2013 Code of Alabama
Title 43 - WILLS AND DECEDENTS' ESTATES.
Chapter 2 - ADMINISTRATION OF ESTATES.

Article 1 General Provisions.

• Section 43-2-1 - Recordation of letters and bonds; transcripts as evidence.

Article 2 Grant of Letters Testamentary of Administration.
Division 1 Grant of Letters Testamentary.

• Section 43-2-20 - Generally.
• Section 43-2-21 - Form.
• Section 43-2-22 - Disqualification of certain persons to serve as executor or administrator.
• Section 43-2-23 - Issuance of letters to married woman.
• Section 43-2-24 - Supplemental letters for minors and married women upon removal of disability.
• Section 43-2-25 - Procedure for renouncing appointment.
• Section 43-2-26 - Issuance of letters to others named in will upon renunciation or failure to apply by one named.
• Section 43-2-27 - Letters of administration granted in stated order on failure of executor to apply, etc.
• Section 43-2-28 - Death of sole or surviving executor.
• Section 43-2-29 - Grant of letters testamentary after revocation of letters of administration.

Division 2 Grant of Letters of Administration.

• Section 43-2-40 - Generally.
• Section 43-2-41 - Form.
• Section 43-2-42 - Order of grant of administration.
• Section 43-2-43 - Renunciation or relinquishment of right to administration.
• Section 43-2-44 - Grant of administration when more than one person entitled thereto; preference of whole blood over half blood.
• Section 43-2-45 - Letters not granted until five days after intestate's death; examination of applicants and witnesses.
• Section 43-2-46 - Postponing issuance of letters during time for appeal.
• Section 43-2-47 - Special administrator ad colligendum.
• Section 43-2-48 - Conclusiveness of letters.

Article 3 Notice of Appointment of Executors or Administrators.

• Section 43-2-60 - Generally; time of notice.
• Section 43-2-61 - Manner of giving notice.
• Section 43-2-62 - Penalty for failure to give notice.

Article 4 Bonds of Executors and Administrators.

• Section 43-2-82 - Liability of judge in taking bond.
• Section 43-2-83 - Discharge of surety; new bond.
• Section 43-2-84 - Bond of applicant when administration committed to general administrator or sheriff.
• Section 43-2-85 - Bond of general administrator.
• Section 43-2-86 - Additional bond of general administrator.
• Section 43-2-87 - Additional bond of sheriff.
• Section 43-2-88 - When sureties discharged by additional bond.
• Section 43-2-89 - Force and obligations of former bonds continued.
• Section 43-2-90 - Rights of sureties among themselves.
• Section 43-2-91 - Bonds valid and operative as statutory bonds.
• Section 43-2-92 - Conditional execution or delivery of bond.
• Section 43-2-93 - Reducing amount of bond.

Article 5 Liability of Executors and Administrators.

• Section 43-2-110 - Limits of liability generally.
• Section 43-2-111 - Liability for damages recovered under sections 6-5-391, 6-5-410 or 25-6-3.
• Section 43-2-112 - Executor or administrator of decedent who wasted or converted another decedent's assets.
• Section 43-2-113 - Executor de son tort.
• Section 43-2-114 - Resignation as defense.

Article 6 Actions by and Against Executors and Administrators.
Division 1 General Provisions.

• Section 43-2-130 - Venue; service of process.
• Section 43-2-131 - Limitation on actions against executor or administrator.
• Section 43-2-132 - Actions begun by special administrator not abated.
• Section 43-2-133 - Succeeding executor or administrator to be made party to civil actions.
• Section 43-2-134 - Judgments against administrators in chief revived against administrators de bonis non.
• Section 43-2-135 - Actions against survivor of two or more executors or administrators.
• Section 43-2-136 - Survival of actions for damages to realty.
• Section 43-2-137 - Action on bond.
• Section 43-2-138 - Action by legatee to recover legacy.
• Section 43-2-139 - Inventory as evidence.

Division 2 Execution and Garnishment to Enforce Judgments and Decrees Against Personal Representatives.

