Alabama Trusts and Estates Attorneys Helping You Plan

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. Whether planning the care or support of loved ones upon your death or guiding you through the probate process as you mourn the loss of a loved one, the attorneys at Hughes & Scalise can help with all aspects of trusts and estates issues, including:
-Estate planning
-Estate tax issues
-Executorship duties
-Guardianship
-Living wills
-Living trusts
-Probate
-Wealth transfer considerations
-Will drafting and execution

Estate planning
When devising an estate plan, we consider how best to protect your children and other beneficiaries, support your loved ones and contribute to the charitable causes that are special to you.

Our knowledge of current laws related to estate planning allows us to thoroughly analyze your estate and determine the best means of transferring your assets, minimizing taxes, establishing guardianship for your children, caring for your companion animals, supporting personal philanthropic causes and protecting your loved ones. We draft a will that reflects your desires, and establish living trusts if they advance your individual needs and your estate planning goals.

Draft your living will and last will and testament
A living will is essential at every stage of your adult 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 will apply State law to determine how your property is distributed, who cares for your children and even what happens to your animal companions - making decisions that might not reflect your desires.

We will work closely with you to draft valid wills that ensure your intentions are honored.

Changing your will
As your life changes, so might your estate plan. You may need to update your will throughout your life. We update client wills to address changes in applicable laws and changes to your financial situation, marital status, number of children, philanthropic interests and general lifestyle decisions.

Appointment of guardianship
If you have minor children, you may express in your will wishes about their future care. This is especially crucial because, if a single parent dies or if both parents die at the same time and no guardian is named, the court will appoint a guardian and may make decisions adverse to the parents' wishes. You can also make arrangements for your companion animals' care in your will, including naming a guardian to take responsibility for your companion animals.