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Updated August 2026
A Loved One Has Died. What Are the First Probate Steps?
A calm, practical starting point for protecting property, locating documents, and determining whether court authority is needed.
Read this guidePractice Area 03
Probate
Probate gives a court-appointed personal representative authority to collect estate property, address valid debts and expenses, and distribute what remains. Not every asset passes through probate, and some estates may qualify for a simplified procedure.
One step at a time
A clearer picture of Alabama probate.
After losing someone, you do not have to figure everything out at once. Here is the general path for a traditional estate administration, with our office helping you along the way.
Understand what is needed
We review the will, family information, and assets to see what requires probate and whether a simpler process may be available.
Open the estate with the court
We prepare the petition and required notices. The court appoints a personal representative and issues Letters authorizing that person to act for the estate.
Gather assets and give notice
The representative identifies and safeguards estate property, prepares an inventory, and gives the required creditor notices. An inventory is generally due within two months of appointment unless an exemption applies.
Address debts, expenses, and taxes
During the claims period and afterward, we help the representative review claims, address estate expenses and tax obligations, and handle any necessary property sales.
Distribute and close the estate
Once the required periods have passed and obligations are resolved, the remaining property can be distributed to the proper beneficiaries or heirs and the estate brought to a close.
Every estate is different. This is a general overview, and some steps happen at the same time.
How We Help
Start with the right questions.
After a death, the appropriate probate process depends on whether a valid will exists and whether the estate qualifies for a simplified procedure. We assist with uncontested appointments, required notices and filings, estate administration, distribution, and closing.
- 01Is a probate estate required?
- 02Who can serve as personal representative?
- 03Does the estate qualify for summary distribution?
- 04What notices, inventories, and accountings are needed?
Probate Legal Guides
Learn the basics before the conversation.
These articles provide general information and a starting point for questions to discuss with an attorney about your circumstances.
02
Updated August 2026
Letters Testamentary vs. Letters of Administration
What these probate-court appointments mean and why banks, buyers, and other institutions may ask to see them.
Read this guideDiscuss your next step