Detailed Answer — How to secure the house, inventory belongings, and prevent siblings from removing items before you are appointed Administrator (Alabama)

Short answer: Act quickly but carefully. Secure the premises without creating a confrontation, document everything, contact the probate court immediately to request prompt appointment or a temporary order, and involve law enforcement if theft occurs. Keep written records and photos so the probate court can act to preserve the estate’s property.

1. Understand the legal context in Alabama

In Alabama the probate court controls estate administration and issues letters of administration or appointment for a personal representative. The probate court also has the power to issue temporary orders to preserve estate assets while the estate process proceeds. For general statutory guidance on probate and administration, see Alabama Code Title 43 (Probate of Wills and Administration): https://www.legislature.state.al.us/alabama-code/title-43-probate-of-wills-and-administration/. For county‑specific procedures and forms, contact the local probate judge or clerk through the Alabama Judicial System: https://www.alacourt.gov/.

2. Immediate steps to secure the home (do these first, safely)

Do not start a physical confrontation. Avoid changing locks or physically removing people if they are inside and you are not yet appointed. That can escalate conflict or result in criminal complaints.
Lock exterior doors when possible. If the house is vacant, change exterior locks or hire a locksmith. If others live there or claim possession, get the probate court involved first (see below).
Ask someone trusted to stay at the property. If a neutral friend, neighbor, or licensed property manager can stay temporarily, they can monitor traffic and protect the home.
Contact law enforcement only if you see theft in progress. If you catch someone removing property unlawfully, call police and be ready to show proof that the person is not authorized to remove estate property. Police may treat this as a civil/probate dispute, so also pursue court action.
Post a polite notice on the front door. Example: “This property is part of an estate. Do not remove items. Contact the Probate Court for information.” This serves as a clear, non‑confrontational warning and documents your intent to preserve the estate.

3. Document and inventory now (before appointment)

Even before you have letters of administration, you can and should document the property so the court can later review the condition of the estate and any missing items.

Take comprehensive photos and video. Walk every room and record high‑value items (jewelry, electronics, guns, art, collectibles). Timestamp and save originals.
Create an inventory list. For each item include description, estimated value, serial or model numbers, and location in the house. Use a simple spreadsheet or inventory form and save copies in multiple places (cloud, email).
Collect documents. Gather the will (if any), bank and safe‑deposit information, titles, insurance policies, and keys. Photograph the will and important documents and secure the originals.
Get witness statements. Ask two neutral witnesses to sign short written statements confirming the condition of the house and any removals they may have observed.
Preserve digital evidence. Keep text messages, emails, social media messages, or photographs that show threats, admissions, or removal of items.

4. Seek protective relief from the probate court quickly

Because probate courts supervise estate assets, you can ask the court for immediate relief to prevent removal, sale, or waste of estate property while you seek appointment. Typical requests include emergency or temporary appointment, an injunction, or an order preserving property.

File a petition for letters of administration right away. When you petition to be appointed administrator (or to admit a will to probate), ask the court for expedited handling if property is at risk.
Ask for temporary or emergency relief. Many probate courts can appoint a temporary or interim personal representative or issue an order that no estate property be moved or disturbed until the court rules. Contact the probate clerk for emergency procedures in your county.
Request an injunction or restraining order if needed. If someone threatens to remove or destroy property, ask the court for an order prohibiting them from taking estate assets. You may be able to seek ex parte emergency relief in urgent situations.
Bring your documentation to the hearing. Present photos, inventories, witness statements, and any evidence of imminent removal to persuade the judge to grant quick protection.

Useful resource: Alabama Judicial System (probate court contacts and local procedures): https://www.alacourt.gov/. General probate statutes are in Alabama Code Title 43: https://www.legislature.state.al.us/alabama-code/title-43-probate-of-wills-and-administration/.

5. If siblings take items before appointment — what remedies exist?

File a motion in probate court. After you are appointed, the court can compel return of estate property, award damages, and sanction improper conduct.
Pursue civil claims. The estate (through its administrator) can sue for conversion (wrongful taking) or waste of estate assets. Documented inventory and photos will help the estate prevail.
Potential criminal remedies. If someone stole property, law enforcement can be asked to investigate for theft. Provide police with the documentation and copies of the probate filings.
Accountings and discipline. The court requires personal representatives to account for estate property. If a sibling was appointed or otherwise had access and misused property, the court can impose sanctions or order recovery.

6. Practical steps while waiting for court action

Make a prioritized list of the most valuable and easily removed items (jewelry, cash, guns, small electronics). If lawful and safe, move those to a secure location (safe, safe‑deposit box) after consulting the probate clerk or an attorney.
Keep communication civil and document it. Send short written messages asking others not to remove items and stating you have filed or will file in probate court.
Use a neutral third party to watch the property when possible.
Consider a secure inventory service or licensed appraiser to value high‑value items. The cost may be reimbursable from the estate if approved by the court.

7. What to tell the probate court (and what to bring)

Explain who is taking or threatening to take items and describe why the property is at risk.
Bring your photos, inventory spreadsheet, witness statements, copies of the death certificate, and any written communications.
Ask for a hearing on an emergency basis and request a temporary order preserving the property or appointing a temporary administrator if available.

Helpful Hints

Do not attempt to seize items by force or remove belongings from occupied premises if doing so would create a confrontation; use the court or police instead.
Document everything immediately: time‑stamped photos, videos, and written notes are critical evidence later in probate.
Contact the local probate clerk the same day you become aware of risk — many clerks can explain emergency options and scheduling.
If possible, obtain at least two neutral witnesses to verify the pre‑removal condition of the home.
Keep copies of every communication with siblings, the court, law enforcement, appraisers, or witnesses in a single secure folder (digital and physical).
When in doubt, hire an attorney who practices probate in your Alabama county. They can file emergency motions and represent you at hearings quickly.

Where to start right now

Take photos and video of the property.
Call the probate clerk and ask how to request emergency or expedited appointment in your county: https://www.alacourt.gov/.
If you believe theft is occurring, call local police and then the probate court.
Consider retaining a probate attorney to file for letters of administration and emergency relief.