How do I value collectibles like Pokémon cards when preparing my estate paperwork in AL?
Detailed Answer — How to value collectible trading cards (Pokémon) for Alabama estate paperwork Quick summary: When you prepare estate paperwork in Alabama, you must identify and list the decedent’s assets, estimate their fair market value (FMV) as of the date of death, and supply documentation supporting those values. For collectible cards that can be […]
Read article →What are the legal requirements and process for transferring a decedent’s firearms during probate in Alabama (AL)?
Transferring a Decedent’s Firearms During Probate in Alabama — Detailed FAQ Disclaimer: This is general information, not legal advice. I am not a lawyer. Laws change. Consult a probate or firearms attorney in Alabama before taking action. Detailed answer — how transfers of a decedent’s firearms work under Alabama law This answer explains the common […]
Read article →What documentation is needed to prove ownership when filing a surplus funds claim in AL?
Proving Ownership for a Surplus Funds Claim in Alabama: What Documents You Need Detailed Answer — Overview When a property sells at a foreclosure, tax sale, or sheriff's sale for more than the amounts owed, the extra money (surplus funds) belongs to the person or entity that owned the property at the time of the […]
Read article →How to protect life insurance proceeds when there is no named beneficiary from creditor claims in estate administration – AL
Disclaimer: This is general information about Alabama probate and insurance practice and is not legal advice. Consult a licensed Alabama attorney about your situation. Detailed Answer When someone dies without a named beneficiary on a life insurance policy, the policy proceeds usually become part of the decedent’s probate estate in Alabama. That means the proceeds […]
Read article →What should I do if an heir refuses to return estate property and the estate is still open? (AL)
What to do when an heir refuses to return estate property while the estate is still open — Alabama Disclaimer This is general information only and not legal advice. I am not a lawyer. For advice about your specific situation, consult a licensed Alabama attorney or the probate court where the estate is opened. Detailed […]
Read article →Can I become the personal representative of my sister's estate in AL?
Can I become the personal representative of my sister's estate? (AL) Short answer: Possibly. Under Alabama law, a sister can be appointed personal representative (executor or administrator) if she is legally eligible and either is named in the will or is next in line under Alabama’s priority rules when there is no valid will. The […]
Read article →What options do heirs have when an estate administrator becomes unresponsive or refuses to distribute assets? (AL)
What options do heirs have when an estate administrator becomes unresponsive or refuses to distribute assets under Alabama law? Detailed answer — What heirs can do when an administrator won’t act Under Alabama law, the person appointed to handle an estate (often called a personal representative, executor, or administrator) has a court-created duty to locate […]
Read article →How do I apply to be appointed as the personal representative of a deceased relative’s estate in Alabama (AL)?
Applying to Be Appointed Personal Representative of a Deceased Relative’s Estate in Alabama Short answer: To be appointed personal representative (sometimes called executor or administrator) in Alabama you must file the appropriate petition in the probate court in the county where the decedent lived, provide the original will (if any), give required notice, and obtain […]
Read article →How Can Heirs Petition the Court to Reopen a Closed Estate to Claim Unclaimed Assets in Alabama?
Detailed Answer Under Alabama law, heirs may petition the probate court to reopen a closed estate when assets emerge after final distribution. This process ensures rightful heirs can claim unaddressed property. Applicable Statute Ala. Code § 43-2-420 allows reopening a closed estate for newly discovered assets. See Ala. Code § 43-2-420. Who Can File? Heirs […]
Read article →What is the process for inventorying and distributing estate assets among multiple heirs in Alabama?
Disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Detailed Answer In Alabama, a personal representative (called an executor if named in a will, or an administrator if appointed under intestacy rules) handles the estate after death. The process involves five main steps: appointment, inventory, creditor notice and payment, accounting, […]
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