Huntsville Estate Planning

Find the right Wills & Trusts attorney in Huntsville, AL

In Huntsville, estate planning refers to the procedure of deciding what should be done with one's assets after their death.

You will usually need to seek the help of a professional with legal and/or financial expertise when in the process of estate planning. Simple mistakes in an estate plan can cause significant problems, including legal and personal conflicts between your survivors.

While planning your estate, there are a few frequent issues that most people should consider. One big one is the decision relating to power of attorney, which is an arrangement where you give one person the power to make legally-binding decisions on your behalf. You can set up an agreement telling your representative clearly what power they have, what you want them to do, and when the power will vest (normally, if and when you become unable to make your own decisions).

A seasoned Huntsville professional experienced in estate planning can make this procedure a great deal easier. They can also help ensure that your estate plan does not end up in court.

Common Features of Huntsville Estates

Will: This is the centerpiece of most estate plans. A will is a document written by a person (the "testator"), normally with the help of a lawyer, which says what is to be done with their property after they die. Most provisions in a will are legally binding, to the extent that ownership of the property legally passes to the named beneficiary. Nonetheless, a will cannot compel a person to do anything against their wishes (though it can certainly state your preferences on the matter, phrasing them as requests).

Living Will: Living wills are also very critical for most people. Essentially, a living will tells everyone concerned (your next of kin, and your doctor) what type of medical care you want if you become incapacitated. It usually includes the circumstances under which a person wishes to be kept on life support, when they want to be taken off of life support, and, sometimes, instructions on when medical staff should and should not attempt resuscitation.

Power of Attorney: Power of attorney allows you to grant someone else (normally a trusted family member or friend) the power to make certain decisions in your place, with the same legal effect as if you had made them yourself, in the event that you become unable to do so (normally due to mental or physical incapacity). If you decide to give someone power of attorney, you should make your wishes known to them in advance, so they are more likely to make the same decisions that you would make, if you were able to. And, of course, you should exclusively give this authority to someone with whom you would trust your life because that is, in some cases, just what you're doing.

Funeral Arrangements: Whatever your preference on this matter (if you have a preference) you should make it known to your family both verbally and in writing. If you have very particular wishes regarding the final disposition of your mortal remains, you should not put those instructions in your will. Or, if you do, you should also put them somewhere else. Wills are usually not read for quite some time after a person dies, and the funeral is normally long over by then, so it will be too late to follow your instructions.

Do I Need a Huntsville Estates Lawyer?

A seasoned lawyer in Huntsville can make the process of estate planning as simple as it possibly can be. He or she can help ensure that your wishes are given effect, and minimize the chances of disputes between your survivors.

Talk to a Wills, Trusts & Estates Law Attorney now!

Life in Huntsville

With close to 180,000 residents, Huntsville Alabama is a city that is home to some major attractions. Located in the Northern region of Alabama, Huntsville was named on "America's Dozen Distinctive Destinations for 2010 by the National Trust for Historic Preservation. How did Huntsville get this honor? Because of the great amount of civil war history, NASA rockets, and beautiful geography Huntsville has to offer its residents and visitors alike.

Huntsville is located in the Tennessee River Valley, a location that lends itself to hot summers and mild winters. Because of its location, Huntsville also has tornadoes in the spring and fall.

The Marshall Flight Center is another major point of interest in Huntsville. Dedicated by President Eisenhower, the presence of the flight center has given Huntsville its nickname-- "Rocket City" and has been home to some great space developments since the 1950's.

Professional industries also thrive in Huntsville. Huntsville lawyers are a great asset to the city and the overall legal profession. Lawyers specializing in a range of practices are available to serve their clients with any legal need he or she may have. Huntsville is simply a great place to work, live, and play.

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