Every county has a probate court. Its jurisdiction includes wills and estates; adoptions; involuntary commitments to the Alabama Department of Mental Health; the recording of important property, marriage, and corporation documents; and, in some counties, the collection of fees for various licenses. Probate offices are important centers of county business in the courthouse.
Eligibility requirements
Candidates must be a registed elector of the state and be licensed to practice law in Alabama. Must have resided in the district which candidate seeks to represent for one year prior to election. No one may be elected or appointed to a judicial office after reaching the age of 70.
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FAQ
How often is County Court Judge - Probate//County Court Judge - Surrogate elected?
The position of County Court Judge - Probate//County Court Judge - Surrogate is typically elected every 6 years.
What does it mean for an election to be partisan?
Partisan elections require candidates to declare a party affiliation, like Democrat, Republican, Libertarian, or Independent.
What are the filing requirements to get on the ballot in Baldwin County, AL?
Candidates seek nomination through their respective party organisation. They will however need to prepare the following documents: Appointment of Principal Campaign Committee; FCPA Reports (Annual Report for Previous Calendar Year, Monthly Reports, Primary Election Weekly and Daily Reports, Primary Runoff Election Weekly and Daily Reports if applicable, General Election Weekly and Daily Reports, Annual Report for Election Year); Statement of Economic Interests; proof of qualifications; a copy of the Statement of Economic Interests and Disclosure Statement of Financial Interests (filed with the Clerk of the Alabama Supreme Court with the original Economic Interest form submitted to the appropriate elections official upon becoming candidate). Independent candidates may obtain ballot access by submitting a petition on or before 5:00 PM on the date of the statewide primary election. [SS17-9-3(a)(3)] In 2018, the statewide primary is scheduled for June 5th. The petition must contain the required number of signatures of registered voters in the jurisdiction in which ballot access is sought (3% of the votes cast for the governorship within the district). The petition must be submitted to the Secretary of State, if seeking a state or federal office, or to the probate judge for a county office. The appropriate election official will then verify the petition signatures and subsequently notify the petitioner as to whether he or she gained ballot access. No qualifying fee is required. More detailed instructions and copies of these documents can be found on the Alabama Secretary of State website.
Where do I submit my candidate paperwork?
Submit paperwork to the Alabama Secretary of State's office. Major party candidates must also qualify with the state party organization.
Where is the filing office?
600 Dexter Ave, Suite E-209, Montgomery, AL 36130.
How can I get in touch with the filing office?
You can contact the filing office by calling 334-242-7210.
How do I get started running for County Court Judge - Probate//County Court Judge - Surrogate?
You can start running for County Court Judge - Probate//County Court Judge - Surrogate by checking to ensure you meet all filing deadlines and requirements. Next, you can prepare to file for office and start planning your campaign strategy. Get in touch with our team of campaign experts for help with any step of the campaign process!
Is there a primary or runoff election for this office?
The next election for County Court Judge - Probate//County Court Judge - Surrogate includes a primary, but not a runoff election.
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