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Wills, Probate, Trusts and Estates

The attorneys in this area provide estate planning services and assistance in administering estates and trusts. Harris, Caddell & Shanks, P.C., has enjoyed a reputation of expertise in all aspects of these practice areas for many years.

In the firm’s estate planning practice, attorneys consult with individual clients on ways to reduce or eliminate estate and gift taxes while accomplishing client objectives related to the transfer of their assets to succeeding generations.  They prepare on behalf of clients a wide range of documents to implement their individualized estate plans, from simple wills, powers of attorney and advance directives for health care to complex wills with testamentary trusts, revocable living trusts, life-insurance trusts, special needs trusts, prenuptial agreements and other related instruments.

The attorneys also counsel clients regarding charitable gifts and special planning needs. They assist clients with business interests (including farms) in passing the family business to younger generations in a tax-advantaged manner. The firm also has developed a niche in special needs planning; working with families to ensure disabled persons maintain continued eligibility for Medicaid benefits while allowing supplements to be received from special needs trusts and similar arrangements.

In the firm’s probate practice, the attorneys routinely advise and assist personal representatives, trustees, attorneys-in-fact, and other fiduciaries regarding the probate of wills, administration of estates and trusts, and matters related to federal and state estate tax liabilities. The firm has assisted clients in obtaining the appointment of guardians and conservators for loved ones in need of assistance. The attorneys have represented family members in obtaining family distribution agreements and in contesting wills, as well as creditors seeking resolution of their claims against estates. They also assist in planning for the distribution of estate assets in a manner designed to allow for continued Medicaid eligibility of persons receiving nursing home care and coverage.

The firm’s services include:

  • Wills
  • Living wills
  • Powers of attorney
  • Healthcare powers of attorney
  • Revocable and irrevocable trusts
  • Charitable gift planning
Our Office
  • Decatur Office
    214 Johnston Street, S.E.
    Decatur, Alabama 35601
    Phone: 256-340-8000
    Fax: 256-340-8040