Probating of Wills and
Estate Administration
There is no convenient time for anyone to die. Your lives are upended, and it is hard to do basic things such as take care of your own home and family and go to work, much less deal with the courts, lawyers, property, claims, and tax returns of your beloved’s estate.
James Griffin has opened estates in more than a dozen Alabama counties. In cases in which there is a valid will, he asks the court to issue “letters testamentary” to the person appointed as executor under the will. In other cases, there is no will, and we ask the court to issue “letters of administration” to the family member willing to take on the task. In a few cases, there is neither a will nor a trusted relative living in Alabama, so the probate court, at the family’s request, appoints him as administrator.
Every probate court is different in custom and culture, so an experienced attorney is needed to:
– Draft the petitions
– Obtain consents from the heirs
– Get the administrator bonded if the court requires
– Obtain letters of authority
– File an inventory report if required
– Advise the appointed personal representative about gathering the assets, selling real estate, liquidating assets, paying bills and debts, and making distributions to heirs.
Some estates require much more: preparation of a house for sale, the selling of multiple vehicles and other personal property, sale of investment property or vacation homes, and the settlement of complex claims.
My challenge is to take on the estate problems so that you may take time to grieve and more forward with your life.
More Services
Estate Planning and Trusts
Death is a certainty, even for presidents, artists, millionaires, and rock stars. Make sure that your loved ones are protected!
Real Estate and Property Law
With decades of experience in sales, transfers, title issues, zoning, permits, timber, trespass, nuisance, and environmental law, James Griffin is the property lawyer for you.
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