Wills Lawyer Huntsville, AL

Your Wills Lawyer

When it comes to different ways you can take care of and provide for your family, an important one is having a last will and testament drawn up by a licensed and qualified Huntsville, AL wills lawyer according to your wishes. Doing this can help your family in many ways. The skilled and highly qualified team at New Beginnings Family Law is experienced with successfully planning wills and estates for families for over a decade. Contact us today for help with wills, estate planning, and family law issues.

Your Will

A will, formally known as a “last will and testament” is a legal document that helps to ensure that your money, assets, property, and personal belongings will be transferred efficiently and with as little hassle as possible to your heirs. A will also allows its testator (the person whose will it is) to name an executor who will manage the estate and guardians for minor children. A will must be in writing and signed by the testator in the presence of two witnesses. To make sure that a will is legally binding, it is recommended that you discuss your particular situation with a knowledgeable and experienced Huntsville wills lawyer who will guide you through the process and make sure everything is documented and submitted properly.

Wills And Probate

Wills in Alabama, typically require the estates they are attached to go through the probate process after their testator passes. Probate is the process by which a will is verified by a court to be valid in order for the estate to be distributed according to its terms. While a will is a legal document that outlines how its owner’s assets will be distributed, probate is the process that makes the will legally effective and allows for the distribution of its assets.

Ways To Avoid Probate

In general, wills in Alabama need to go through the probate process before their assets are distributed but there are a few exceptions to this rule. When an estate is small and valued under a certain threshold (the 2024 limit was $36,030) and does not contain real estate, it is typically allowed to go through a streamlined probate process called, summary distribution. When assets such as bank accounts, life insurance policies, retirement accounts, etc. have named beneficiaries, they do not need to go through probate to be disbursed. Assets held in joint tenancy with survivorship, such as property jointly owned with a spouse or child, avoid probate. Another way to bypass probate is to put your assets into a living trust.

Talk To A Wills Lawyer

To learn more about will and estate planning and to discuss your particular will and estate planning goals, contact a Huntsville wills lawyer who is experienced with ensuring their clients’ wills and estate plans are legally binding. The highly recommended and experienced team at New Beginnings Family Law is here to answer your questions and discuss your needs. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.

Types Of Wills Cases We Handle

According to our Huntsville, AL wills lawyer, major events like births, deaths, marriage, or divorce can affect how our estate should be distributed. We understand that creating a will often feels like a final step in securing peace of mind. But as life changes, so should our legal documents. That’s why reviewing a will regularly is just as important as creating one in the first place. By doing so, we avoid outdated decisions that could cause confusion or conflict later.

Life Events

Changes in family structure are among the most common reasons we need to take another look at our estate plans. A new child or grandchild, or even an estrangement, could significantly shift our wishes. Additionally, moving to a new state, such as relocating to Alabama, may require updates due to different probate or property laws. For example, someone who recently moved to Huntsville and already had a will drawn up elsewhere might not realize the value of working with our Huntsville wills lawyer to verify that everything is still valid and enforceable under local regulations.

Financial Assets And Property

Our financial lives are always in motion. Whether we’ve acquired real estate, started a business, sold off an investment, or received an inheritance, those transactions should be reflected in our estate plans. If a will doesn’t account for recent changes, we risk assets not going where we intended. Regular reviews, about every three to five years, can help us stay aligned with our financial goals and responsibilities.

Beneficiaries And Executors

It’s not just the assets that may need updates, it’s also the people. A chosen executor might move, become ill, or pass away. The same goes for named guardians or trustees. We might also change our minds about who should receive specific items or amounts. These decisions are personal, but they’re too important to leave unaddressed. If we haven’t looked at our documents in a while, we may be surprised by how much no longer matches our current wishes.

Disputes And Delays

An outdated one will increase the risk of disagreement among loved ones. When things are unclear or contested, it often leads to legal challenges that delay distribution and create added stress during an already emotional time. By staying proactive with updates, we give our families clarity and reduce the chance of future disputes. That peace of mind is something we shouldn’t put off, especially if we live in fast-changing cities like Huntsville, where estate laws and family needs evolve quickly.

With over a decade of experience, our team at New Beginnings Family Law believes a well-maintained estate plan is key to long-term peace of mind. Life doesn’t stay the same, and neither should the documents meant to protect it. If it’s been more than a few years, or if you’ve had any major life changes, it may be time to revisit your plan. Working with our award-winning Huntsville wills lawyer helps make sure your will is as up-to-date as your life. Contact us today so we can help you stay prepared for whatever comes next.

