Probate Attorneys Decatur Alabama

Decatur AL Probate Attorneys Near Me

We can help you in Madison, Morgan, Lawrence and Limestone Counties and the surrounding areas.

Probate Attorney

Estate Attorney

The sudden loss of a loved one is always a traumatic event. Especially when the death is the result of a motor vehicle accident, heart attack or other unexpected event. Dealing with probate court and the assets and property of someone who has died is very complicated, and not something that most people want to do after a traumatic event like the death of a loved one. When a person passes away and leaves a will in Alabama, his or her estate will be divided up according to the terms of the will. This can’t be done until the estate has passed through the probate process in Alabama.

Do you need an estate attorney in Huntsville, Alabama? Initiating the probate process is generally very easy in Alabama. In most cases, the process begins with simply filing documents with the probate court to get the process started. During probate, the will is examined to determine whether or not it is valid. Creditors are notified that the estate is in probate, and they are given up to six months to pursue claims for outstanding debts in Alabama. Beneficiaries and other potential heirs are also notified, giving them the opportunity to contest the will or take any other actions.

It is critical to hire an lawyer who can walk you through the probate process. Our estate attorneys in Decatur, Alabama can guide you through each step of the probate procedure. This can avoid many potential problems, some of which may arise when a person has already passed away and therefore are difficult to correct. We advise clients in the areas of:

  • Estate Administration
  • Probate Administration
  • Probate Process
  • Trust Administration
  • Will Contests
  • Handwritten Wills
  • Trust Contests
  • Wrongful Death
  • Property Transfers
  • Life Insurance

Managing an Estate Without a Will or Named Executor

The terms estate administration and probate are sometimes used interchangeably, but do have distinct legal differences. Estate administration refers to the management and settlement of an estate of a person who died intestate, or without a will. Estate administration can also refer to managing an estate where the decedent neglected to name an executor in their existing will. In these cases, the court appoints an administrator who is responsible for administering and settling the estate pursuant to Alabama’s rules of descent and distribution.

In probate is the settling of an estate where a will existed and the executor (the person named in the will) settles the estate. Despite the differences, the duties of the executor and administrator are nearly identical.

A summary of the basic duties of an administrator:

  • Notifying the beneficiaries and creditors
  • Gathering and collecting all assets of the estate
  • Ascertain all debts owed
  • Pay all debts and expenses of administration
  • Sell or liquidate assets if necessary
  • File income, estate, and other tax returns
  • Distribute remaining property according to the laws of descent and distribution
  • Pursing any claims against third parties that are owed to the Estate
  • File a final accounting with the court

Common Questions About The Probate Procedure in Alabama

  • Do you need a lawyer to probate a will in Alabama?
  • What happens if you die in Alabama without a will?
  • Who inherits if no will in Alabama?
  • Is a spouse responsible for medical bills after death in Alabama?
  • How to avoid probate in Alabama.
  • How long do you have to probate a will in Alabama?
  • How do I probate a will?
  • How long does it take to probate a will in Alabama?
  • Is it necessary to probate a will in Alabama?
  • How much does it cost to probate a will in Alabama?
  • How much does an executor of a will get paid in Alabama?

Why Hire Ferguson & Ferguson Estate Attorneys

If you were appointed by the court as an administrator for an estate, or you were the named executor in a will, you have a great responsibility. Everything you do will be under the supervision of the Morgan County Probate Court, and you will be held to the highest standards of fiduciary duty. The best way to ensure that the estate administration process is smooth in Alabama and free of legal hurdles is to be represented by an outstanding estate law firm. At Ferguson & Ferguson, we are here to help you resolve probate and estate matters as quickly as possible. If you have been named an estate administrator and you need assistance navigating the process, we can help you close out the estate of the decedent. Because Alabama probate law can get confusing, we offer a free consultation to help determine if our services can save you money. Get the probate legal services that you need without paying unnecessary extra fees. Get the best probate attorney you can hire.(best probate attorney near me) Call now. Call 256-534-3435 or 256-350-7200. We are here to help you during this difficult time.

Huntsville Office Location:
303 Williams Avenue SW
Suite 321
Huntsville, AL 35801

Decatur Office Location:
211 Oak Street NE
Decatur, AL 35601