Estate Planning Attorney Near Me – Athens, AL
213 S. Jefferson Street, Athens, AL 35611
Protect your family, your wishes, and your peace of mind. Bama Estate Planning helps Athens families create wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and complete estate plans that actually work when life happens. Call (256) 216-9884 for a friendly, no-pressure consultation.
Required Disclaimer (Alabama State Bar Rules): No representation is made that the quality of the legal services to be performed is greater than the quality of legal services performed by other lawyers.
Why Athens Families Choose Us
We take time to understand your family dynamics, goals, and values, then design a plan that is clear, practical, and enforceable in Alabama courts. Whether you live near Athens State University, commute along US‑72 or Hwy‑31, or you’re in Elkmont, Tanner, or the 35611–35614 ZIP codes, we build a plan that fits your life today and adapts as it changes.
Want to compare credentials and reviews? Visit our Best Estate Planning Lawyer in Athens, AL page.
Prefer email? hmitchell@harlanmitchell.com • Read client feedback on our Google Business Profile.
What Your Alabama Estate Plan Can Include
Wills and Trusts
A Last Will and Testament directs how assets pass through probate. A properly funded revocable living trust can keep your family out of court and out of conflict, maintain privacy, and speed up distribution. For many Athens families, a trust paired with a “pour‑over” will is the most efficient approach.
Powers of Attorney and Health Directives
Your financial Power of Attorney and Advance Healthcare Directive make sure someone you trust can act if you are injured or ill. Without these documents, your loved ones may need a court‑appointed guardian or conservator.
Planning for Minor Children
We create practical guardianship plans so your kids are never placed with strangers, even temporarily. We give you the instructions, backups, and access details caregivers actually need.
Special Needs Planning
For families in Limestone County raising a child with disabilities, a Special Needs Trust can preserve SSI and Medicaid eligibility while providing funds for therapies, education, tech, and quality of life.
Asset Protection and Tax Awareness
We help you protect family businesses and rental property, choose beneficiary designations that won’t blow up your plan, and understand Alabama and federal tax implications. While Alabama has no state estate tax, federal thresholds still matter.
Service Area: Athens 35611, 35612, 35613, 35614 and Nearby
We serve clients across Athens, plus Elkmont, Tanner, and neighborhoods near Big Spring Park, Athens High School, and Downtown Athens. If you searched “estate planning attorney near me,” you’re in the right place.
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Real Athens Reviews
Frequently Asked Questions
Costs vary based on complexity. Many plans are offered as clear, flat‑fee packages so you know the price up front. After a short consultation we outline the right set of documents and exact cost before you decide.
A will directs probate court how to distribute assets. A revocable trust owns assets during your life and can distribute them privately without probate. Trusts can also add protections and reduce delays, but they must be properly funded.
Simple plans often complete in 2–4 weeks from design meeting to signing. Complex asset protection, business interests, or special needs planning can take longer. We accommodate urgent timelines when needed.
Yes. If you have kids, bank accounts, or even just digital assets, a will, POA, and healthcare directives prevent court delays and family conflict.
Yes. We create primary and backup guardians, include guidance letters, and make sure guardians have immediate access to medical and school records.
Your financial and medical agents can step in with your POA and healthcare directives. Without them, family may need court involvement.
We advise on Medicaid eligibility, asset protection strategies, and timing considerations for long‑term care needs in Alabama.
Assets in your individual name may require probate in Limestone County. Properly funded trusts, joint ownership, and beneficiary designations can reduce or avoid probate for many assets.
Review every 3–5 years or after major life events: marriage, divorce, birth, death, home purchase, or business changes.
Yes, we accommodate busy schedules and can meet virtually by request.
Helpful Resources
- Internal: Estate Planning Services
- Internal: Estate Planning for Minor Children
- Internal: Special Needs Planning
- Internal: Contact Us
- Internal: Best Estate Planning Lawyer in Athens, AL
Helpful Resources
- External: Alabama State Bar
- External: Limestone County Probate Court
- External: NAELA
- External: BBB Listing
