Alabama — How to Prove a Zero Balance and Close a Spouse’s Estate in Probate Court
Detailed Answer — How to prove a zero balance and formally close a spouse’s estate in Alabama This guide explains the common steps a personal representative (executor or administrator) typically follows in Alabama to show that an estate has no remaining assets or liabilities and to obtain a formal court closing. This is educational information […]
Read article →Alabama: Using a Small Estate Affidavit to Avoid Formal Probate for an Intestate Estate
Can a family avoid formal probate in Alabama by using a small-estate affidavit for an intestate estate? Detailed answer — how small‑estate collections work in Alabama In short: Alabama does not generally offer a single, statewide “small estate affidavit” that automatically replaces formal probate for every intestate estate. Whether you can collect assets without opening […]
Read article →Alabama: After Failed Mediation in a Partition or Probate Dispute — What Happens Next
When Mediation Doesn’t Resolve a Partition or Probate Dispute in Alabama: What Comes Next Disclaimer: This article explains general principles of Alabama law and is for educational purposes only. It is not legal advice. Consult a licensed Alabama attorney about your specific situation. Detailed answer — next steps when mediation fails If mediation does not […]
Read article →How to Open Probate in Alabama from Out of State
Can I open probate in Alabama for my sibling’s estate if I live out of state? Short answer: Yes — you can begin probate proceedings in Alabama even if you live in another state. Where to file, what documents you need, and whether you can serve as the personal representative (executor/administrator) depend on where the […]
Read article →How to Settle a Parent's Estate in Alabama and Handle Property in Another State
Step-by-step guide to settling a parent’s estate in Alabama and handling their out-of-state property This FAQ-style guide explains the common steps to settle a decedent’s estate under Alabama law and to deal with real estate or other assets located in another state. This is educational information only and not legal advice. Short answer — the […]
Read article →Alabama: Requiring a Co‑heir to Reimburse an Appraisal Before an Estate Buyout
Who pays for an appraisal when heirs negotiate a buyout under Alabama law? Short answer Under Alabama law, you generally cannot unilaterally force a co‑heir to reimburse you for an appraisal unless the co‑heir agreed in writing, a probate representative (personal representative or administrator) authorized the appraisal as an estate expense, or a court orders […]
Read article →How to make sure a wrongful death settlement is filed and split properly in Alabama
How to make sure a wrongful death settlement is filed correctly and split as agreed in Alabama Short answer: Use a written settlement agreement, get the personal representative and all beneficiaries to sign, obtain a court order approving the settlement or distribution when required, resolve liens and fees in writing, and have the settlement funds […]
Read article →How to Transfer Property Title After a Spouse's Death in Alabama
How to transfer title to real estate after a spouse dies under Alabama law Short answer: The exact steps depend on how the property was titled before your spouse’s death (joint ownership, tenancy by the entirety, sole ownership, or in a trust). Generally you will need the death certificate, confirm the form of ownership, open […]
Read article →Alabama — Do I Still Need a Transfer‑on‑Death Deed or Payable‑on‑Death Designation If My Will Leaves Everything to My Daughter?
Do I still need a transfer-on-death deed or payable-on-death designation if my will already leaves all my property to my daughter? Short answer Yes — often you still need transfer-on-death (TOD) deeds or payable-on-death (POD) designations if your goal is to have assets pass directly to your daughter without formal probate. A will controls what […]
Read article →How to Transfer a Parent's House After an Alabama Intestate Death
What to do when a parent dies without a will in Alabama and the house must be transferred to the heirs Disclaimer: This is general information, not legal advice. For legal advice about your specific situation, contact a licensed Alabama probate attorney. Detailed answer — how an Alabama intestate estate transfers real property When a […]
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