What Is a Will?

A will is a legally binding document that outlines how your assets and property should be distributed after your passing. Without a will, the state of Alabama will determine how your estate is divided, which may not align with your wishes.

A properly drafted will allows you to:

• Choose beneficiaries for your property, savings, and valuables.
• Appoint a guardian for minor children.
• Designate an executor to carry out your wishes.
• Minimize family disputes and legal complications.

Our firm provides customized estate planning to ensure your will reflects your exact wishes and complies with Alabama law.

What Is Probate?

Probate is the legal process of settling an estate after someone passes away. It involves:

• Validating the will in court.
• Identifying and appraising assets.
• Paying outstanding debts and taxes.
• Distributing assets to heirs and beneficiaries.

If your loved one passes away without a will, their estate must go through Alabama’s intestacy laws, which dictate how assets are distributed. This can lead to delays, added expenses, and potential family disputes. Our firm provides efficient probate administration to guide families through this complex process.

Do You Need a Will?

Many people assume that wills are only for the wealthy or elderly. However, every adult can benefit from having a legally binding will, especially if you:

• Own property or assets.
• Have children or dependents.
• Want to prevent family disputes.
• Wish to control how your estate is distributed.

A well-crafted estate plan protects your legacy and provides peace of mind for your loved ones.

What Happens If You Die Without a Will?

If you die without a will (intestate), Alabama law determines who inherits your estate. This process can:

• Exclude non-family members, even if you intended for them to receive assets.
• Lead to court battles among surviving relatives.
• Delay the distribution of your estate.

By creating a will, you control how your assets are handled and prevent unnecessary legal challenges for your loved ones.

Our Wills & Probate Services

We provide full-service estate planning and probate administration, including:

1. Will Drafting & Estate Planning

• Creation of legally sound wills
• Assistance with revocable and irrevocable trusts
• Naming guardians for minor children
• Structuring wills to minimize estate taxes

2. Power of Attorney & Healthcare Directives

• Financial power of attorney for managing assets.
• Medical power of attorney for healthcare decisions.
• Living wills to specify end-of-life care preferences.

3. Probate & Estate Administration

• Representation in probate court
• Executor guidance and legal support
• Resolving estate disputes and protecting beneficiaries' rights
• Assistance with intestate estates (when there is no will)

Why Choose John Kennemer for Wills & Probate?

With over 35 years of experience, John Kennemer has helped individuals and families in Tuscumbia and surrounding areas navigate estate planning and probate. We provide:

• Legally sound and customized estate plans.
• Compassionate, client-focused legal support.
• Efficient and cost-effective probate administration.

Planning for the future doesn’t have to be overwhelming. We make the process simple, stress-free, and legally secure.