Birmingham, AL asked in Probate for Alabama

Q: I am an only child. My mother had a will naming as the only heir. Do I need to hire an attorney or can I file for

Probate myself. It seems as if my case is so simple and I don't want the expense of an attorney if I can avoid it.

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1 Lawyer Answer
Mr. James Parrish Coleman
Mr. James Parrish Coleman
Answered
  • Probate Lawyer
  • Robertsdale, AL

A: You tell me. What do you know about how probate works? In what priority must debts be paid? What things must you do as far as debts are concerned? Who has to get paid out of the estate other than you? Explain the probate process from start to finish -- and how long does that take? Is the will valid? How do you know? What are the requirements for a valid will in Alabama? Answer these questions before you decide that it is a good idea to save money on legal matters.

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