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Alabama Probate Questions & Answers
1 Answer | Asked in Estate Planning and Probate for Alabama on
Q: I'm Pers. Rep for my Mom's estate in SC, where she resided. She has a will, Probate opened n SC. ? about land in AL?

I am the Personal Rep for my Mom's estate in SC, where she resided. She has a will, Probate has been opened here. She has land in Mobile county, AL, (< 12 acres) the estate is small. What do I do about the AL land? I am looking for low cost solutions. How much are your fees? I live in SC also.

James Blount Griffin
James Blount Griffin
answered on Nov 6, 2024

What you need is something called "Ancillary Administration," which is estate administration in a second state. Look at the Will and see if there is provision for you as personal representative to open a second estate in another state. That would make things easier. Well-prepared wills... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Foreclosure, Real Estate Law, Civil Rights and Probate for Alabama on
Q: What can I do if my property was foreclosed, I’m in the redemption period but the new owner is refusing to take payment
James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jun 29, 2024

If you're in the redemption period after a foreclosure and the new owner is refusing to accept your payment, you have several options:

1. Document everything: Keep detailed records of your attempts to make payments, including dates, times, and methods of contact.

2. Consult an...
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2 Answers | Asked in Foreclosure, Real Estate Law, Civil Rights and Probate for Alabama on
Q: What can I do if my property was foreclosed, I’m in the redemption period but the new owner is refusing to take payment
Paul  Burkett
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Paul Burkett
answered on Jul 11, 2024

You should hire an experienced Alabama attorney to navigate the process. I do not regularly handle these matters but have done so in the past.

The code of Alabama states as follows as to your comments:

"SECTION 6-5-252 DEMAND FOR STATEMENT OF DEBT AND LAWFUL CHARGES BY PERSON...
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1 Answer | Asked in Real Estate Law and Probate for Alabama on
Q: Is it illegal for the city to demolish a house I bought without contacting me?

The city demolished my house and did not contact me first. The house that I was in the process of refurbishing was knocked down before I was made aware. Now, I believe the city has a lien on my property for the demolition that I did not authorize. I was in the process of buying the property when... View More

John Michael Frick
John Michael Frick
answered on Jun 20, 2024

In almost all instances, the city is required to notify the "record owner" reflected in the official deed records at the address on file in the official records. If the owner moved, it is incumbent on him/her to timely change the address in the official records. If you were "in the... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Family Law, Libel & Slander and Probate for Alabama on
Q: A social worker, in a petition to the court, falsely claimed that my father was "an Incapacitated Adult."

Last week, Dr. Benesh, a neurologist at UAB, evaluated him and determined that he has capacity and can make his own decisions. Based on the social worker's lie, a conservatorship was appointed. Eventhough I have a durable POA, and the conservatorship was fraudulent. This was at the second... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jun 5, 2024

To present this new evidence before the ruling on June 6, 2024, you need to act quickly. First, gather all relevant documents, including the neurologist's evaluation from Dr. Benesh, your durable Power of Attorney, and any other evidence showing your father's capacity and the... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Estate Planning and Probate for Alabama on
Q: Mom died without a Will. She has a home with a mortgage and a car.

Probate has been opened and I’m the personal representative. My sibling took my moms car without my knowledge and won’t bring it back so that it can be sold. What are my options? Can I go and get the car? Can I withhold any money distribution until it’s brought back?

