.

Houston County Probate Court — $91 for a minor guardianship. A separate private-attorney guardianship line is $93 plus a $1,500 security deposit. The county lists its $365 "Fast Track Guardianship" fee for filings by a custodial parent or sibling when an intellectually disabled person reaches the age of majority.

Autauga County Probate Court — $30 base filing fee, but the real cost is higher: the county requires a $500 security deposit for the guardian ad litem and a $500 deposit for the court representative. That's $1,030 total before you've even had a hearing.

Lee County Probate Court — $104 for a minor guardianship filing. Combined guardianship and conservatorship is $218.

Juvenile Court Fees

If you're filing a dependency complaint in juvenile court instead of a probate guardianship, the fee structure is different:

Jefferson County Juvenile Court — $85 for an agreed custody complaint, $125 for a civil custody or parentage case. These include local surcharges for special projects and legal aid.

Mobile County Juvenile Court — $598 effective August 1, 2026, for custody, visitation, and modification filings. This is significantly higher than most counties and includes various administrative fees.

Additional Costs Beyond Filing Fees

The filing fee is just the start. Factor in:

• Service of process — Jefferson County charges an additional $10 for each document submitted to its Sheriff's Department for service. Certified mail costs vary by weight and delivery options.
• Service by publication — If a parent can't be found and you need to publish notice in a newspaper, expect $60 to $100 or more for four consecutive weekly publications.
• Certified copies of Letters of Guardianship — You'll need multiple copies for schools, doctors, banks, and agencies. Most counties charge a certification fee plus a per-page charge.
• Background checks — ALEA criminal history and DHR child abuse registry checks carry their own fees.

How to Get Fees Waived

If the filing fees create genuine financial hardship, file an Affidavit of Substantial Hardship (Form C-10) with your petition. This form documents your income, benefits, assets, and expenses, and asks the court to waive the prepayment of filing fees and service costs. If you receive SNAP, SSI, or TANF, that strongly supports your eligibility.

Read our detailed guide on the Alabama Affidavit of Substantial Hardship for the full process.

Verify Before You File

Call the probate clerk in your county before your filing date and ask three questions: What is the current minor guardianship filing fee? What payment methods do you accept? Are there any required deposits beyond the filing fee?

Some counties only accept cash or certified funds. Others take credit cards or money orders. Showing up with the wrong payment method means a wasted trip.

Our Alabama Guardianship and Custody Court Process Guide includes a county fee worksheet where you can log your specific county's fees, deposit requirements, payment methods, and clerk contact information.

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