Alabama Estate Planning
Get your own affairs in order in Alabama, for yourself or an aging parent. Compare the documents most adults need (a will, a power of attorney, and a healthcare directive), decide whether you need a trust, and see how to keep your estate out of probate.
Which document do I need?
The core documents at a glance. Each row links to its Alabama guide.
- Will
- Alabama will requirements explained: the 18-and-sound-mind rule, two-witness signing, self-proving affidavits, and why handwritten wills are not valid. Read the guide
- Living trust
- How an Alabama revocable living trust works under the Alabama Uniform Trust Code (Title 19, Chapter 3B): roles, funding, the pour-over will, and probate. Read the guide
- Power of attorney
- Alabama power of attorney rules: durable by default, notary signing, the official statutory form, springing POAs, hot powers, and why a POA ends at death. Read the guide
- Healthcare directive
- Alabama advance directive rules: one document for the living will and health care proxy, two witnesses age 19 or older, when it takes effect, and revocation. Read the guide
Planning to prepare the will with an online service? See what Alabama requires from an online will before you sign anything.
Alabama estate planning guides
Alabama Estate Planning Basics: A Plain-Language Guide for Families
Alabama estate planning basics: the will, power of attorney, and advance directive every adult needs under Ala. Code Titles 43, 26, and 22.
Alabama Will Requirements
Alabama will requirements explained: the 18-and-sound-mind rule, two-witness signing, self-proving affidavits, and why handwritten wills are not valid.
Alabama Power of Attorney
Alabama power of attorney rules: durable by default, notary signing, the official statutory form, springing POAs, hot powers, and why a POA ends at death.
Alabama Advance Directive for Health Care
Alabama advance directive rules: one document for the living will and health care proxy, two witnesses age 19 or older, when it takes effect, and revocation.
Alabama Guardianship Planning
How Alabama guardianship and conservatorship work in probate court, and how a POA, advance directive, and the Colby Act can avoid a court case.
Alabama Revocable Living Trust Guide
How an Alabama revocable living trust works under the Alabama Uniform Trust Code (Title 19, Chapter 3B): roles, funding, the pour-over will, and probate.
Alabama Trust Administration Guide
Successor trustee duties after a death under the Alabama Uniform Trust Code (Title 19, Chapter 3B): the 60-day beneficiary notice, debts, taxes, distribution.
How Pet Trusts Work in Alabama
How an Alabama pet trust works under the Alabama Uniform Trust Code: setting aside money for an animal's care, naming a caregiver and trustee, and funding it.
Digital Assets and Estate Planning in Alabama
How to plan for and access a deceased person's digital assets in Alabama under RUFADAA: online legacy tools, will and POA language, crypto, and executor access.
Not sure what you need in Alabama?
Answer a few questions and we'll tell you which estate planning documents to set up first.
Information current as of 2026-06-18
Settled Estate is not a law firm, and this content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Probate laws and procedures in your state can change. Consult with a qualified attorney for advice specific to your situation. Full disclaimer.
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