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.