Guiding families through the Alabama probate process with clarity, compassion, and experienced legal guidance — serving Birmingham, Mountain Brook, Hoover, Vestavia Hills, and across the state.
Schedule a Consultation Call (205) 202-9801Losing a loved one is one of life's most difficult experiences. When a family member passes away in Birmingham, Mountain Brook, Hoover, Vestavia Hills, or anywhere across Alabama, the legal process of settling their estate — probate — can feel overwhelming on top of grief. At Colvin & Sawyer Law Offices, we guide Alabama families through the probate process with experienced legal support, clear communication, and genuine compassion.
"Probate doesn't have to be a source of added pain. With the right legal team guiding you, it can be a manageable, orderly process — even in difficult times."
Probate is the court-supervised legal process of administering a deceased person's estate. It confirms the validity of a will (if there is one), gives creditors the opportunity to file claims, and ensures assets are legally transferred to heirs under court oversight. In Alabama, probate is handled in the county where the deceased lived — most commonly Jefferson County Probate Court or Shelby County Probate Court for Birmingham-area families.
Not all assets go through probate. Life insurance with a named beneficiary, retirement accounts, jointly held property, and assets in a revocable living trust all pass outside of probate. But assets owned solely in the deceased's name must go through the court process before they can be transferred to heirs.
Full-service probate administration from opening the estate through final distribution — handling all court filings, creditor notifications, inventory, and accounting on your behalf.
When a loved one dies without a will, we guide families through the intestate succession process and help establish the right administrator to manage the estate.
We handle filing the will with the probate court, obtaining Letters Testamentary, and ensuring the executor has full legal authority to manage the estate.
We evaluate creditor claims, dispute improper ones, and ensure debts are paid in the correct priority under Alabama law before any distribution to heirs.
From transferring real property to heirs to managing estate sales of Alabama homes, we handle all aspects of real property in probate.
Serving as personal representative carries significant legal responsibility. We advise and represent personal representatives throughout the process to prevent costly mistakes and personal liability.
Alabama law requires a minimum six-month creditor claim period — no estate can close in less than six months. Simple estates typically close in six to nine months. Complex estates with real estate, multiple heirs, or disputes may take one to two years or longer. For a complete breakdown, read: How Long Does Probate Take in Alabama?
Probate costs in Alabama typically run 2–5% of the gross estate value — including court fees, publication costs, personal representative compensation, and attorney fees. On a $300,000 estate that's $6,000–$15,000 in costs that a proper estate plan could have eliminated. For the full step-by-step process, read: Alabama Probate Process Explained.
Dealing with a loved one's estate in Alabama? We are here to help.
Call Colvin & Sawyer Law Offices at (205) 202-9801 or send us a message. We serve families across Birmingham, Mountain Brook, Hoover, Vestavia Hills, and all of Alabama.Total probate costs typically range from 2–5% of the gross estate value including attorney fees, court costs, and personal representative compensation. Contact us at (205) 202-9801 for a consultation about your specific situation.
Alabama does not require an attorney, but the process involves complex filings, strict deadlines, and personal liability for the administrator. Most families benefit significantly from experienced legal guidance.
A minimum of six months by law. Simple estates close in six to nine months. Complex estates with real estate, multiple heirs, or disputes can take one to two years or longer in Jefferson County or Shelby County probate court.
We guide the personal representative through every step — filing the petition, notifying creditors, preparing the inventory, paying valid debts, distributing assets to heirs, and filing the final accounting with the court.
Christopher Colvin and Valerie Sawyer serve clients throughout Birmingham, Mountain Brook, Hoover, Vestavia Hills, Homewood, Alabaster, Pelham, Helena, Chelsea, Trussville, Gardendale, Bessemer, and Montgomery.
Schedule a Consultation Call (205) 202-9801