Quick answer: the deadline that shapes the whole schedule is whichever of two dates arrives later — 6 months from the grant of Letters, or 5 months from the first publication of notice. See the full Alabama probate timeline calculator for your specific estimate.
The core deadlines, in order
| Deadline | Alabama rule | Statute |
|---|---|---|
| Will filed for probate | Within 5 years of death | Ala. Code § 43-8-161 |
| Notice to creditors published | Once a week, court-set schedule | Ala. Code § 43-2-61 |
| Creditor claim deadline | Later of 6 months from Letters or 5 months from first publication | § 43-2-350 |
| Actual-notice creditor minimum | 30 days after notice | § 43-2-350(b) |
| Final settlement earliest | 6 months from grant of Letters | Ala. Code § 43-2-501 |
| Will contest after probate | 6 months, in circuit court | Ala. Code § 43-8-199 |
The "later of" rule — and why it doesn't reward speed
Worth understanding clearly: under § 43-2-350, claims are barred unless presented within 6 months after the grant of Letters, or 5 months from the first publication of notice, whichever is later. Since 6 months from Letters will almost always be later than 5 months from a prompt publication, publishing the notice quickly generally does not shorten the effective window the way it can in a state that uses the earlier-of rule instead. The 6-month mark from Letters functions as the practical floor for most estates.
A separate 30-day floor for known creditors
Any creditor entitled to actual notice under § 43-2-61 must be given at least 30 days after that notice to present a claim, regardless of where the 6-month or 5-month deadlines otherwise fall. That means a creditor the personal representative specifically knows about and notifies late can still push the effective deadline further out.
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