Alabama § 35-4-74 - Necessity for Including Plat or Description of Plat Book, Etc.; Probate Judge Not Liable for Good Faith Error.

Full text of Alabama Code of Alabama § 35-4-74 — Necessity for Including Plat or Description of Plat Book, Etc.; Probate Judge Not Liable for Good Faith Error., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 35-4-74. Necessity for Including Plat or Description of Plat Book, Etc.; Probate Judge Not Liable for Good Faith Error.

(a) No instrument, other than a will, purporting to create or transfer any interest in land shall be accepted for record by a probate judge if such instrument describes the land in which such interest is to be created or transferred by reference to a plat and the plat is not attached to and made a part of the instrument or the instrument does not describe the plat book and the office in which such plat book is to be found and there is no description of the land by metes and bounds; provided, that this section shall apply only to instruments executed subsequent to July 21, 1972; provided further, that where, prior to July 21, 1972, any person has received a conveyance of land, or any interest therein, in which the land is described by reference to a plat which is not recorded and which is not available to him, this section shall not apply if the grantor or mortgagor recites in any instrument executed after July 21, 1972, that the plat is lost, destroyed, or unavailable for recording.

(b) A probate judge shall not be liable in damages or for a penalty for any error or mistake in the performance of his duties under this section if committed in good faith.

Source: official Alabama text · Last verified 2026-08-27

Frequently Asked Questions About Alabama § 35-4-74

What does Code of Alabama § 35-4-74 cover?

Section 35-4-74 ("Necessity for Including Plat or Description of Plat Book, Etc.; Probate Judge Not Liable for Good Faith Error.") is part of the Code of Alabama, the codified statutory law of Alabama. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.

How do I cite Alabama § 35-4-74?

A common citation format is "Code of Alabama § 35-4-74" (Alabama). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.

Is this the official text of Alabama law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Alabama official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Alabama attorney.

How does Alabama § 35-4-74 apply to my situation?

Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Alabama can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.

Sources & Verification

Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Alabama.