Practical articles on estate planning, probate, wills, trusts, and business law — written by Christopher Colvin and Valerie Sawyer for families and business owners across Birmingham, Mountain Brook, Hoover, Vestavia Hills, and all of Alabama.
Helping Alabama families navigate probate court and estate administration across Jefferson County, Shelby County, and beyond.
Alabama updated its small estate summary distribution law — raising the threshold that allows qualifying estates to skip probate entirely. If you've recently lost a loved one in Birmingham, Mountain Brook, Hoover, or anywhere in Alabama, this could save your family months of court proceedings.
When someone dies without a will in Alabama, the state's intestate succession laws take over — and the results often shock families. Here's what you need to know.
Losing a parent is painful enough. Discovering they left no will adds legal uncertainty on top of grief. Here are the steps Alabama families need to take — and why you don't have to figure it out alone.
Probate in Alabama is public, slow, and costly. Here are six proven strategies — including revocable living trusts, POD designations, and joint ownership — that keep your family out of probate court entirely.
From filing the petition to the final distribution to heirs — a complete walkthrough of the Alabama probate process for families navigating Jefferson County, Shelby County, and courts across the state.
Alabama probate takes a minimum of 6 months — by law. But most estates take longer. Here's a realistic breakdown of what affects the timeline and what your family can actually expect.
Practical estate planning guidance for Alabama families — wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and strategies to protect what matters most.
The most-searched estate planning question in Alabama — answered in full. A complete side-by-side comparison of how each document works, what it costs, and which one protects your family best.
The short answer: no. Alabama has no state estate tax and no inheritance tax. But federal estate tax rules are changing in 2026 — here's what Alabama families need to know right now.
A power of attorney is not about planning for death — it's about planning for life. Everything Alabama families need to know about durable POA, healthcare POA, and advance directives before a health crisis forces the issue.
VA benefits, survivor benefits, special needs trusts, and more — estate planning for Alabama veterans requires specific knowledge. Written by Valerie Sawyer, a former Civil Air Patrol Squadron Commander and veteran advocate.
Legal guidance for Alabama entrepreneurs and small business owners — from formation to contracts and beyond.
Alabama's LLC formation has a unique two-step filing requirement most guides miss. Here's exactly how to form an LLC in Alabama — from name search to registered agent to the county probate court filing many business owners overlook.
LLC or corporation? The wrong choice costs Alabama business owners in taxes, flexibility, and legal exposure for years. A full side-by-side comparison including the S-Corp tax election strategy most small businesses eventually need.
Christopher Colvin and Valerie Sawyer serve families and businesses across Birmingham, Mountain Brook, Hoover, Vestavia Hills, and all of Alabama. Reach out — no pressure, no obligation.
Schedule a Consultation Call (205) 202-9801