At Hand Arendall Harrison Sale, our Birmingham-based attorneys provide experienced and compassionate legal representation for individuals and families dealing with estate planning, probate administration, and related litigation. Whether you need help creating a personalized estate plan, navigating probate, or resolving disputes involving trusts, guardianships, or conservatorships, our team is here to guide you every step of the way.
Basic Estate Planning
For those seeking a straightforward estate plan, we offer simple and effective solutions designed to meet your needs. Typical legal documents in a basic estate plan include:
- A Last Will and Testament
- A Durable Power of Attorney (POA)
- Advanced Directives, including a living will and healthcare surrogate designation
We also assist parents of young children with estate planning tailored to their unique concerns, such as naming a guardian or establishing a trust for minor children. Our attorneys take the time to answer your questions and provide clarity, ensuring peace of mind throughout the process.
Comprehensive Estate Planning and Asset Protection
For clients with more complex needs, our attorneys provide sophisticated estate planning and asset protection services, including:
- Special needs trust planning
- Irrevocable trust planning
- Life insurance planning
- Elder law planning
- Probate avoidance strategies
- Business succession planning
- Strategic tax planning
We collaborate with accountants and financial advisors to create customized solutions that align with your goals. Whether you are a business owner, licensed professional, or high-net-worth individual, our team helps safeguard your legacy while minimizing potential tax implications.
Probate Administration
The probate process can be overwhelming, especially during a time of grief. Our attorneys assist executors and personal representatives with every aspect of probate, ensuring a smooth process. Our services include:
- Transferring ownership of property
- Assessing and managing estate assets
- Determining debts owed by the estate
- Completing and filing the necessary paperwork
- Maintaining accurate financial records
- Managing bank accounts and other financial assets
For clients with multistate assets, we also assist with Alabama ancillary estate administration and offer probate services to estates located in neighboring states, including Florida.
Litigation for Probate, Trusts, and Estates
When disputes arise during probate or trust administration, our litigation team provides strong representation. We handle cases involving:
- Will contests
- Trust disputes
- Breaches of fiduciary duties
- Beneficiary claims
- Disputes over asset ownership
Our attorneys strive to resolve disputes amicably, minimizing family tensions whenever possible. However, when necessary, we are prepared to advocate for your interests in court.
Guardianships and Conservatorships
For clients seeking to protect vulnerable, incapacitated individuals, we provide legal guidance for establishing and administering guardianships and conservatorships. Our attorneys help you navigate the process, ensuring compliance with all legal requirements while safeguarding your loved one’s best interests.
Trust Administration and Litigation
Trust administration requires careful attention to detail and compliance with specific legal requirements. We assist trustees with:
- Identifying and managing trust assets
- Notifying beneficiaries
- Maintaining accurate records
- Distributing trust assets in accordance with the trust’s terms
When disputes arise, we represent beneficiaries and trustees in resolving conflicts over the administration of revocable and irrevocable trusts. While we aim for amicable solutions, we are prepared to litigate when necessary to protect your rights.
Creditor Services
Our Alabama attorneys also provide assistance and representation to creditors seeking to collect outstanding debts from an estate. We ensure compliance with Alabama law, helping creditors present valid claims and recover funds owed by a deceased individual’s estate.
Contact Us Today to Speak with an Alabama Attorney at Our Firm About Probate, Estate Planning, Trusts and Litigation Today
If you need assistance with an issue related to estate planning, probate, trusts, or guardianships, contact our firm and speak with an experienced Alabama lawyer. You can rest assured that your concerns will be addressed in confidence.
To schedule a consultation with a lawyer in our Birmingham Office, call us at 205-324-4400.