• Section 43-2-150 - Enforcement of judgments, etc., of probate court against representatives - Generally.
• Section 43-2-151 - Enforcement of judgments, etc., of probate court against representatives - Liability of sureties.
• Section 43-2-152 - Enforcement of judgment rendered against decedent before his death.
• Section 43-2-153 - Enforcement of judgment of circuit court against representative.
• Section 43-2-154 - Purchase of property sold under execution.
• Section 43-2-155 - Right of succeeding representative to execution.

Article 7 County or General Administrators.

• Section 43-2-170 - Appointment and duties generally; term of office.
• Section 43-2-171 - Time delay for committing administration of estate.
• Section 43-2-172 - Commitment of administration to sheriff.
• Section 43-2-173 - Resignation and removal - Generally.
• Section 43-2-174 - Resignation and removal - Appointment of successor.
• Section 43-2-175 - Record of official acts.

Article 8 Nonresidents as Executors and Administrators.

• Section 43-2-190 - Applications for letters testamentary or of administration.
• Section 43-2-191 - Appointment of nonresident executor - Generally.
• Section 43-2-192 - Appointment of nonresident executor - Filing of copies of will and letters testamentary; bond and surety.
• Section 43-2-193 - Appointment of nonresident administrator.
• Section 43-2-194 - Manner of administering and settling estate.
• Section 43-2-195 - Collection of debts and deposits by nonresident personal representative.
• Section 43-2-196 - Right to maintain actions.
• Section 43-2-197 - Liability to actions; venue.
• Section 43-2-198 - Service of process - Generally.
• Section 43-2-199 - Service of process - Citations or notices, etc.; return of process.
• Section 43-2-200 - Liability of sureties to execution.

Article 9 Foreign Executors and Administrators.

• Section 43-2-210 - Bond.
• Section 43-2-211 - Right to maintain actions and recover or receive property in state.
• Section 43-2-212 - Action not affected by grant of letters of administration in state; right of intervention.
• Section 43-2-213 - Plaintiff required to prove compliance with section 43-2-211.
• Section 43-2-214 - Protection afforded by delivery of property or recovery of judgment.

Article 10 Administration of Estates of Persons Presumed Dead.

• Section 43-2-230 - Applications for letters of administration.
• Section 43-2-231 - Appointment of personal representative.
• Section 43-2-232 - Hearing.
• Section 43-2-233 - Publication of notice of presumption of death.
• Section 43-2-234 - Issuance of letters of administration.
• Section 43-2-236 - Revocation of letters upon proof that supposed decedent is alive - Substitution of parties; reopening judgments.
• Section 43-2-235 - Revocation of letters upon proof that supposed decedent is alive - Distribution of assets.
• Section 43-2-237 - Costs.
• Section 43-2-238 - Applicability of other laws relating to administration of decedents' estates.

Article 11 Administrators Ad Litem.

• Section 43-2-250 - Appointment.
• Section 43-2-251 - Decree in favor of administrator ad litem.
• Section 43-2-252 - Execution on money decree or judgment.
• Section 43-2-253 - Enforcement of decree or judgment for recovery of property.
• Section 43-2-254 - Enforcement of decree or judgment when administrator adversely interested.
• Section 43-2-255 - Duty of judge, clerk or register to make payment; penalty.
• Section 43-2-256 - Compensation of administrator ad litem.

Article 12 Resignation, Removal, etc., of Executors or Administrators.
Division 1 General Provisions.

• Section 43-2-270 - Filing and recordation of resignation.
• Section 43-2-271 - Liability for assets upon resignation.
• Section 43-2-272 - Duty of probate court to grant letters of administration upon vacancy.
• Section 43-2-274 - Appointment of administrator after final settlement.
• Section 43-2-275 - Removal of resident executor from state.

Division 2 Removal and Proceedings to Require New or Additional Bond.

• Section 43-2-290 - Causes of removal generally.
• Section 43-2-291 - Rights terminated by sentence of imprisonment.
• Section 43-2-292 - Additional bond may be required; removal for default.
• Section 43-2-293 - Application for removal or additional bond.
• Section 43-2-294 - Service of citation.
• Section 43-2-295 - Notice by publication.
• Section 43-2-296 - Trial.
• Section 43-2-297 - Costs.
• Section 43-2-298 - Order to give additional bond.
• Section 43-2-299 - Removal or additional bond on motion of court.

