Related Pages

• Adoptions
• Commitments
• Guardianships
• Wills / Estates
• Conservatorships

Probate Court

Winston County Probate Office
25125 Hwy 195
P.O. Box 27
Double Springs, AL 35553
Phone: (205) 489-5219
Fax: (205) 489-5135

Mission Statement
The mission of Winston County Probate Court, is to provide a fair and efficient forum to have all matters that come within the jurisdiction of the Probate Court decided promptly and in an atmosphere of respect to all persons who come before the Court.

Hours: 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday - Friday
Filings accepted from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m

Judge
Honorable Sheila G. Moore Probate Judge, (205) 489-5219
Moore has proudly served Winston County for three terms. Her office has maintained a reputation for honesty and integrity, while implementing many programs to enhance the probate office.

Probate Court Duties
Probate Court exercises jurisdiction and supervision in probating of wills and of the administration of estates and trust of deceased person by personal representatives and trustees. The Court hears cases pertaining to guardianships; adoptions; estates and wills, and the mentally ill.

Overview
The Probate Court exercises jurisdiction and supervision in probating of wills and of the administration of estates and trusts of deceased persons by personal representatives and trustees. The Court also hears cases relating to guardianship; conservatorship for adults and minors; and petitions for the hospitalization and/or treatment of mentally ill persons.

The Probate Court interprets last wills in the event of uncertainty or conflict over the will’s meaning, or to determine rights to an estate of which the person has died intestate (without a will). Proceedings in the Probate Court may be very brief or summary in form (as when wills are self-executing and the probate court need only review them briefly), or the proceedings may develop into full-scale adversarial proceedings.

The Probate Court can appoint a guardian to act on behalf of an incapacitated individual. The Court may also appoint a conservator to manage the estate and financial affairs of the individual. Guardians of the person and his/her estate are also appointed by the Probate Court. The Probate Court is required to periodically review guardianship to determine if the need for guardianship still exists.

Goals

• Process the estates of the deceased and hold related documents for safekeeping
• Hold hearings on involuntary psychiatric hospitalizations and ensure that involuntary psychiatric commitments comply with the Alabama Mental Health Code
• Appoint guardians/conservators to protect the rights and interests of adults and minors