In Alabama, wills are probated and estates are administered through the county probate court, which is run by an elected probate judge. Families in Jefferson County may deal with either the Birmingham or the Bessemer division, and Shelby County has its own probate office in Columbiana.

A probate or estate attorney helps the executor follow the court’s steps correctly, avoid personal liability, and keep a family on good terms during a stressful time. Many also help parents plan ahead with wills, trusts and powers of attorney so the next generation faces fewer surprises.

What Probate & Estate Attorneys in Birmingham, AL Typically Handle

Probate and estate attorneys help admit a will to probate, get the personal representative appointed, notify creditors, inventory assets, pay debts and distribute property to heirs. Elder law attorneys add Medicaid and long-term care planning, guardianship and conservatorship, and powers of attorney and advance directives for aging parents.

When Families in Birmingham, AL Need a Probate Attorney

A parent has died and the family needs to open probate in Jefferson or Shelby County
There is no will and the family needs to know who inherits under Alabama law
A parent is entering a nursing home and the family is worried about paying for care
Siblings disagree about how an estate is being handled
Parents want to update a will, set up a trust or sign powers of attorney before a health crisis

How We Vet Estate Attorneys in Birmingham, AL

Every firm on this page was chosen for its reputation in probate, estate planning or elder law. We compared local firms on the volume and quality of their public client reviews, confirmed that probate or elder law is a real focus of the practice, and checked for an active firm website.

A “Verified” badge means a listing passed a later manual check by our staff, either on request or as part of a Premium upgrade. Being listed here is free for any qualifying business; Premium is an optional upgrade for more visibility, not a requirement to appear.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a probate attorney the same as an estate attorney?

Mostly. Probate attorneys focus on settling estates after a death. Estate planning attorneys focus on wills and trusts before one. Many Birmingham firms do both, and elder law firms add long-term care and Medicaid planning.

Does Alabama have an inheritance or estate tax?

No. Alabama does not have its own inheritance or estate tax, though very large estates can still owe federal estate tax.

Does every estate in Alabama have to go through probate?

Not always. Assets with a named beneficiary, joint accounts and property held in a trust usually pass outside probate. Small estates may qualify for a simpler process. An attorney can tell you which applies.

How long does probate take in Alabama?

Simple estates often take several months to a year. Creditors have a set period to file claims, and disputes or real estate sales can extend the timeline.

Can an elder law attorney help with nursing home costs?

Yes. Elder law attorneys help families plan for long-term care costs, including Medicaid eligibility, while following Alabama’s rules on asset transfers and estate recovery.