Attorney Involvement All legal documents must be drafted by an attorney licensed to practice in the State of Alabama. Parties to a transaction can draft their own documents if they are doing so on behalf of themselves.
Because a TOD deed, also known as a beneficiary deed, bypasses probate, it can simplify the inheritance process and reduce costs for your loved ones. Consider working with a financial advisor as you plan how your estate will be distributed upon your death.
A beneficiary who receives real estate through a transfer on death deed becomes personally liable for the debts of the dead property owner without proper counsel from an estate planning professional or a title company. The beneficiary becomes liable to potential financial obligations as a result.
Unlike some states, Alabama does not currently allow the use of TOD deeds for real estate. Instead, other instruments such as joint tenancy or revocable living trusts are typically used to avoid probate when transferring real estate upon death.
Signing Requirements for Alabama Deeds An Alabama deed is not valid unless it is signed as required by law. The deed should be signed by the current owner or owners, with each signature notarized using Alabama's statutorily approved acknowledgments. There is no need for the new owners (grantees) to sign the deed.