Shelby County, Alabama Eighteenth Judicial Circuit Court cases in Shelby County, Columbiana, AL
Shelby County Probate Court in Columbiana, Alabama, is a county probate court. It has limited, specialized jurisdiction within the local judicial system, handling probate and protective matters such as the probate of wills, administration of decedents' estates, guardianships and conservatorships for minors and incapacitated adults, adoptions, name changes, involuntary mental-health commitment proceedings, and condemnation (eminent domain) filings. The court also issues marriage licenses and performs certain election-related duties. It does not hear criminal prosecutions, traffic offenses, divorces, or general civil lawsuits; those matters are handled by the Circuit and District Courts serving Shelby County.
Shelby County, Alabama Eighteenth Judicial Circuit Contact and Location Information
| Court Type: | Circuit Court |
| County: | Shelby |
| Street Address: | 112 North Main Street | P.O. Box 1810 |
| City: | Columbiana |
| Zip Code: | 35051 |
| Phone: | 205-669-3760 |
| Hours: | Monday - Friday: 8:00 A.M. to 4:30 P.M. |
| Website URL: | http://18jc.alacourt.gov/ |
| Parking: | Parking is available behind the courthouse. We also have a new parking lot located across the street on the south side of the courthouse. There is no charge for parking |
| Languages: | English Only |
Services and Case Types Handled in Shelby County, Alabama Eighteenth Judicial Circuit
Shelby County Probate Court serves the public by:
- Processing case filings: probate of wills, opening/administration of estates and small estates, trust/estate disputes; issuing letters testamentary/administration; reviewing inventories, accountings, creditor claims, and settlements.
- Protecting vulnerable persons: establishing guardianships for minors and conservatorships for incapacitated adults, including emergency appointments and protective orders to safeguard individuals and assets.
- Handling authorized personal-status matters: name-change petitions and related filings as permitted by law.
- Conducting court hearings: scheduling and deciding petitions, motions, and settlements; holding trials in contested matters (e.g., will contests, fiduciary disputes). When a jury is required, coordinating juror summons and service with the county's jury administration.
- Providing public services: case intake, docketing, certified copies, records access, forms, and information about calendars and orders.