James Blount Griffin
James Blount Griffin
answered on Apr 12, 2024

That vehicle, if titled solely in the name of the decedent, is the estate's property. If you are personal representative, you are responsible to the estate, the court, the creditors, and the heirs to reclaim lost property. When there is no will, your duty to and supervision by the probate... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Estate Planning, Family Law and Probate for Alabama on
Q: How long do you have to start settling someone's estate
James Blount Griffin
James Blount Griffin
answered on Apr 9, 2024

A will must be probated within five years in Alabama, or cannot be probated at all; you would then have to open the estate as if there had been no will. Also, if you don't get the estate open and moving, heirs might die and debtors might file for bankruptcy. If the people actually nominated... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Probate for Alabama on
Q: i was left my step dads estate he had several million in cash and several hundred acres his daughters coming after it

the will reads i get it all he owed back child support

Anthony M. Avery
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answered on Feb 26, 2024

If you have read a Will that has been admitted to Probate, and you are a significant beneficiary, then hire an attorney to represent you. The child support will be claims against the Estate. Where is the Will? If not probated, then you need to file it. Again, hire an attorney to represent... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Real Estate Law, Estate Planning and Probate for Alabama on
Q: USB is suing my late husband's estate and now I can't sell it. It has been 12 yrs. How long is statute of limitations?
James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Feb 25, 2024

The statute of limitations for debts and lawsuits can vary significantly depending on the type of claim and the state in which the lawsuit is filed. Generally, for debts, statutes of limitations range from 3 to 15 years. This timeframe dictates how long a creditor has to initiate legal action to... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Probate for Alabama on
Q: How long does the court appointed lawyer as executor have to settle the estate of the deceased?
James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Feb 4, 2024

The duration for settling an estate when a court appoints a lawyer as executor in Alabama can vary widely based on the complexity of the estate, the assets involved, and any potential disputes among beneficiaries or creditors. There is no fixed timeframe mandated by law. However, it's... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Estate Planning, Real Estate Law and Probate for Alabama on
Q: Can I take equity out of a home if I am not on the original loan or deed, but legally inherited property (home)?

My spouse died and I was not on the loan or the deed the home. The home has a debt on it. I know I can get the deed done up, but what about the loan? I know the debt doesn’t go away and I need to figure something out about that like try to assume it if I want to stay or find a way to pay it off.... View More

Anthony M. Avery
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answered on Jan 31, 2024

You may be able to find a lender for a refinance, which will require you to have it of record how you own as an heir. Affidavit of Heirship and/or probate will be in order. Your credit will be involved. Once you have a source of title, you may be able to sell it subject to the secured debt.

1 Answer | Asked in Estate Planning and Probate for Alabama on
Q: Can a verbal agreement and/or verbal promise be legally binding for a will?

When dad died, stepmom made a verbal agreement and a verbal promise that, when she passed away, her stepdaughter would receive dad’s inheritance and her daughter would get hers. However, when she died, her daughter got everything. Stepdaughter was never told that stepmother had passed away.... View More

John Michael Frick
John Michael Frick
answered on Jan 22, 2024

No.

At best, stepdaughter might have a claim based upon promissory estoppel if she made some sort of out-of-pocket expenditure in reasonable reliance upon stepmom's verbal promise. Her measure of recovery would be limited to the out-of-pocket expense she incurred.

A will--even...
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2 Answers | Asked in Estate Planning, International Law and Probate for Alabama on
Q: What does a legal opinion for the purpose of UK/US inheritance entail and what should it cost? How would we find one?

Late grandmother domiciled in Alabama until death. She had both UK and US assets but only a UK will leaving it to immediate family. UK courts requesting legal opinion from US solicitor before proceeding with granting probate. US court already determined UK grandchildren (last remaining immediate... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jan 19, 2024

Based on the details provided, here are some pointers on obtaining a US legal opinion for this UK/US inheritance situation:

• The UK court is likely looking for confirmation from a US attorney that the Alabama will is valid and enforceable to distribute the US assets per that will's...
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1 Answer | Asked in Real Estate Law and Probate for Alabama on
Q: Live in my family home but never changed deed over after my mum died. Property taxes went up 600$ more this year

Increase because homesteaders rights were took away even though I'm 68;but it hasn't been changed over to me. She's been dead 8-10 years now. Don't know if her will went through probate because my brother died after she did and he was executor. How do I get deed in my name or... View More

William Vann Burkett
William Vann Burkett
answered on Dec 27, 2023

You will likely need to file a quiet title action to get a deed to the property. This will involve suing any person that might have an interest in the property. The other option that might be available is to go through the probate process. This would likely need be done in the county where your... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Tax Law and Probate for Alabama on
Q: A lien was placed on the estate for unpaid taxes of my deceased parent , what should I do?

