The first step in this process is to obtain letters testamentary, also known as a letter of testamentary, a document issued by a probate court that provides proof that an individual is an executor and therefore has the authority to act on behalf of the estate.
Given the magnitude of the responsibilities and the intimacy of the role, you may want to name a close friend or relative as executor, someone who fully understands and respects your wishes, as well as those of your beneficiaries, and who might handle your sentimental heirlooms and other property more sensitively than ...
You can look for a will in the home or office of the decedent, and you may also want to check any safe deposit box that they hold at a bank. If you cannot find anything, you can contact the decedent's lawyer to see if they may be aware of the will's location.
An executor is often named in a decedent's will, but they may also be appointed by a probate court after volunteering or being called upon to serve. If a decedent has not left a will, a probate court will appoint an executor if it finds that this is necessary.
If a person dies without a will, a Petition for Letters of Administration may be filed. The petitioner must be a resident of the State and is required by law to acquire a bond that will cover the amount of the estate. Forms are also available in Montgomery County's Probate Court for filing this petition.
Letters testamentary are granted to an individual if they have been named executor in the decedent's will. Letters of administration, however, are given to an administrator appointed by the probate court if the decedent died intestate, or without a valid will. Both documents grant the same powers to the holder.
How Do I Find A Will In The Alabama Courts? An individual may inspect and/or request copies of a will that has been probated per the state's Open Records Request Policy (Code of Alabama 1975, Section 36-12-40). A will that has been probated can be viewed in county courthouses.
There are lots of factors that can influence how long it takes your local probate court to issue letters of administration. However, in general, you can expect it to take six to eight weeks. This is assuming you have included all of the necessary documents with your application.
Probate is the legal process by which a deceased person's assets are distributed ing to their will or the Alabama statute of intestacy. If someone dies with property solely in their name, then probate (or summary distribution of a small estate) is required.
File a Petition with the Alabama Probate Court The initial petition requests that the court appoint someone to act as personal representative. If the decedent did not leave a will, the document appointing the personal representative is called Letters of Administration.