Business Details
Trusted Estate Planning & Probate Lawyers in Birmingham
At Waters Sullivan, we approach estate, probate, and trust matters with a commitment to personalized service and strategic legal guidance. Our practice is built on the belief that legacy planning should be both comprehensive and compassionate, ensuring clients feel supported throughout every stage of the process. With a focus on tailored strategies, we help individuals and families navigate complex legal landscapes, from simple wills to contested estate litigation.Our team prioritizes client education, empowering decisions that align with unique family dynamics and long-term goals. Rooted in Birmingham's legal community, we combine technical expertise with a deep understanding of the emotional dimensions inherent in estate planning. By maintaining accessibility through flexible payment options and emphasizing proactive planning, we aim to make this critical process both manageable and meaningful for every client we serve.
Services
Estate Planning
Trust Litigation
Probate Administration
Guardianship
Incapacity Planning
Will Contests
Tax Planning
Asset Protection
Highlights and features
- We offer 15+ years of specialized expertise in Alabama estate law
- Our team provides tailored strategies for complex probate matters
- We maintain accessibility through flexible payment plans and consultations
- Our practice combines technical mastery with compassionate client support
- We proactively identify and resolve potential estate litigation issues
What people say
Fantastic experience
Knowledgeable and helpful
Highly recommend
Extremely professional
Compassionate service
Services
Estate Planning
We craft customized estate plans ranging from basic wills to complex multi-generational trusts. Our attorneys help clients protect assets, minimize tax liabilities, and ensure their wishes are legally documented. With specialized knowledge of Alabama estate laws, we provide strategic guidance for individuals and families at every life stage.
Trust Litigation
Our firm represents clients in contested trust matters including breach of fiduciary duty claims and trustee removal proceedings. We combine litigation expertise with deep understanding of trust administration to protect beneficiaries' interests and enforce grantors' intentions through Alabama's court system.
Probate Administration
We guide executors through Alabama's mandatory probate process, handling asset inventory, debt settlement, and distribution of estates. Our services include will validation, creditor negotiation, and court representation to ensure efficient resolution of decedents' affairs.
Guardianship
We establish legal protections for vulnerable adults and minors through guardianship petitions. Our team handles competency hearings, care plan development, and ongoing court compliance to safeguard individuals requiring decision-making support.
Incapacity Planning
We create comprehensive incapacity plans including healthcare proxies, durable powers of attorney, and living wills. These documents ensure clients' medical and financial wishes are honored during periods of diminished capacity while maintaining legal protections.
People
Kristin R. Waters
Founding Attorney
Birmingham native and University of Alabama honors graduate with LL.M. in Taxation. Recognized as Birmingham's Top Attorney since 2016, specializing in estate planning and probate law with 15+ years of experience.
Margo Stewart
Attorney
Experienced legal practitioner focusing on estate administration and trust litigation. Active member of Birmingham Bar Association's Probate Section with demonstrated success in complex probate matters.
Questions
What estate planning services do you offer?
We provide comprehensive estate planning including wills, trusts, advance directives, and tax planning strategies tailored to Alabama residents' needs.
How much does probate administration cost?
Basic probate starts at $2,500 with fees scaling based on estate complexity and required court proceedings in Alabama.
Can you help with trust litigation?
Yes, our firm specializes in trust disputes with hourly rates starting at $375 for experienced legal representation.
Do you offer payment plans?
We provide flexible payment options including deferred payments and sliding scale fees to ensure accessible legal services.
What areas do you serve?
Primarily Birmingham and Jefferson County, with representation available throughout Northern District of Alabama courts.