Article 13 Collection, Inventory, and Appraisement of Personal Property.

• Section 43-2-311 - Testator may exempt executor from filing inventory or making report or final settlement.
• Section 43-2-312 - Contents of inventory.
• Section 43-2-313 - Oath upon return of inventory.
• Section 43-2-318 - Exhibit showing condition of estate.

Article 14 Keeping Estates Together.

• Section 43-2-330 - Authorization by probate court to keep estate together; term.
• Section 43-2-331 - Extension of time upon showing of good cause.
• Section 43-2-332 - When distributed share kept and worked with undivided portion of estate.
• Section 43-2-333 - Payment of profits to share owners.
• Section 43-2-334 - Order authorizing hiring of laborers - Generally.
• Section 43-2-335 - Order authorizing hiring of laborers - Petition; notice and hearing.
• Section 43-2-336 - Cultivation under direction of executor or administrator.
• Section 43-2-337 - Preceding sections not to be construed so as to conflict with will.
• Section 43-2-338 - Annual settlements.
• Section 43-2-339 - Certain rights not affected by provisions of article.

Article 15 Claims and Debts.
Division 1 Presentation.

• Section 43-2-350 - Time and manner of filing claims - Generally.
• Section 43-2-351 - Time and manner of filing claims - Exception as to minors or persons of unsound mind.
• Section 43-2-352 - Verification of claims.
• Section 43-2-353 - Revival of pending action considered as presentation.
• Section 43-2-354 - Notice and hearing; judgment; costs; appeals.

Division 2 Payment and Preference.

• Section 43-2-371 - Order of preference.
• Section 43-2-370 - Property charged with payment of debts.
• Section 43-2-372 - No preference among debts of same class.
• Section 43-2-373 - Payment of claims barred by statute of limitations.
• Section 43-2-374 - When executor or administrator protected in payment of debts.
• Section 43-2-375 - Payment of debts not due.

Division 3 Sale, Compromise, and Settlement.

• Section 43-2-390 - Authorization to compromise or sell claims.
• Section 43-2-391 - Notice and hearing.
• Section 43-2-392 - Report.
• Section 43-2-393 - When executor or administrator may give note, etc., to extend or settle debt.
• Section 43-2-394 - Compounding with and discharge of debtor.

Article 16 Sale of Personal Property.

• Section 43-2-410 - Power of sale conferred.
• Section 43-2-411 - Notice of application.
• Section 43-2-412 - Contesting application.
• Section 43-2-413 - Notice of sale.
• Section 43-2-414 - Hours of sale.
• Section 43-2-415 - Terms of sale.
• Section 43-2-416 - When bid rejected and sale postponed.
• Section 43-2-417 - Resale upon failure of purchaser to comply with terms; liability for deficiency.
• Section 43-2-418 - Completion, gathering and sale of crops commenced by decedent.
• Section 43-2-419 - Sale of farm products.
• Section 43-2-420 - Assignment or transfer of mortgages, notes or accounts.
• Section 43-2-421 - Stock in trade.
• Section 43-2-422 - Returns of accounts of sales.

Article 17 Renting and Sale of Real Estate.
Division 1 For Payment of Debts and for Division.

• Section 43-2-441 - Authorization to sell - Where will exists.
• Section 43-2-440 - Renting of lands.
• Section 43-2-442 - Authorization to sell - In case of intestacy.
• Section 43-2-443 - Authorization to sell - Sale for division.
• Section 43-2-444 - Application for sale.
• Section 43-2-445 - Notice and hearing generally; time for hearing; appointment of guardian ad litem.
• Section 43-2-446 - Notice to nonresidents.
• Section 43-2-447 - Notice to unknown parties; appointment of special guardian; disposition of shares.
• Section 43-2-448 - Duties and compensation of guardian ad litem and special guardian.
• Section 43-2-450 - Order of sale for payment of debts.
• Section 43-2-451 - Proof of facts on application to sell for division; order of sale.
• Section 43-2-452 - When depositions required.
• Section 43-2-453 - Evidence of title.
• Section 43-2-454 - Dismissal of application upon failure of proof.
• Section 43-2-455 - Advertisement of sale.
• Section 43-2-456 - Applicability of sections 43-2-414, 43-2-416 and 43-2-417.
• Section 43-2-457 - How purchase money secured.
• Section 43-2-458 - Place of sale.
• Section 43-2-459 - Report and examination of sale - Generally.
• Section 43-2-460 - Report and examination of sale - Notice and hearing.
• Section 43-2-461 - Setting aside sale; resale.
• Section 43-2-462 - Confirmation of sale.
• Section 43-2-463 - Report of payment of purchase money.
• Section 43-2-464 - Conveyance.
• Section 43-2-465 - Right of purchaser to cite executor or administrator to report sale.
• Section 43-2-467 - Correction of mistake in description of lands sold.
• Section 43-2-468 - Sale or division of land received on compromise.

