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Yes, the Will must be probated to have legal effect. Before deciding not to probate a Will one should consult an attorney.

Writing: The will must be in writing, whether typed or handwritten (holographic), and it should be signed by the testator. Oral or nuncupative wills (spoken wills) are generally not valid in Alabama unless they meet specific conditions for military personnel or mariners.

Alabama personal representatives must make annual settlements of their administration. A final settlement can be made six months from the date of the grant of Letters Testamentary or Letters of Administration. If the estate is closed in less than one year, the final settlement is the only settlement.

Don't try to amend your will by crossing out portions or writing in the margins. Handwritten changes are known as holographic codicils, and they aren't legal in every state. Where they are allowed, they can be confusing and lead to legal challenges.

Answer: If you want to make changes to your will after you and your witnesses have signed it, you have two options. You can either make a codicil to your existing will or make a new will. Both require your signature and the signatures of two witnesses.

CODICIL A supplement or an addition to a Will. It may explain, modify, add to, subtract from, qualify, alter, restrain or revoke provisions in a Will. It must be executed with the same formalities as a Will.

Your beneficiaries can be virtually anyone: your spouse, children, family members, friends, and even charities that matter to you. In your will, you should explicitly state who you want to receive each of your assets. Be specific!

Personal wishes and desires If you have any specific desires for your funeral or other type of final arrangement, some will argue that it's best not to include it in your Will. This is because your Will goes through the probate and court settlement process, which often happens after when the funeral would take place.

Handwritten Will: A will written in the testator's own handwriting is valid in Alabama if the testator signs it or directs someone to sign it in his presence and before two witnesses. However, a holographic will, which is one written in the testator's handwriting but does not have witnesses, is not valid in Alabama.