Archives for December 2023

Probate is a term that can be intimidating to many people, especially when dealing with the passing of a loved one. It involves the legal process of transferring property from a deceased individual to the rightful heirs or beneficiaries. If you have a loved one who has passed away in Alabama or you’re just curious about the process, here’s a simple breakdown of the probate procedure in the state.

1. Filing the Will

If the deceased left a will, the first step in the probate process is to file it with the local probate court. This is typically done by the executor named in the will. If there is no will (this is called dying “intestate”), an administrator will be appointed by the court.

2. Notifying Creditors and Heirs

Once the will is filed and the executor or administrator is appointed, they have the responsibility to notify the deceased’s creditors and heirs. This allows the creditors an opportunity to submit claims for any debts owed by the deceased.

3. Inventory of Assets

The executor or administrator will create an inventory list of the deceased’s assets. This could include things like real estate, personal property, bank accounts, stocks, and other valuables. This inventory will be used to determine the value of the estate and distribute assets accordingly.

4. Paying Off Debts

Before any distribution can take place, the debts of the estate must be settled. This could include bills, taxes, loans, and any claims submitted by creditors. The assets listed in the inventory will be used to settle these debts.

5. Distributing Assets

Once all debts are paid off, the remaining assets are distributed according to the wishes specified in the will. If there is no will, the distribution follows Alabama’s intestate succession laws, which generally prioritize spouses, children, and other close relatives.

6. Closing the Estate

After all assets are distributed and debts are settled, the executor or administrator will file paperwork with the probate court to close the estate. This effectively ends the probate process.

Common Questions About Alabama’s Probate Process:

Is probate always required? Not always. Small estates, for instance, might bypass the probate process through simplified procedures. Additionally, certain assets that have designated beneficiaries (like life insurance policies) don’t go through probate.

How long does the probate process take? This can vary based on the complexity of the estate and any challenges or disputes. Generally, it can take anywhere from a few months to over a year.

Can the probate process be avoided? With proper estate planning, such as setting up trusts or designating beneficiaries for specific assets, you can minimize or even avoid the probate process.

The probate process in Alabama, like in many states, is a structured procedure meant to ensure the proper handling of a deceased’s assets and debts. It provides a legal framework for distribution to heirs and beneficiaries. Understanding the basic steps can help make the process less daunting and more navigable. If you find yourself faced with the probate process, it may be beneficial to seek guidance from an experienced divorce lawyer in Prattville or wherever you reside.

From third-generation plumbers to accountants, everyone hires professionals for things they can’t do properly themselves. Take household staff for instance; many times they’re the difference between a livable home and an unpleasant space that triggers stress.

And like most everything regarding your children, teaching them good manners for the benefit of the staff is your responsibility. Here are 3 tips for you!

Lead by Example

As children generally model their behavior after their parents, you want to give them direct and tangible examples to follow.

So:

• You want to use polite phrases in your daily conversations, saying “please” when making requests and “thank you” when receiving something
• You don’t want to raise your voice or use harsh language. Instead, maintain a calm and respectful tone so that your children often absorb this tone you set.
• You want to acknowledge the efforts of others, expressing gratitude openly, so that they can see firsthand the value of appreciation

For example, while shopping, thank the cashier sincerely and use phrases like “excuse me” if you need assistance and your child will likely observe and mirror these behaviors.

Consistent Reinforcement

Regular reinforcement is how you solidify good manners as a habit as children often learn through repetition and consistency.

So:

• You want to remind your children to use polite language and gestures regularly, especially in situations where it matters
• You don’t want to forget to offer praise when they remember to use good manners
• You want to frequently connect good manners to empathy

If your child forgets to say “please” when asking for something, gently remind them to use the polite phrase as much as possible. When they do remember, you want to acknowledge their good behavior with positive reinforcement to really drive things home.

Explain the “Why”

Children ask a lot of questions, and rightly so. When you help your children understand the reasons behind good manners, they’re more likely to internalize these behaviors and really carry them into various situations.

So:

• You want to have discussions about respect, kindness, and the impact of good manners on building positive relationships
• You want to share stories or examples where good manners made a difference in how people interacted with each other
• You want to create an open dialogue, encouraging questions about social behaviors and manners as many children learn through active engagement

For example, it’s a good idea to explain that saying “thank you” to a friend who shared a toy shows appreciation and makes the friend feel valued; connecting good manners to positive outcomes in their interactions with others and reinforcing the understanding of why it matters because you want them to grasp the significance.

Teaching your child good behavior is one of the top jobs of being a parent, for both their benefit and for the benefit of others.