Division 2 Sale of Land for Payment of Legacies.

• Section 43-2-480 - Authorization to sell.
• Section 43-2-481 - Application for sale.
• Section 43-2-482 - Notice; proceedings; order of sale.

Article 18 Settlements and Distributions.
Division 1 General Provisions.

• Section 43-2-500 - When annual or partial settlement required.
• Section 43-2-501 - When final settlement may be made.
• Section 43-2-502 - Filing of account, etc. - Generally.
• Section 43-2-503 - Filing of account, etc. - Liability for failure to file statement.
• Section 43-2-504 - Appointment of guardian ad litem.
• Section 43-2-505 - Time for settlement; notice generally.
• Section 43-2-506 - Settlement by consent without notice.
• Section 43-2-507 - Auditing of account; proof of credits.
• Section 43-2-508 - Satisfaction of claims.
• Section 43-2-509 - Liability of executor or administrator for interest or profits.
• Section 43-2-510 - Credit for expenses of minor distributees.
• Section 43-2-511 - Contest of account - Generally.
• Section 43-2-512 - Contest of account - Showing of failure to discharge trust, etc.
• Section 43-2-513 - Contest of account - Examination of witnesses.
• Section 43-2-514 - Contest of account - Reduction or disallowance of item.
• Section 43-2-515 - Contest of account - Withdrawal of item.
• Section 43-2-516 - Decree passing account as stated.
• Section 43-2-517 - Appointment and compensation of special guardian.
• Section 43-2-518 - Reexamination of items included in previous settlements.
• Section 43-2-519 - Notice of annual or partial settlement; conclusiveness of order or decree; reopening account.

Division 2 Compelling Settlement by Existing Executor or Administrator.

• Section 43-2-530 - Authorization to compel settlement.
• Section 43-2-531 - Issuance of citation; notice; when court required to examine, audit or restate account.
• Section 43-2-532 - Proceedings on settlement of account.
• Section 43-2-533 - Setting aside decree.

Division 3 Compelling Settlement of Executor or Administrator Whose Authority Has Ceased.

• Section 43-2-550 - Final settlement required following death, removal or resignation of executor or administrator.
• Section 43-2-551 - Making succeeding executor or administrator party to settlement.
• Section 43-2-552 - Decree for balance - Generally.
• Section 43-2-553 - Decree for balance - Decree in favor of outgoing executor or administrator; insolvent estates.
• Section 43-2-554 - When execution may be stayed.
• Section 43-2-555 - Stating account or compelling settlement by attachment.
• Section 43-2-556 - Issuance of citation; notice; when court required to examine, audit or restate account.
• Section 43-2-557 - Proceedings on final settlement of account.
• Section 43-2-558 - Setting aside decree.
• Section 43-2-559 - Other actions not barred.
• Section 43-2-560 - Settlement by sureties of deceased executor or administrator - Filing account and vouchers.
• Section 43-2-561 - Settlement by sureties of deceased executor or administrator - Making representative of deceased executor or administrator party to settlement.
• Section 43-2-562 - Settlement by sureties of deceased executor or administrator - Petition for order requiring sureties to make settlement.
• Section 43-2-563 - Settlement by sureties of deceased executor or administrator - Conclusiveness of settlement.
• Section 43-2-564 - Settlement by sureties of deceased executor or administrator - Execution against sureties.

