Estate Planning

Last Will & Testament

Your voice, your choices, your legacy. A will ensures your assets go to the people you choose and your children are raised by the person you trust.

Free Will Consultation

Why You Need a Will

You decide who inherits your assets — not the state
Name a guardian for your minor children
Appoint an executor you trust to carry out your wishes
Reduce family disputes with clear, legally binding instructions
Speed up the probate process for your family
Can include specific gifts, charitable donations, and conditions

What Happens Without a Will

State Decides Distribution

Alabama's intestacy laws determine who inherits — which may not match your wishes at all.

Court Picks Your Children's Guardian

A judge — not you — decides who raises your minor children. Family may dispute guardianship.

Family Disputes

Without clear instructions, family members may argue over assets and keepsakes, causing lasting rifts.

What Your Will Can Include

A properly drafted will addresses every aspect of your estate — from who receives your assets to who manages the process.

Distribution of assets and property
Guardian nomination for minor children
Executor appointment to manage your estate
Specific gifts to individuals or charities
Trusts for beneficiaries who are minors
Funeral and burial wishes

Will FAQs

What happens if I die without a will?

Your estate is distributed according to Alabama intestacy laws, which follow a rigid formula that may not reflect your wishes. The court appoints an administrator and, if you have minor children, decides who becomes their guardian. A will puts you in control of all of this.

Is a handwritten will valid?

Alabama recognizes 'holographic' (entirely handwritten) wills in some circumstances, but they're risky — they're frequently challenged and invalidated for ambiguity or improper execution. An attorney-drafted will ensures your wishes are carried out.

Do I need a lawyer to write a will, or can I use an online template?

Online templates create generic documents that often fail to account for Alabama-specific laws or your unique situation. A will drafted with an attorney is tailored to your needs, properly executed, and far less likely to be challenged in court.

Can I update my will later?

Absolutely. You should review and update your will after major life events — marriage, divorce, birth of a child, death of a beneficiary, or significant changes in assets. We can update your will at any time to reflect your current wishes.

What's the difference between a will and a living trust?

A will takes effect at death and goes through probate. A living trust takes effect immediately, avoids probate, and can manage assets during incapacity. Many clients benefit from having both — a trust for probate avoidance and a 'pour-over' will as a safety net.

Make Your Wishes Known

Schedule a free consultation to create a will that protects your family and carries out your wishes — with no obligation.