During the holidays, people put down their work and obligations and come together with their loved ones. It's a time for celebration, relaxation, nourishment and reflection in Alabama and elsewhere. However, you may want to reflect and think about your estate plan,...
Estate Planning
What to know about being an executor
It's not uncommon for individuals to choose an adult child to serve as their estate executor. Therefore, you should be prepared to receive a request to manage your mother or father's Alabama estate after their passing. If you agree to serve in this role, there are a...
Best practices for charitable giving in your estate plan
People in Alabama who prepare estate plans normally choose immediate family members as beneficiaries. However, many regularly include charitable causes in their final financial arrangements. If you have an organization whose mission is close to your heart, you can...
Healthcare decisions in estate planning
A last will and testament is often the centerpiece of an estate plan. However, some might believe a revocable trust is preferable. Typically, an Alabama estate planner focuses on these things because they're preoccupied with transferring assets to their beneficiaries....
Dealing with estranged family members in your estate plan
Estrangement within an Alabama family can stem from a variety of reasons, such as disagreements, misunderstandings or personal differences. While this process is complex in itself, it can become even more intricate when an estranged family member is in the picture. In...
Proactive estate planning for your retirement
Retirement is a time when people often start thinking about their legacy and what they will leave behind for their loved ones. Estate planning is an essential part of retirement planning in Alabama that can ensure that your assets are distributed according to your...
How do I administer my loved one’s estate?
Administering the estate of an Alabama loved one who has passed away can be a difficult task, whether you have been named as an executor in the decedent's will or appointed by the probate court. It includes gathering assets, paying outstanding debts, filing tax...
Suing an executor in Alabama
In Alabama, the executor of a will is responsible for carrying out the instructions and distributing the deceased's assets according to the will's terms. However, if the executor fails to perform their duties correctly or is suspected of misconduct, the will's...
An estate plan’s value
Not everyone understands what an estate involves. Many assume that an estate refers to the assets of a deceased person who had a high net worth. That's not an accurate definition, as people of even modest means have an estate when they pass away in Alabama....
Evaluating your estate tax strategy
Over the course of your life in Alabama, you may have accumulated significant assets. It's natural to want to pass those assets along to family, charity or perhaps some combination of the two. It's important to keep in mind that estate taxes can potentially take a big...