Division 4 Compelling Payment of Legacies.

• Section 43-2-580 - When legatee or widow entitled to compel payment.
• Section 43-2-581 - Application.
• Section 43-2-582 - Time for hearing; notice to executor or administrator.
• Section 43-2-583 - Conduct of hearing; when payment or delivery directed.
• Section 43-2-584 - Refunding bond.
• Section 43-2-585 - Enforcement of payment or delivery.
• Section 43-2-586 - Applicability of sections 43-2-581 through 43-2-585 to widow.

Division 5 Arbitration on Settlement of Estates.

• Section 43-2-600 - When matters of controversy may be referred to arbitration.
• Section 43-2-601 - Consent by guardian.
• Section 43-2-602 - Appointment of arbitrators.
• Section 43-2-603 - Award - Generally.
• Section 43-2-604 - Award - Force and effect; execution.
• Section 43-2-605 - Award - Setting aside; second reference.
• Section 43-2-606 - Award - Objections.
• Section 43-2-607 - Applicability of certain sections in Title 6.

Division 6 Distribution or Division on Final Settlement.

• Section 43-2-620 - Orders of distribution - Generally.
• Section 43-2-621 - Orders of distribution - To whom directed; contents.
• Section 43-2-622 - Orders of distribution - Oath; return; exceptions to report.
• Section 43-2-623 - Confirming or setting aside distribution; when sale may be directed.
• Section 43-2-624 - How sale advertised and made.
• Section 43-2-625 - Delivery of property upon confirmation.
• Section 43-2-626 - Division, sale or assignment of judgments or claims.
• Section 43-2-627 - Setting off indebtedness of distributee or legatee.
• Section 43-2-628 - Discharge of executor or administrator from liability.
• Section 43-2-629 - Disposition of personal estate of foreign decedent.

Division 7 Distribution Before Settlement.

• Section 43-2-640 - Authorization to make distribution - Distribution by executor or administrator.
• Section 43-2-641 - Authorization to make distribution - Distribution by court after six months from grant of letters.
• Section 43-2-642 - Contents of application.
• Section 43-2-643 - Time for hearing; notice.
• Section 43-2-644 - When distribution made; limit on amount.
• Section 43-2-646 - Refunding bonds - Recordation; transcript as evidence.
• Section 43-2-645 - Refunding bonds - Required; terms and conditions.
• Section 43-2-647 - Refunding bonds - Bond stands as security; action on bond.
• Section 43-2-648 - Refunding bonds - Rights of parties among themselves.
• Section 43-2-649 - Costs.

Division 8 Presumption of Settlement After 20 Years.

• Section 43-2-660 - When presumption arises.
• Section 43-2-661 - Petition to establish presumption.
• Section 43-2-662 - Notice of hearing on petition.
• Section 43-2-663 - Contest.
• Section 43-2-664 - Order after hearing.

Division 9 Compensation, Commissions, Fees, etc.

• Section 43-2-682 - Court may allow compensation or attorney's fees up to time of settlement.
• Section 43-2-683 - Previous fees considered upon final settlement.

Division 10 Summary Distribution of Small Estates.

• Section 43-2-690 - Short title.
• Section 43-2-691 - Definitions.
• Section 43-2-692 - Petition for summary distribution; when surviving spouse or distributee entitled to personal property without administration.
• Section 43-2-693 - Entry of order directing summary distribution.
• Section 43-2-694 - Transfer of property or evidence of rights therein to surviving spouse or distributees.
• Section 43-2-695 - Limitation on defeasible rights of surviving spouse or distributees.
• Section 43-2-696 - Effect of transfer pursuant to affidavit.

Article 19 Insolvent Estates.
Division 1 General Provisions.

• Section 43-2-700 - Order and preference of payment of debts.
• Section 43-2-701 - Report of insolvency - Generally.
• Section 43-2-702 - Report of insolvency - Statement to be filed with report.
• Section 43-2-703 - Report of insolvency - Affidavit accompanying report and statement.
• Section 43-2-704 - Time for hearing; notice of hearing.
• Section 43-2-705 - Trial of issue of insolvency to be by jury.
• Section 43-2-706 - Payment of costs.
• Section 43-2-707 - Declaration of insolvency.
• Section 43-2-708 - Second declaration by succeeding administrator not necessary.
• Section 43-2-709 - Appeals.

