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Probate & Estate Administration
Probate & Estate Administration in North Alabama
When someone dies, the legal process that follows can feel confusing, emotional, and overwhelming. You may not know what steps to take next, what you’re responsible for, or whether you even need probate at all. Whether your loved one had a will or did not have a will, Hankey Law Firm helps families across North Alabama handle probate and estate administration with clarity, efficiency, and legal protection.
Many families contact us because they are stuck — a bank won’t release funds, property can’t be transferred, heirs disagree, or someone is pressuring them to “just sign something.” Probate is sometimes necessary and sometimes avoidable, but the right approach depends on what assets exist and how they’re titled. We help you determine what needs to happen and guide you step-by-step through the process.
We assist clients throughout Cullman County and surrounding North Alabama communities, including but not limited to Cullman, Hartselle, Decatur, Arab, Jasper, Oneonta, Blountsville, Madison, Huntsville, Warrior, Gardendale, and nearby areas.
If you are trying to access a bank account, transfer property, divide land among heirs, or administer an estate that includes real estate, we can guide you through the process and help you avoid mistakes that cause delays and family conflict.
You may need help if:
A loved one died and you have been told you must “go to probate.”
There is a will, but you don’t know how to file it or what to do next.
There is no will and you need to know who inherits and how to proceed.
A bank or financial institution will not release funds without court authority.
The deceased owned a house or land that needs to be transferred, sold, or divided.
Multiple heirs disagree about what should happen to property or money.
You need to be appointed as executor, administrator, or personal representative.
You need help handling notices, deadlines, creditor issues, and distribution.
Probate is a court-supervised process meant to ensure assets are properly gathered, debts are handled, and remaining property is distributed to the correct people. Even estates that seem “simple” can become complicated when paperwork is incorrect, deadlines are missed, heirs disagree, or property is not titled correctly. Our job is to take control of the process, keep you informed, and move the estate toward resolution as efficiently as possible under Alabama law.
Probate with a Will
If your loved one left a will, the will typically must be filed with the court and a personal representative must be appointed to carry out its terms. We assist with opening the estate, preparing and filing the required documents, and guiding the personal representative through the steps needed to lawfully transfer assets and close the estate.
Probate without a Will (Intestate Administration)
Many people die without a will. When that happens, Alabama law determines who inherits. We help clients petition the court, appoint an administrator, identify heirs, address estate requirements, and distribute property correctly so ownership is clear and legally protected.
Bank Accounts, Limited Assets, and Small Estates
Sometimes probate is needed even when the estate is not large. Families often call because a bank account, retirement account, or other financial asset cannot be accessed without proper legal authority. We evaluate the situation and help you pursue the most appropriate legal option based on the assets involved and how they are titled.
Real Estate, Land, and Heir Property
When an estate includes a home, land, or inherited property shared among multiple heirs, problems often arise. Heirs may disagree, property may need to be sold, or title issues may prevent transfer. We assist with probate matters involving real estate so property can be transferred, sold, or divided properly and lawfully.
What You Can Expect
We begin by reviewing whether there is a will, what assets exist, and what steps are legally required. We then prepare and file the necessary court documents to open the estate and help appoint the appropriate personal representative. From there, we guide the estate through required notices, deadlines, and court requirements, help address debts and claims when applicable, and complete the distribution of assets so the estate can be closed.
You don’t have to figure it out alone. We will explain what matters, what doesn’t, and what happens next — in plain English.
Concerned About Cost? In Many Cases, Fees Can Be Paid From the Estate
A common concern is, “I don’t have money for a lawyer right now.” In many probate and estate administration matters, attorney’s fees and costs can be paid from the estate itself. Depending on the circumstances, that can reduce or eliminate the need for out-of-pocket expense up front. We will explain your options during your consultation and give you a clear plan moving forward.
Schedule a Probate Consultation Today
If you are responsible for handling a loved one’s estate — or you are not sure what you’re responsible for — Hankey Law Firm is here to help. We represent clients throughout North Alabama and provide practical, professional guidance through probate, estate administration, property transfer, and heirship issues.
This content is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For specific legal guidance regarding your estate planning needs, please contact Hankey Law Firm to schedule a consultation with one of our experienced attorneys.
Helping North Alabama families navigate the emotional and legal burdens of family law disputes.
