Can a handwritten document change your estate plan? After Larry King's death, a handwritten will surfaced that appeared to conflict with his existing estate planning documents, leading to litigation between his widow and children before the parties ultimately reached a confidential settlement. In our latest article, we examine the estate planning lessons from the dispute, including the risks of informal changes and how Alabama and Florida law treat handwritten wills.

Marriage does not eliminate the need for a will—it makes it more important. Without one, Alabama law—not you—decides how your estate is divided, which may not fully protect your spouse or children. Even when outcomes seem similar, the process can be more complex, costly, and stressful. A properly drafted will brings clarity, reduces delays, and ensures your wishes are carried out while helping your family avoid unnecessary complications during an already difficult time.

When Jimmy Buffett passed away in 2023, he left behind an estate reportedly worth $275 million—and a dispute between the co-trustees responsible for administering it. The conflict highlights an important estate planning lesson: even well-drafted trusts can run into problems if the people responsible for carrying them out cannot work together. Here’s what families can learn about trustee selection from the Buffett estate battle.

If you have a trust, you might wonder whether you still need a will. The answer for most families is yes. A trust only controls assets titled in its name, while a will acts as a safety net for overlooked property and allows you to name guardians for minor children. Understanding how a will and trust work together ensures your estate plan is complete, avoids probate issues, and protects your family according to your wishes.

A trust is one of the most effective ways to protect your loved ones and ensure your wishes are honored. Unlike a will, a trust can provide long-term guidance, privacy, and protection for your family—helping manage assets for children, support beneficiaries responsibly, and avoid probate. Learn how a trust can safeguard your legacy and provide clarity, stability, and peace of mind for future generations.

After American Pickers star Frank Fritz’s passing, a contested will and $6 million estate battle have raised major questions about capacity, guardianship, and inheritance. His case shows how illness and guardianship complicate estate planning—and how disputes can delay the administration of an estate. Families in Alabama and Florida can learn from his story: plan early, document capacity, and work with an estate planning attorney to avoid costly courtroom battles.

When Bob Marley died at 36, he left no will—sparking decades of legal battles over his music, image, and estate. Despite preaching peace and wisdom, Marley’s lack of planning left his loved ones in conflict. Learn what went wrong, and how to protect your own legacy with clear estate planning. Do not leave your future—and your family's peace of mind—to chance.

Guidance from a Birmingham, Alabama estate planning law firm. Aretha Franklin gave the world decades of unforgettable music—but in death, the Queen of Soul left behind a cautionary tale about what can happen when estate planning is delayed or handled informally. Following her passing in 2018, it was initially believed that Franklin had died intestate—without a valid will. In that case, her multimillion-dollar estate would have been distributed equally among her four sons unde

Guidance from a Birmingham, Alabama estate planning law firm. If you are like most people, you have probably heard of trusts but may not fully understand the different types or know how they may benefit you. While there are various types of trusts, the most common ones are revocable and irrevocable trusts. In this article, we will focus on revocable living trusts. A trust is a legal arrangement where a trustmaker transfers ownership of their assets to a trustee, who is respon

Guidance from a Birmingham, Alabama estate planning law firm. Do you know the consequences of dying without a will or trust in Alabama? If you are married, you might think that all your assets will automatically pass to your surviving spouse. In Alabama, however, that is not always the case. The rules for probate asset distribution can be complex, governed by Alabama’s default plan, which may not align with your wishes. In this article, we will clarify the difference between