Wills, Trusts and Estates

Experienced Alabama trusts and estates attorneys
With more than 80 years of combined experience, the attorneys at Smith & Smith possess in-depth knowledge about all aspects of trusts and estate issues, including:
-Conservatorship
-Estate planning
-Estate tax issues
-Executorship duties
-Guardianship
-Living wills
-Living trusts
-Probate
-Probate and will disputes
-Wills drafting and execution

Estate planning
The experienced attorneys at Smith & Smith can advise you on the best approach to your estate planning. They thoroughly analyze your estate and strategize the best means of transferring your assets, minimizing taxes, establishing guardianship for your children, supporting personal philanthropic causes and protecting your loved ones. They can draft a will that reflects your desires and establish living trusts if they would be beneficial to your estate.

Probate
Smith & Smith attorneys apply their extensive knowledge about Alabama probate court to guide you through the complex process of probating a will. They assist executors in all steps of the process, including:
-Creating a plan of action to probate the estate fairly and expeditiously
-Filing the will with the probate court in Alabama
-Closing and opening bank accounts
-Transferring assets from the deceased to the estate
-Valuating the estate
-Managing and liquidating assets as appropriate
-Paying taxes and other debts
-Locating beneficiaries
-Hiring professionals and experts when necessary

Probate disputes
When disputes occur between beneficiaries, Smith & Smith successfully represents your interests. Attorneys at the firm have the extensive knowledge to challenge invalid wills or to defend valid wills against the improper assertions of dissatisfied beneficiaries. Skillful mediators and litigators, they can negotiate between beneficiaries to preserve relationships or fastidiously pursue your rights in court when necessary.