Source: https://willing.com/alabama-last-will-testament
Timestamp: 2019-03-23 23:34:37
Document Index: 609748955

Matched Legal Cases: ['§ 43', '§ 43', '§ 43', '§ 43', '§ 43', '§ 43']

Alabama Last Will & Testament - Write Your Legal Will - Willing
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The legal requirements for making a will in Alabama can be found in Alabama Code § 43-8-130. See below for the basics.
Alabama Will Requirements
To make a valid will in Alabama, certain legal requirements must be met. There are requirements for both the person making the will (called a “testator”), and for the will itself.
Any person 18 or more years of age who is of sound mind may make a will. Alabama Code § 43-8-130.
Every will shall be in writing signed by the testator or in the testator’s name by some other person in the testator’s presence and by his direction, and shall be signed by at least two persons each of whom witnessed either the signing or the testator’s acknowledgment of the signature or of the will.
Although there are various exceptions and special rules, these are the standard requirements for Alabama wills.
You should definitely have your will notarized. Under Alabama law, a will that meets certain requirements — including proper notarization — is “self proved”. Alabama Code § 43-8-132. A self proved will can be admitted to probate court without the testimony of the witnesses to the will. (When a will that isn’t self proved is submitted to the probate court, the court will require testimony from witnesses, or other proof, to establish that the will is what it claims to be.)
How does it work? To make a will self-proved in Alabama, the testator and witnesses must sign a “self proving affidavit” before a notary public. An affidavit is a sworn statement, and a notary public is an officer of the court. Therefore, an affidavit before a notary public is like making a statement in court. So, when an affidavit states that the will was properly executed, it’s as good as in-court testimony, and the witnesses don’t need to show up when it’s time for the will to be admitted to court. Alabama Code § 43-8-132.
Do I need an attorney to make a will in Alabama?
No. An attorney is not required to make a will in Alabama. For the vast majority of people, an attorney will simply do the same things that a good will-making software does — ask you questions and then create documents for you based on your information and wishes. However, in certain situations it is a good idea seek legal advice from an attorney, like if you have a child with special needs, or if you have a high net worth (around $10 million) and are concerned about federal estate taxes. In these cases, an attorney can help you navigate special questions and create a proper plan.
Alabama law handles old wills in two ways. First, if you have an old will in place, you can cancel it by creating a new one. A good will usually contains a statement that it revokes (cancels) any prior wills. Second, a will can be cancelled simply by physically destroying it. Alabama Code § 43-8-136.
Under Alabama law, a will is filed with the court after the death of the testator. Alabama Code § 43-8-161. So, after you pass away, your will should be filed in your local probate court by the person named to be your personal representative (also called an “executor” or “administrator”). This will begin the legal process known as “probate” through which your wishes are carried out under court supervision.