Estate planning is the voluntary legal process by which one drafts legal documents that explains how one wants their affairs to be managed when he/she becomes incapacitated and how one wants his/her assets to be distributed at death. Legal documents required include a last will and testament, a durable power of attorney, medical powers of attorneys, advanced health care directives (living wills), HIPPA designations, guardianship designations, and/or trusts.
One should consider obtaining an estate plan for several reasons including:
- Asset protections and distribution
- Providing Guidance for Loved Ones
- Preventing Family Stress and Disputes
After a lifetime of hard work and planning, it is important to find experienced attorneys who can help you legally designate the best people to make decisions for you and make sure your assets pass to the people you want and in the manner you choose.
If you decide to not make a will, you do not have any say as to how your property will be distributed. The State of Alabama will decide the issue and you may not like the result. Furthermore, by having a will, you can save your loved ones serious expense by relieving them of the requirements of having to post a costly bond, filing an inventory, and having an appraisal made of property.
It is also important to note that a person may change a will as often as he or she desires. Changes are made by either executing a new will, which revokes or replaces a prior will, or by executing a legal addition or amendment called a codicil. It is advisable to consult your attorney any time a new will or codicil is necessary.
At Kimberly C. Brown Law Firm, we have experience in drafting wills, codicils, and other estate planning documents such as powers of attorney and advanced health care directives, or living wills. We also have experience in probating and administrating estates and drafting trusts. We are also equipped to handle complex litigation arising out of challenges and contests to wills.