AL SB241

Walker County's elected Judge of Probate may appoint one or more temporary probate judges from qualified electors who are licensed attorneys when needed due to calendar congestion, case complexity, lengthy trials, or caseload management.

Temporary appointments are limited to 90-day terms, with successive reappointments permitted, but no individual may serve more than 200 days per calendar year.

Temporary judges have full jurisdiction and authority of the elected probate judge, with their judgments, orders, and decrees carrying the same legal force and effect.

Compensation is $50 per hearing paid from the judge of probate's discretionary funds, though existing probate court employees serving as temporary judges receive no additional pay.

Effective date: June 1, 2026.