Wills, Estates, and Trust Law

“We are relatively new to the Huntsville area, and a month or so ago I determined that my will should be updated. Having no attorney and unwilling to encumber a suggestion from a friend, what was the best means of locating one that could reliably and reasonably provide that service? I considered googling Legal Services but that could be chancy.

Then a thought came to me. Why not Google Better Business Bureau, and I did. I entered www.BBB attorneys Huntsville and lo and behold the names of several appeared. I opted to select the one whose office was closest to us, and that happened to be Mitchell J. Howie, a very fortunate choice IMO.

I called his office and explained our situation and he suggested that I type my proposed changes and email them to him. This I did, and he phoned me a day later and made a couple of suggestions to which I concurred, and within four days he emailed back a draft of the will that looked perfect to my amateurish legalese. We made arrangements to meet with witnesses and a notary a few days later and everything went like clockwork.

Of course Mr. Howie maintains a professional bearing but he also takes a personal interest in his clients and suggests the possible actions to be made for their benefit, and my share of the procedure went as smoothly as possible. Thank you Mitchell.

And when our transaction was completed I informed Mr. Howie, that he was hereafter saddled with me from here to the end...
Richard,
Huntsville, Al

The Law Office of Mitchell J. Howie handles estate planning matters, which is the area dealing with how an individual's property will be distributed at his or her death, taking into account wills, taxes, insurance, property, and trusts. Our firm focuses on creating individualized estate plans to gain maximum benefit of all laws and simultaneously carrying out our clients' wishes. Our firm also assists families with family partnerships and the transfer of assets and property. Our estate planning practice also includes planning for business successions. An Estate Planning Attorney will work with you to plan for, preserve, and protect your estate, while you continue providing for your loved ones.

Our firm prides itself on preparing you for the difficult time of losing loved ones, and leaving loved ones behind, by drafting wills, trusts, living wills, power of attorneys and other documents that will make the administration of your estate go smoothly and efficiently when the time comes.

You can contact the Law Office of Mitchell J. Howie for a confidential consultation on all your estate planning matters at (256) 533-8074. Consultation fees apply.

Probate Administration Law Practice

After the passing of a loved one, folks are always emotional. To make times even more difficult, your family is faced with the arduous and complex process of probate and estate administration when your family wants nothing more than to grieve and keep your loved one's legacy alive. At the Law Office of Mitchell J. Howie, we help our clients through this complicated process and difficult time with as little strain as possible.

Our firm handles the intricacies of the legal process, administering and closing the estate so that you don't have to during your time of grieving. If you retain The Law Office of Mitchell J. Howie you will ensure that when a family member dies, you will not have to deal with the ensuing legal matters that are much more complex than paying bills and distributing assets to the heirs.

Probate Administration Common Issues

Notification: All interested parties (family members, potential heirs, creditors, etc.) must be notified in accordance with specific notification requirements.

Proving the will valid: The decedent's will can only take effect once it has been proved valid and entered into the Probate Court record. This can be a delicate issue when certain concerned parties have been cut out of the will or believe that the construction of the will was tampered with. Will contests may arise with allegations of duress, fraud, or other factors.

Assets and liabilities: The personal representative (also known as the administrator or executor) must collect all of the decedent's assets (including re-titling assets) and create an inventory of such assets. Once creditors have made claims, the representative must determine the validity of such debts, liquidate certain assets to pay these debts, and distribute payment to creditors.

Taxes: If the estate exceeds the exempt amount (some larger estates will) then state and federal estate taxes must be filed and paid.

Distribution to heirs: Once all assets have been collected and debts paid, distribution may be made to the named heirs. However, when heirs are not named in a will or estate planning document, the assets must pass through intestate succession (distribution to heirs according to Texas and Alabama Statutes).

At the Law Office of Mitchell J. Howie we understand the probate and estate administration process can be overwhelming. We take on the legal burdens so that you can get back to your loved ones. Our firm strives to facilitate the probate and estate administration process and render it as smooth as possible, focusing on carrying out your loved one's final wishes.

You can contact the Law Office of Mitchell J. Howie for a confidential consultation on all your estate planning matters at (256) 533-8074. Consultation fees apply.