Category Archives: Wills & Probate

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?"

Posted by Steven A. Harris | Wills & Probate

One question I often get is: Do you have to go through the Probate Court when a loved one dies? The short answer is no, not always. There are times when going through the Probate process is required. The process of going through Probate is referred to as “opening an estate.” In Alabama, there is …

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