Comprehensive Estate Planning in Dothan, AL and Surrounding Areas
Life moves fast—between managing a business, raising a family, and staying on top of responsibilities, it’s easy to overlook long-term planning. But when it comes to your future and your family’s financial security, estate planning should never be left for “someday.” Without a plan, your wishes may go unfulfilled, assets can be lost to taxes or probate delays, and your loved ones may face unnecessary legal burdens.
At Metcalf & Company, we offer custom estate planning in Dothan, AL, designed to bring clarity, peace of mind, and protection for the people who matter most. From will and trust planning to estate administration and probate services, we help you make informed decisions now—so your legacy is honored later.
Our estate support services include:
- Collaborating with your legal and tax professionals
- Clarifying your financial wishes and long-term goals
- Assisting with will and trust planning coordination
- Helping families navigate the estate administration process
- Reducing complexity and stress through proactive planning
Whether you’re starting fresh or refining an existing plan, we’re here to help you protect what matters. Schedule a consultation today to explore how our financial and estate administration services in Dothan, AL can support your family’s future.
Probate & Estate Administration Support in Dothan, AL
Losing a loved one is never easy—and navigating the next steps can feel overwhelming. From court requirements to insurance paperwork and financial records, the responsibilities that follow can add stress during an already difficult time.
At Metcalf & Company, we offer compassionate, experienced support for families facing the complexities of estate administration and probate. While we do not provide legal services, our team helps guide you through the administrative and financial aspects of the process, working alongside your attorney when needed.
Our Probate Support Services Include:
- Helping organize key financial and estate documents
- Assisting in communication with CPAs, attorneys, and insurance providers
- Supporting the distribution of assets according to the estate plan
- Providing administrative guidance when a loved one passes without a will (intestate)
- Offering clarity around timelines, filings, and next steps
Whether your loved one had a will or passed without one, we provide steady, knowledgeable guidance every step of the way. Families across the Wiregrass region trust us for reliable, caring probate services in Dothan, AL, and beyond.
Request a consultation today to learn how we can help you simplify the process and honor your loved one’s wishes with confidence.
Estate Planning Dothan, AL - FAQs
A will is a legal document that specifies how your assets should be distributed upon your death. An estate plan, however, is a comprehensive strategy that includes not only a will but also other documents like trusts, powers of attorney, and healthcare directives. This plan addresses the management of your assets during your lifetime and their distribution afterward, ensuring your wishes are honored and potential legal complications are minimized.
In Alabama, any person who is at least 18 years old and of sound mind can legally create a will. The individual must be free from undue influence or coercion when making the will.
To be considered valid in Alabama, a will must meet the following criteria:
- It must be in writing.
- The testator (the person making the will) must sign it.
- It must be witnessed by at least two individuals who are present at the same time and who witness the testator’s signing or acknowledgment of the signature
Dying without a will is known as dying “intestate.” In such cases, Alabama’s intestacy laws determine how your assets are distributed, which may not align with your personal wishes. Typically, assets are distributed to surviving spouses, children, or other close relatives in a predetermined order.
Generally, a will should be probated in the county where the deceased person resided at the time of death. For residents of Dothan, this would be the Houston County Probate Court.
In Alabama, a will must be filed for probate within five years from the date of the testator’s death. Failing to do so may result in the will being invalid for probate purposes.
While it’s not legally required to have an attorney for probate proceedings, the process can be complex. An experienced probate attorney can help navigate the legal requirements, ensuring that the estate is administered correctly and efficiently.
Yes, you can change your will at any time as long as you are of sound mind. Changes can be made by drafting a new will or by adding a codicil, which is an amendment to the existing will. Both the new will and the codicil must meet the same legal requirements as the original will to be valid.
A self-proving will includes an affidavit signed by the testator and witnesses, notarized at the time of execution. This affidavit allows the will to be admitted to probate without the need for the witnesses to testify in court, streamlining the probate process.
At Metcalf & Company, we’re often asked about estate taxes in Alabama. The good news is that Alabama does not impose a state estate tax. However, it’s important to note that federal estate taxes may still apply depending on the overall value of your estate.
That’s why strategic estate planning is essential. Our team provides comprehensive estate planning and probate services tailored to your unique circumstances, helping you minimize potential tax liabilities and protect your legacy.
If you’re in the Dothan area, we invite you to consult with our experienced professionals to ensure your estate plan is aligned with both federal regulations and your personal goals.
Secure Your Legacy — Start Planning Today
At Metcalf & Company, we help individuals and families build a plan for their financial future—one that reflects their values, protects their loved ones, and brings peace of mind for years to come. Serving Dothan, AL and the Wiregrass Region
Contact us to schedule your personalized consultation and explore how our estate planning and administration services in Dothan, AL can help you protect what matters most.