Prepare for tomorrow, today.
Do you have a comprehensive estate plan?
At Britt Law Firm, our Estate Planning Packages are custom tailored to you and your families’ needs. Each plan differs but generally consists of the following:
- Last Will & Testament/Pour-over Will
- Revocable Living Trust Trust
- Living Will/Advanced Healthcare Directive
- Durable Power of Attorney
- HIPPA Authorization
- Memorandum of Last Wishes
- Life Estate Deeds
If you’re ready to make sure your family is taken care of, we’re here to help.
Estate Administration
Probate is the legal process of settling a deceased person’s estate, including validating their will, paying debts and taxes, and distributing assets to heirs. Probate ensures that the estate is administered correctly and according to Alabama law. Not all estates require probate — if assets are jointly owned, have designated beneficiaries, or are placed in a trust, probate may be avoided.
You may need to file for probate if the deceased owned assets solely in their name, like real estate, bank accounts without beneficiaries, or personal property of significant value. If you’re unsure, consulting with an experienced probate attorney can help determine the right course of action.
When a person dies without a will, their estate is distributed according to Alabama’s intestacy laws. This typically prioritizes spouses and children, followed by other relatives if necessary. Probate will still be required to appoint a personal representative and oversee the distribution of assets.
A personal representative (also called an executor) is responsible for overseeing the probate process. Their duties include filing the will with the probate court, notifying beneficiaries and creditors, paying debts and taxes, and distributing assets according to the will or state law. If you’ve been named as a personal representative and aren’t sure where to start, we can help guide you through the process.