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

Dealing with the loss of a loved one is hard enough without the added tension of disputes over the deceased’s will. In Alabama, as with many other states, there’s a provision for contesting a will if certain parties believe there’s been foul play or discrepancies. This article aims to shed light on the process and …

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Posted by Steven A. Harris | Wills & Probate

Probate—the legal process of authenticating a deceased person’s will and distributing assets—can be time-consuming, costly, and emotionally draining for the loved ones left behind. For Alabamians wishing to simplify this process for their heirs and avoid probate pitfalls, effective estate planning is crucial. Here’s a look at key strategies to navigate and potentially bypass some …

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Posted by Steven A. Harris | Wills & Probate

When you write a Will, assuming you are at least 18 years old, of sound mind, and covered all the other legal requirements to create a valid Will, it is considered “executed” at the time you sign it. This means that it is “good” indefinitely unless you change it or revoke it. To be legally …

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Posted by Steven A. Harris | Wills & Probate

If someone dies and puts you in charge of their estate in their will, you are their Executor or Personal Representative. There are three basic things Executors must do: 1) Protect the Estate by identifying and securing the property owned by the estate, 2) Probate the Will, which makes it legally effective. You can then …

Continue reading "Does an Executor Have to Notify Beneficiaries?"