PROBATE

Alabama Trusts and Estates Attorney Honors Wishes of Your Loved Ones

Birmingham lawyer representing clients in wills, probate, guardianships and conservatorships for more than 25 years

Whether you’re planning the parameters of your future medical care or establishing support for loved ones upon your death, Marcus A. Jones, III can help with all aspects of trusts and estates issues, including:
  • Estate planning
  • Estate tax issues
  • Choosing the appropriate executor
  • Guardianships
  • Adoptions
  • Living wills
  • Living trusts
  • Conservatorships
  • Probate
  • Wills drafting
  • Power of attorney

Securing your legacy

You work hard for your family, so knowing that you have planned for their long-term well-being and financial security can bring you comfort. We thoroughly analyze your estate and strategize the best means of transferring your assets, minimizing taxes, establishing guardianship and/or conservatorship for your children or other family member, caring for your pets, supporting personal philanthropic causes and protecting your loved ones. 

Drafting your living will and last will and testament 

Drafting your living will and last will and testament 

A will is essential at every stage of your life. Your living will sets the parameters for medical intervention should you become incapacitated. This assures that when you are most vulnerable, your wishes will be honored.
Your last will provides the opportunity to distribute your property, establish care for your children and otherwise express your wishes upon your death. A will is necessary if you intend to leave property to a person or entity other than a blood relative, such as a domestic partner, a friend or a charity. If you die without a will, the court determines how your property is distributed, who cares for your children and even what happens to your pet — making decisions that might not reflect your desires. 
Marcus A. Jones, III can draft valid wills that ensure your intentions are honored. 

Changing your will

As your life changes, so might your estate plan. You may want to update your will throughout your life. Marcus A. Jones, III drafts valid codicils that address changes in your financial situation, marital status, number of children, philanthropic interests and general lifestyle decisions. 

Appointment of guardianship

If you have minor children, your will allows you to make decisions about their future care. This is especially crucial if you are a single parent or if both parents die in a common incident. If you do not name a guardian, the court will appoint a guardian for your children and can make decisions adverse to your ultimate parenting goals. You can also make arrangements for your pets’ care in your will, including naming a guardian to take responsibility for your pets. 
Probate — Living Will Declaration in Birmingham, AL
Probate — Living Will Declaration in Birmingham, AL

The process of probate

Most executors have rarely, if ever, probated a will and know little about the process. Marcus A. Jones, III can guide you through all aspects of probate, including:
  • Filing the will with probate court
  • Developing the best strategy for fairly and expeditiously probating the estate
  • Finding and collecting assets
  • Closing and opening bank accounts
  • Transferring assets from the deceased to the estate
  • Paying estate taxes
  • Valuing, managing, preserving and liquidating the estate
  • Locating beneficiaries
  • Hiring experts, when appropriate

Contact an estate planning law firm in Alabama to schedule a free consultation

For estate planning and probate services in Birmingham and throughout Jefferson, Shelby, St. Clair and Blount Counties, call Marcus A. Jones, III at 205-252-1146 or contact us online to schedule a free initial consultation.
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