Common Benefits Of Hiring A Wills Lawyer

Hiring our Huntsville, AL wills lawyer is a practical decision that can make a significant difference for individuals and families planning for the future. Drafting or updating a will involves more than simply stating who receives what—it’s about making your wishes clear, avoiding future confusion, and creating a plan that reflects your values. Here are several key benefits of working with a professional in this area.

Accurate Drafting Based On State Laws

Each state has its own rules around how wills are written, witnessed, and executed. Our award-winning Huntsville wills lawyer stays current on these requirements and can draft a document that meets legal standards. This helps avoid problems down the line, such as a court declaring a will invalid due to missing signatures or unclear language.

Customized Planning To Fit Family Needs

Every family is different, and a one-size-fits-all document often misses important details. Whether we’re providing for minor children, balancing a blended family, or outlining instructions for a family-owned business, having someone walk us through the process can make all the difference. Our legal professionals will listen carefully and help craft terms that reflect real-life needs and future goals.

Minimized Risk Of Disputes

One of the leading causes of disputes after a person passes away is an unclear or improperly drafted will. By working with our experienced attorney, we reduce the chance of misinterpretation or conflict between loved ones. The more thorough the planning, the easier it is for everyone involved to follow through with our intentions.

Confidence That All Assets Are Addressed

It’s easy to overlook certain assets when writing a will without guidance. Our legal professionals will ask the right questions to be sure nothing is left out, whether that’s digital property, retirement accounts, or family heirlooms. We’ll also point out whether certain assets pass outside the will, such as life insurance or jointly held property, which allows us to take a more complete approach.

Ongoing Support When Circumstances Change

Life changes quickly. Marriage, divorce, children, relocation, and health concerns all affect how our wishes should be expressed. Our wills lawyer offers support not just at the beginning, but down the road when updates are needed. Working with someone familiar with documents and intentions makes revisions easier and more reliable.

Support From A Trusted Legal Team

When we choose a professional like the team at New Beginnings Family Law, we gain access to thoughtful guidance and reliable support through every step of the planning process. With over a decade of experience, we understand what matters most to our clients and work to protect both their wishes and their families.

Our Huntsville wills lawyer can provide far more than just a document. We help clients prepare for what lies ahead with clarity, confidence, and care. Whether you are creating a new will or updating an old one, working with our legal professional provides the structure and insight needed to plan well.

Huntsville Wills Infographic

Will FAQs

Creating a valid will is one of the most important legal steps we can take to protect our loved ones and provide peace of mind. But many people still have questions about how the process works, when to start, and what to expect. Below, our award-winning Huntsville, AL wills lawyer offers straightforward guidance for families who want to take care of their estate matters with clarity and confidence.

What Should I Bring To My First Meeting About Making A Will

We recommend gathering key documents that reflect your assets and wishes. This includes a list of property you own, your bank and investment account information, insurance policies, and the names of the people you’d like to name as beneficiaries, guardians, or personal representatives. It’s also helpful to think about any debts, digital accounts, and sentimental items you want to pass on. When we have this information upfront, we can offer more precise advice and avoid delays in the process.

How Do I Know If A Handwritten Will Is Valid

This depends on the state where you live. Some states accept handwritten, or “holographic,” wills under certain conditions, usually if the entire document is in your handwriting and signed. Other states won’t recognize it unless it meets formal witnessing requirements. It’s best to have your will properly drafted and signed with the help of our Huntsville wills lawyer, who understands what your local laws require. That way, your wishes are more likely to be honored without dispute.

When Is The Right Time To Create A Will

The best time to create a will is as soon as you have assets, children, or specific instructions for what should happen after your passing. Many people wait until a major life event, like getting married, buying a home, or having a child, but we believe earlier is better. A well-drafted will brings clarity and protection, and it can always be updated later. The sooner we create one, the more control we have over important decisions.

Can I Update My Will After It’s Been Signed

Yes, and we recommend reviewing it every few years or after major life changes. Things like getting divorced, moving to a new state, having another child, or a change in your financial situation might mean your will needs to be updated. You can either amend it with a formal codicil or create an entirely new one. Working with our trusted Huntsville wills lawyer makes the process easier and reduces the chance of confusion or conflict later on.

What Happens If I Die Without A Will

If someone dies without a will, their estate will be distributed according to state laws, usually starting with the spouse and children, then extended family. The courts will also appoint someone to handle the estate. This may not align with what the person would have wanted. That’s why we believe taking time to put your wishes in writing matters. It helps avoid disputes and gives your family clarity during a difficult time.

Take The Next Step

Preparing a will doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With the right support, it becomes a simple and meaningful step toward protecting everything we’ve worked for. If you’re thinking about starting or updating your will, our team at New Beginnings Family Law is here to walk with you through every decision. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and begin the process.