Probate
The passing of a loved one is an extremely difficult time for families. The last thing they wish to do is determine who gets what from the deceased members estate and endure the complex probate process. Probate can be both tedious and time-consuming since the process entails complicated financial and tax issues. That is why grieving families typically hire a knowledgeable and skilled lawyer to guide them through the intricacies of the legal process and make sure their loved one’s is properly taken care of.
If you anticipate going through probate in Morgan County, AL, our Decatur probate attorneys at White & Iverson, LLC can handle your loved one’s probate, wills, and trusts in order to effectively and sufficiently distribute their assets and property to beneficiaries. With more than two decades of legal experience, we understand what it takes to protect your rights and best interests throughout the legal process, while you and your family can focus on grieving and healing.
Our firm can handle the following aspects of probate:
Validate a will and resolve any disputes
Obtain court approval of a named executor or personal representative
Conduct an inventory on the deceased loved one’s (decedent) estate and appraise properties
Ensure any remaining debts and taxes are paid
Help you navigate probate or trust litigation
Prepare all relevant documents
Distribute assets and inheritances to the proper beneficiaries
Close the estate
Alabama Probate Process
Probate consists of validating a decedent’s final will and testament, assigning an estate executor, fulfilling the decedent’s wishes, and closing the estate. The executor is tasked with locating the decedent’s assets, determining date of death values, notifying creditors of the death, paying the decedent’s debts, preparing and filing the decedent’s tax returns, and distributing what is left of the decedent’s assets to beneficiaries.
If there is no will or no executor listed in the will, someone will be appointed by the probate court. During the probate process, people are allowed to challenge the will, allowing the court to determine the proper beneficiaries.
The probate process itself can last between six to nine months. Yet, if there are any disputes over the will or the distribution of assets, probate can take years.
Not only can our Decatur probate lawyers protect the rights and best interests of the decedent and the executor, but we can also help the family avoid the probate process entirely through creating living trusts, ensuring properties are jointly owned, adding a “payable-on-death” designation to back accounts, as well as register real estate, vehicles, and securities (i.e. stocks and bonds) in transfer-on-death forms.
Schedule a Consultation Today
Our legal team can thoroughly review your case, determine your legal options, and protect you and your loved one’s rights during the probate process. Let us represent you inside and outside the courtroom.
