Estate planning is the most effective method of ensuring your property and assets are distributed according to your wishes. Wills and trusts allow you to take control of your estate and provide for your family. The probate process is complex and can take several years. At King & Green, LLC, our primary objective is to simplify the estate administration process and provide the resources you need to make sound decisions.
Requirements for a valid will vary from state to state. In Alabama, a court will recognize a will if:
A will can be revoked by a subsequent will expressly or through inconsistency. A will may also be revoked through a physical act, such as burning, tearing and obliterating it. The physical act may be performed by the testator or another person in his or her presence and by his or her consent, provided that there are at least two witnesses present.
The process of contesting a will can be contentious and financially burdensome. A will can be contested in writing by any interested party or anyone who would have been an heir or distributee under intestate succession laws. Common objections include improper execution and the testator’s unsoundness of mind. If you have concerns regarding the validity of a will, you should seek assistance from a reputable Birmingham attorney.
If you die without a valid will, state intestacy laws determine who gets your property and assets. Intestate succession laws distribute property among surviving spouses, children, parents and other relatives. If there are no eligible distributees under the intestate provisions, the entire estate escheats, or passes, to the state of Alabama.
A living trust is another way to protect your property. Living trusts are created while you are still alive and allow you to transfer title to a trustee. Trusts allow you to maintain control over your assets and designate who receives the benefits. The primary advantage of a living trust is the ability to avoid the probate process.
Depending on your specific circumstances, you can create a trust suited to your personal needs. A special-needs trust can be created for the benefit of a loved one with a disability. You can also designate a charitable organization as a beneficiary of your trust. The attorneys at our Birmingham law firm are dedicated to helping you plan for the future and provide for your loved ones.
At King & Green, LLC, we work hard to help you preserve your legacy and plan for the future. Schedule a consultation with one of our estate administration lawyers to assess your situation and develop an advantageous strategy for your family. We meet with clients at each of our office locations in Birmingham and Blount County. Call us at 205.937.3687 or contact us online today.
" No representation is made that the quality of the legal services to be performed is greater than the quality of legal services performed by other lawyers. "
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