Why a Will Matters
If you die without a will in Alabama, the state's intestacy statutes decide who inherits your assets — not you. That can mean a long-time partner gets nothing, a sibling you haven't spoken to gets a share, or your minor children's inheritance is tied up in court. A simple, properly-executed will avoids all of that.
What's in a Basic Estate Plan
For most clients, a basic plan includes a will, a durable power of attorney, an advance healthcare directive (sometimes called a living will), and a HIPAA release. Together those four documents cover what happens to your assets when you die and who makes decisions if you're alive but incapacitated.
Wills
A will names your personal representative (executor), specifies who inherits what, and names a guardian for any minor children. Jennifer drafts wills in plain language, walks through the choices that matter, and makes sure execution meets Alabama's statutory requirements (witnesses, signatures, capacity).
Powers of Attorney
A durable power of attorney lets someone you trust handle financial matters if you can't — bank accounts, bills, real estate, taxes. The "durable" part means it stays effective if you become incapacitated, which is precisely when it's most needed.
Healthcare Directives
An advance healthcare directive names a healthcare proxy and records your wishes about end-of-life care. The HIPAA release lets your designated person actually access your medical information. Together they ensure your medical wishes are followed and your loved ones aren't blocked from getting information.
Most people put off estate planning because it feels morbid. The truth is the opposite: a clear plan is one of the kindest, most practical things you can do for the people who'll be making decisions when you can't.
Updates & Changes
Estate plans should be reviewed every 3–5 years and after major life events — marriage, divorce, a new child, buying property, a death in the family. Jennifer offers update reviews and codicils when an existing plan needs adjusting rather than a full rewrite.