Check Spelling In Legal Alabama Small Estates Forms For Free

Most states have a ?small estates? rule that allows you to avoid probate entirely, as long as the estate value doesn't pass a certain threshold. In Alabama, if an estate doesn't have any real property and the value doesn't exceed $25,000, after waiting 30 days, you can use what's known as a summary probate procedure.

Step 1: ? Verify that the estate is eligible. This will include identifying and valuing all of the decedent's property to make sure it falls below the state maximum. ... Step 2 ? Contact all the Heirs. ... Step 3 ? Settle any remaining obligations. ... Step 4 ? Fill out, sign, and file the affidavit form.

Examples of probate assets include real estate owned only by the decedent, bank accounts in the name of the decedent, and life insurance policies that fail to name a beneficiary or are payable to the estate.

A ?small estate? contains personal property only (no real estate) and does not exceed an amount (originally $25,000) annually adjusted for inflation. The amount is $30,608.00 for 2021 and is increased each year.

Instead of a small estate affidavit, Alabama allows for distribution of small estates through an abbreviated estate process known as summary distribution. To qualify for summary distribution, the estate must meet the criteria of a ?small estate? as defined by the statute.

In Alabama, the executor has four months from the date of their appointment to notify creditors, who then have six months to make claims against the estate for any debts owed. Paying Debts and Taxes: After notifying the creditors, the executor must then pay off any valid claims from the estate's assets.