Category Archives: <span class="page-description">Wills & Probate</span>

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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Posted by Steven A. Harris | Wills & Probate

Navigating the probate process in Alabama can be a daunting task, especially during a time of loss. As the executor of an estate, you have a significant responsibility to manage the estate’s affairs and ensure that the decedent’s wishes are honored. To assist you in this critical role, we’ve compiled an executor’s checklist. This step-by-step …

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Posted by Steven A. Harris | Wills & Probate

Losing a loved one can be an emotional and challenging time. One of the most daunting aspects of this period can be navigating the probate process. Central to this probate process in Alabama is the role of the Personal Representative (often abbreviated as PR). But what exactly does a PR do? And how do they …

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Posted by Steven A. Harris | Wills & Probate

A will is “executed” the moment it is properly signed. When you write a will in Alabama, assuming you are at least 18 years old, of sound mind, and you follow the signing formalities the law requires, the will is considered executed at the time you and your witnesses sign it, and it remains good …

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Posted by Steven A. Harris | Wills & Probate

One question I get all the time is: do you have to go through Probate Court when a loved one dies in Alabama? The short answer is no, not always. Plenty of assets pass to the people who are supposed to receive them without a judge ever getting involved. But there are also situations where …

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Posted by Steven A. Harris | Wills & Probate

If you’ve been named executor of a loved one’s estate in Alabama, here’s what the job actually involves: file the will with the probate court in the county where the person lived, get appointed and receive your Letters Testamentary, inventory the assets, open an estate bank account, notify creditors and wait out Alabama’s six-month claim …

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Posted by Steven A. Harris | Wills & Probate

When a loved one passes away, the family is left with both the emotional weight of grief and the practical responsibility of settling the estate. For many Alabamians, that process involves probate, the court-supervised procedure through which a decedent’s will is validated, debts are paid, and assets are distributed to beneficiaries. One of the first …

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Posted by Steven A. Harris | Wills & Probate

Estate planning is one of the most meaningful steps a person can take to protect their family. A properly executed will ensures that your assets go to the people or organizations you choose, rather than being distributed according to a formula set by the state. But not all wills are created equal, and in Alabama, …

Continue reading "Is a Handwritten Will Legal in Alabama?"