Altapointe Health Systems, Inc. v. Mobile County Probate Court

Summary

The Supreme Court of Alabama reversed the probate court’s order denying expert‑witness fees, holding that an expert employed by a publicly funded mental‑health facility is entitled to reasonable compensation under § 22‑52‑14, that the statutory meaning is reviewed de novo, and that the amount of the fee is reviewed for excess of discretion. Justice Murdoch concurred in the result but dissented from certain dicta; Justice Shaw dissented on the main holding, and Justice Bolin concurred in result while differing on the standard of review.