Division 2 Nomination and Election of Administrators of Insolvent Estates.

• Section 43-2-720 - When creditors may make nomination; who may be nominated.
• Section 43-2-721 - Voting procedure generally; proof of claims required.
• Section 43-2-722 - Person receiving plurality appointed administrator.
• Section 43-2-723 - Discretion of court upon failure of creditors to attend.
• Section 43-2-724 - Former letters revoked upon appointment; property vested in administrator.
• Section 43-2-725 - Vacancy.

Division 3 Filing and Allowing Claims Against Insolvent Estates.

• Section 43-2-740 - Time and manner of filing claims - Generally.
• Section 43-2-741 - Time and manner of filing claims - Time allowed certain minors and persons of unsound mind.
• Section 43-2-742 - Time and manner of filing claims - Claims verified in another state.
• Section 43-2-743 - Time and manner of filing claims - Claims verified in foreign country.
• Section 43-2-744 - Receipt for claim; endorsement by judge.
• Section 43-2-745 - Claims docket.
• Section 43-2-746 - When claim allowed without further proof.
• Section 43-2-747 - Objections.
• Section 43-2-748 - Allowance of due part of claim.
• Section 43-2-749 - Debt not due.
• Section 43-2-750 - Claim allowed after partial distribution.
• Section 43-2-751 - Action by creditor to recover dividend.

Division 4 Settlement of Insolvent Estates.

• Section 43-2-770 - When settlement must be made.
• Section 43-2-771 - Decree.

Division 5 Sale of and Actions for Lands of Insolvent Estates.

• Section 43-2-790 - Application for order for sale - Generally.
• Section 43-2-791 - Application for order for sale - Form and contents; verification; notice to heirs and devisees.
• Section 43-2-792 - Action by administrator for recovery of lands.

Division 6 Report or Decree of Insolvency as Affecting Pending Civil Actions.

• Section 43-2-810 - Continuance upon showing of insolvency.
• Section 43-2-811 - Special plea of insolvency.
• Section 43-2-812 - Judgment certified to probate court; execution for costs.
• Section 43-2-813 - Effect of order or decree of insolvency certified to other courts after judgment or decree therein rendered.

Article 20 Probate Procedure Act.

• Section 43-2-830 - Devolution of estate at death; restrictions.
• Section 43-2-831 - Time of accrual of duties and powers.
• Section 43-2-832 - Priority among different letters.
• Section 43-2-833 - General duties; relation and liability to persons interested in estate; standing to sue.
• Section 43-2-834 - Personal representative to proceed without court order; exception.
• Section 43-2-835 - Duty of personal representative; inventory and appraisement.
• Section 43-2-836 - Duty of personal representative; supplementary inventory.
• Section 43-2-837 - Duty of personal representative; possession of estate.
• Section 43-2-838 - Power to avoid transfers.
• Section 43-2-839 - Powers of personal representatives; in general.
• Section 43-2-840 - Improper exercise of power; breach of fiduciary duty.
• Section 43-2-841 - Sale, encumbrance, or transaction involving conflict of interest; voidable; exceptions.
• Section 43-2-842 - Persons dealing with personal representative; protection.
• Section 43-2-843 - Transactions authorized for personal representatives; exceptions.
• Section 43-2-844 - Transactions authorized for personal representatives; prior court approval.
• Section 43-2-845 - Powers and duties of successor personal representative.
• Section 43-2-846 - Co-representatives; when joint action required.
• Section 43-2-847 - Powers of surviving personal representative.
• Section 43-2-848 - Compensation of personal representative.
• Section 43-2-849 - Expenses in estate litigation.
• Section 43-2-850 - Proceedings for review of employment of agents and compensation of personal representatives and employees of estate.
• Section 43-2-851 - Bond.
• Section 43-2-852 - Terms and requirements of bonds.
• Section 43-2-853 - Application to existing estates.
• Section 43-2-854 - Avoiding conflicts of law.