You have worked hard to build your wealth and legacy. You have loved and cared for your family and friends and made a difference in the world. But what will happen to everything you have created and cherished when you are gone or unable to manage it? Who will inherit your assets and how will they be distributed? Who will make decisions on your behalf if you become incapacitated? Who will honor your wishes and values? These are some of the questions that a seasoned Foley, Alabama wills & probate lawyer can help you answer. If you’re looking to protect your assets or you need assistance taking your loved one’s estate through the probate process, look no further than The Law Office of James M. Burns. We are here to help you, every step of the way.
Should I Hire a Wills & Probate Lawyer?
There are several reasons why you should consider hiring an attorney to walk you through the estate planning or probate process. To start, a wills & probate lawyer can help you with the following:
- Protecting your assets and minimizing taxes
- Providing for your loved ones and their needs
- Avoiding probate and reducing legal fees
- Expressing your wishes and values
- Preparing for unexpected events and emergencies
Of course, a wills & probate lawyer can also walk you through the estate administration process, which can be quite complicated without legal guidance. Fortunately, if you are reading this, you are in the right place. The Law Office of James M. Burns is here to protect you or your loved one’s legacy.
Key Components of Drafting a Well-Rounded Will
There are several reasons why it’s important to draft a will, and just some of the things you should consider when doing so are as follows:
- Your will should include a comprehensive and accurate inventory of your assets and liabilities, including bank accounts, real estate (such as your home), personal property (such as jewelry or memorabilia), debts, and taxes, among other things
- Your will should include specific and detailed instructions for how you want your assets to be distributed to your beneficiaries upon your passing, as well as potential conditions, special instructions, or restrictions on how you want your property distributed
- Your will should include a nomination of an executor or personal representative who will be in charge of administering your estate and ensuring your wishes regarding how your property is distributed are fulfilled
- Your will should include a designation of a guardian or conservator for your minor children or dependents who will care for them and manage their inheritance
Probate in Alabama
Probate is the legal process of validating a will and settling an estate. Probate involves identifying and gathering the assets of the deceased, paying debts and taxes, and distributing the remaining assets to the heirs or beneficiaries. Probate is a notoriously complex process, so it’s always best to have an attorney in your corner who can effectively guide you through it, all the while protecting the interests of you and your family, and ensuring your loved one’s wishes are realized.
How Can a Probate Lawyer Help Me?
Without a probate lawyer in your corner, you run the risk of making certain mistakes that can entirely alter the course of how your loved one’s assets are distributed and their estate closed. Just some of the ways in which a probate lawyer can help you through the probate process are as follows:
- Filing the will and initiating the probate process
- Representing you in court and handling any disputes or challenges
- Advising you on your rights and responsibilities as an executor or beneficiary
- Assisting you with the administration and distribution of the estate
- Resolving any legal issues or complications that may arise
Taking your loved one’s estate through probate can be a challenging endeavor, but with a seasoned wills & probate lawyer in your corner, you can have peace of mind, knowing their estate is in good hands.
Contact a Foley Wills & Probate Lawyer Today
Are you interested in crafting a well-rounded estate plan? Have you been appointed as your loved one’s executor and are tasked with taking their estate through the probate process? If so, the time to act is now, and our legal team is here to help. Contact a Foley, Alabama lawyer from The Law Office of James M. Burns today to schedule your initial consultation with our dedicated legal team.
