With a will
For a testate estate, the will is presented to the probate court and the nominated personal representative seeks Letters Testamentary. The estate must then be administered according to Alabama law and the will’s terms.
Without a will
For an intestate estate, the probate court appoints an administrator and Alabama’s intestacy rules determine distribution. The process is still document-intensive and subject to court requirements.
How the fee is paid
For uncontested estates billed under the general fee, half is paid when the attorney-client agreement is signed and the remaining half is paid within 30 days after the court grants the applicable letters.