Alabama’s 2026 legislative session has introduced several bills that could affect how family law and estate matters are resolved. One bill that has garnered attention is House Bill 288, which would change the procedures when a probate estate is removed to circuit court for administration. While this bill primarily addresses probate, it has practical implications …
Do You Have a Plan for Your Digital Assets After You Pass Away?
Posted by Steven A. Harris | Wills & Probate
When most people think about estate planning, they think about wills, trusts, and physical property. But in 2026, a growing portion of what we own exists entirely online — bank accounts, investment portfolios, cryptocurrency, social media profiles, email archives, cloud storage, and digital subscriptions. Without a plan for these digital assets, your family could face …
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Deeds, Trusts, and the “Book of Discipline”: The Alabama Supreme Court Reopens Church Property Litigation
Posted by Steven A. Harris | Real Estate & Property Law
When a local church decides to leave its national denomination, a fundamental question often arises: Who actually owns the property where the congregation has worshipped for decades? On March 6, 2026, the Supreme Court of Alabama handed down a major decision in Mt. Zion of Autauga County v. United Methodist Church that provides a new …
Can Someone Convicted of Elder Abuse Still Inherit in Alabama?
Posted by Steven A. Harris | Family Law, Harris Firm LLC, Wills & Probate
One of the most troubling scenarios in estate law occurs when a person who abused or exploited an elderly family member stands to inherit from the very person they harmed. It is a painful reality that families across Alabama have confronted, and current law has limited tools to address it. A new legislative proposal in …
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What Does Alabama HB 249 Mean for Guardianship and Conservatorship Cases?
Posted by Steven A. Harris | Family Law, Harris Firm LLC
When a loved one can no longer manage their own affairs due to age, illness, or disability, Alabama families often turn to the courts for help through guardianship or conservatorship proceedings. These legal tools allow a responsible person to step in and make decisions about care, finances, or both. But the process has not always …
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Family Law and Divorce in Alabama: Custody, Support, and Life Beyond Divorce
Posted by Steven A. Harris | Divorce, Family Law
Divorce is one of the most common reasons families in Alabama turn to family law attorneys. While every divorce is unique, many share common challenges: custody disputes, child support, discovery of financial information, and the stress of high-conflict situations. Beyond the final judgment, families often need legal help with enforcement or modifications of court orders. …
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Cutting Ties: How to Terminate the Parental Rights of a Deadbeat Dad in Alabama
Posted by Steven A. Harris | Custody Rights, Divorce, Family Law
When a parent fails to provide for their child emotionally, financially, or physically, the situation can become heartbreaking. In Alabama, parents are expected to share in the responsibilities of raising their children. But when a father consistently refuses to contribute or disappears from a child’s life altogether, the law may provide a way to protect …
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Steady Your Nerves: How to Emotionally Prepare For Court
Posted by Steven A. Harris | Family Law
There’s something about a courthouse that can stir even the calmest soul. The cold hallways, the official voices, the quiet tension in the air. It all has a way of making your heart race, even when you know you’re prepared. Family court isn’t just a legal process. It’s an emotional one. Whether you’re facing your …
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Telling the Kids: How to Stay Mentally Strong Through Tough Talks
Posted by Steven A. Harris | Family Law
No matter how old your children are, telling them about divorce or custody changes is one of the hardest moments a parent can face. You do not need to have all the right words. What matters most is that you are present, calm, and emotionally available. That is how you become their safe space, even …
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Strong Doesn’t Mean Silent: Why Dads Should Speak Up About Stress, Hurt, and Their Kids
Posted by Steven A. Harris | Family Law
Across Alabama, many men have been raised to believe that true strength is quiet. Boys are told not to cry, not to complain, and to handle their pain privately. That idea may have come from well-meaning folks, but it has done more harm than good for generations of men. When your world is shifting because …