The Help You Need From An Experienced, Dedicated Attorney.
For many, estate planning and probate matters are confusing and intimidating. Whether you are creating a will, power of attorney, trust and/or other estate planning documents or probating an estate, it is important to work with a lawyer who you can trust to protect your interests, explain your rights and options, and help you through the process.
With 40 years of experience as an attorney, I have represented clients in a wide range of probate and estate planning matters. I can help you understand your various options and the potential risks involved, and I will walk you through every step of your legal matter until we obtain the results you need.
Probate And Estate Administration
Probate is the process of handling the assets, debts and other financial matters after a person has died. If you have been named a probate administrator, it is important to work with an experienced attorney who can help you manage the estate, pay off creditors, transfer assets to beneficiaries and make appropriate accountings in accordance with the relevant laws and regulations. Whether there is a will or not (intestate), I can help protect your interests and make sure the estate goes through probate efficiently.
I also represent beneficiaries and administrators when probate disputes arise in the process. In fact, for years the Probate Judge of Mobile County has appointed me to serve as a Mediator responsible for facilitating the settlement of family disputes which result in probate litigation.
Estate Planning
The most effective way to avoid probate disputes and other problems is to preemptively solve them before they happen by making out a comprehensive estate plan that gives clear and accurate instructions as to the transfer of your wealth and other issues. In other words, the best way to avoid painful, costly family disputes – which my years of experience have shown are always very emotional and usually cause hurt feelings – is to create unambiguous written instruments which make your wishes easily understandable.
I help clients create a comprehensive estate plan that includes:
- Wills — The foundational document that directs the disposition of all assets as well as providing direction as to other critical issues; for example, who you would want to raise your minor children if you should die.
- Powers of attorney — This is to name agents to act on your behalf – during your lifetime – in financial and health care matters.
- Living wills/medical POAs/advance health care directives — These leave instructions for your end-of-life health care choices.
- Trusts — A great tool for retaining more control over the transfer of assets.
Contact John R. Nix, LLC
Talk with me to discuss your probate and estate planning needs. Call 251-432-0011 or email me.
