HB161 Alabama 2015 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Chris PringleRepresentative

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2015

Title

Probate court, court costs, payable at discretion of court when pleading filed, security deposits for court costs authorized, Sec. 12-19-43 am'd.

Summary

HB161 would let probate court fees be paid when a petition is filed (not just at the end), allow security deposits to cover expected costs, and set related transcript-fee rules.

What This Bill Does

It amends the probate court fee rules to let the court collect costs at filing or at the end of a case, at the court's discretion. It authorizes the court to require security deposits to cover expected costs, with any unused deposits returned. It clarifies when transcript fees are due (when the service is performed) and notes that fees should not be charged unless the service is performed. It takes effect the first day of the third month after passage and governor approval.

Who It Affects

• People who file petitions, motions, or other pleadings in probate court: could be charged court costs at filing or at case end and may need to provide a security deposit to cover expected costs; any unused deposit would be returned.
• The probate court system (judges and staff): gains discretion to set when fees are due and to require security deposits, and to process refunds of unused deposits.

Key Provisions

• Fees for probate court services may be due at filing or at the termination of the suit, at the court's discretion; transcript fees are due when the service is performed.
• Courts may order security deposits to cover expected probate costs; unused deposits must be returned to the depositor.
• Effective date: the first day of the third month following passage and governor approval.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 24, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Judge, Probate