How do I protect my family’s estate?

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Dec 25, 2023

When dealing with a lien placed on an estate due to unpaid taxes of a deceased parent, the first step is to understand the extent of the debt. You should obtain a detailed statement of the tax owed, including any penalties and interest. This information is crucial for assessing the situation... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Estate Planning and Probate for Alabama on
Q: Would the executor of an estate be notified or allowed to inquire if the assumption of a mortgage was obtained or denied

I am the executor of my mothers estate. My father is the beneficiary of a home with a mortgage. He is working on assumption of the Loan but it has not happened. Initially as his power attorney, I was also communicating with the company on his behalf. For different reasons, I am considering having... View More

Nina Whitehurst
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answered on Dec 20, 2023

There is no need for your father to assume the loan. As the legal heir/beneficiary he can simply keep making the mortgage payments, and the lender is obligated under federal law to provide statements and other loan information to him. He is what is called a legal "successor in interest".

2 Answers | Asked in Probate for Alabama on
Q: Can a home sale be done “privately” and does it have to be approved by probate court ? What about loan assumptions?

It is for a home loan. My father lives in the home. My mother had a Will and I am the executor of her estate. The home was left to my father in a Will. He lives there. It has a remaining balance. He is not on the deed. He is working to assume the loan because he wants to stay in the home. If he... View More

Bonnie Lawston
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Bonnie Lawston
answered on Dec 13, 2023

As the executor, you have the legal authority to transfer the property to the named person as the Will states. It depends on the languagein the Will if the Estate is responsible for the debt or the person receiving the real property. You do not need Court approval to sell the property in the... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Probate for Alabama on
Q: Can a home sale be done “privately” and does it have to be approved by probate court ? What about loan assumptions?

It is for a home loan. My father lives in the home. My mother had a Will and I am the executor of her estate. The home was left to my father in a Will. He lives there. It has a remaining balance. He is not on the deed. He is working to assume the loan because he wants to stay in the home. If he... View More

Nina Whitehurst
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answered on Dec 13, 2023

The debt does not just go away. One way or the other it needs to be paid. Probate is the process that gets title transferred from a decedent to the heir(s) in most states. In some states, under some circumstances, title can be updated by affidavit. Your probate attorney should be helping you with... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Probate for Alabama on
Q: If father can’t qualify for mortgage assumption w/ a company, but qualifies with another, is that a “sale” in probate

I am the executor for my mothers estate.

The home he was left to him in her Will, but it has a mortgage debt on it. Fathers name is not on deed or mortgage.

Father is trying to assume current mortgage of my mother - his deceased spouse, with the remaining balance left.

In... View More

Nina Whitehurst
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answered on Dec 13, 2023

If this is a house, your father does not have to assume the loan. He can just keep making the payments. If he does not keep making the payments the lender will foreclose. He does not have to assume the loan to keep making the payments. Under federal law the lender cannot call the loan due when a... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Estate Planning and Probate for Alabama on
Q: On a mortgage assumption, who coordinates the updating of the deed to the home? Lender or Buyer? It’s not a new mortgage

For mortgage assumption, who coordinates the closing and updating the deed when it is an assumption and not a “new loan.”

Is it the lender or does the buyer find their own closing attorney? This is for a mortgage on the home of a deceased person. The deceased was the only name on the... View More

Nina Whitehurst
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answered on Dec 13, 2023

The title (what you are calling the deed) is updated by the probate process. When approved by the court (usually), the executor signs a deed transferring title from the estate to the heir(s).

If this is a house, you should know that none of the heirs are obligated to assume the loan, but...
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