Walker County; temporary probate judges, authorized

Walker County permits temporary probate judges

Beginning June 1, 2026, Walker County’s elected probate judge can appoint temporary judges to serve alongside the elected judge. Appointments must address crowded court calendars, complex issues, potentially long trials, or caseload management. Appointees must be qualified Walker County voters licensed to practice law in Alabama. Each term lasts up to 90 days, with successive terms allowed. No person can serve more than 200 days per calendar year. Temporary judges have the elected judge’s powers and duties. Their judgments, orders, and decrees carry the same legal force and remain subject to review and appeal. They receive $50 per hearing from the elected judge’s discretionary funds; probate-court employees receive no extra pay. The elected judge and the company backing the judge’s bond are not responsible for temporary judges’ actions or failures to act. This protection also covers their reports and decisions, and court employees’ actions during a temporary judge’s service.