As 2026 begins, many Alabama families are setting goals around health, finances, and peace of mind. We see people focus on saving more, getting organized, and planning for the future, but one resolution is often delayed, even though it affects everything else. That resolution is estate planning. It is easy to put off because it feels overwhelming or uncomfortable, yet waiting can leave families exposed to uncertainty when the unexpected happens. If you have searched for estate planning lawyers near me, the start of a new year is a natural time to slow down, take stock of your situation, and put a clear plan in place while you have the time and flexibility to do so.
This is also designed for families in Birmingham and across Alabama who want a practical and realistic way to review or begin their estate planning. We know that no two families are alike. Some are just starting out, while others are updating plans that were created years ago. We highlight five resolutions that can help you stay organized, protect the people you care about, and reduce stress for your family now and in the future. Each resolution is meant to be approachable and actionable, not overwhelming.
At Holliman & Holliman, Law Firm PLLC, we work with families throughout Birmingham and surrounding communities. We help clients think through their goals, understand their options, and create plans that reflect their values and priorities. Whether you are planning for children, aging parents, or your own future, we believe that thoughtful planning is one of the most meaningful steps you can take for your family.
Resolution 1: Review or Create a Will
A will is often the foundation of an estate plan, yet it is one of the most commonly delayed documents. We regularly meet with families who intended to create a will years ago, or who created one long ago and assumed it would always be enough. As time passes, life changes, and documents that once made sense may no longer reflect your wishes.
Why this matters
Your will outlines who should receive your property, who should manage your estate, and, for parents, who should care for minor children. When a will is outdated or missing altogether, Alabama law determines how assets are distributed. That outcome may not match what you would have chosen for your family.
We also see situations where people believe a simple handwritten document or online form is sufficient, only to learn later that it does not meet legal requirements or fails to address their full situation. Reviewing your will helps ensure clarity and reduces the risk of confusion or conflict among loved ones.
Your 2026 checklist
As part of your estate planning resolutions for the new year, we recommend taking time to review the basics:
✓ Confirm that your beneficiaries are current and accurate
✓ Review who you named as executor and whether that choice still makes sense
✓ Update guardianship selections for minor children if circumstances have changed
✓ Make sure the will reflects your current assets and family structure
✓ Confirm the document complies with Alabama law
We often encourage families to review their will every three to five years, or sooner after major life events such as marriage, divorce, the birth of a child, or the loss of a loved one. Starting 2026 with an updated will can provide immediate peace of mind and a solid foundation for the rest of your estate plan.
Resolution 2: Make Sure You Have the Right Powers of Attorney
When families think about estate planning, we often hear the focus placed on what happens after death. Just as important is planning for situations that may arise during your lifetime. Illness, injury, or cognitive decline can occur without warning, and without the right documents in place, loved ones may be left without clear authority to help.
Powers of attorney are a key part of a complete estate plan, and they work alongside your will and other documents to protect you and your family.
Why this matters
A financial power of attorney allows someone you trust to handle important matters such as paying bills, managing accounts, or handling property if you are unable to do so. A health care power of attorney and advance directive allow someone to make medical decisions and communicate your wishes if you cannot speak for yourself.
Without these documents, families may be forced to seek court involvement to manage finances or make health care decisions. We see how stressful and time-consuming that process can be, especially during an already difficult time. Planning ahead can help avoid unnecessary delays and confusion.
Your 2026 checklist
As you review your estate plan this year, we suggest asking the following questions:
✓ Do you have both financial and health care powers of attorney in place?
✓ Are the people you named still the best choices to act on your behalf?
✓ Do your documents clearly reflect your current wishes and values?
✓ Have you reviewed these documents within the last few years?
We help families ensure these documents are properly drafted, coordinated, and easy to understand. Starting 2026 with updated powers of attorney helps provide continuity and reassurance, both for you and for the people who may need to step in on your behalf.
Resolution 3: Evaluate Whether a Trust Fits Your Family’s Needs
Many families assume trusts are only for those with significant wealth. In reality, we work with a wide range of Alabama families who benefit from trusts as part of a thoughtful estate plan. A trust can provide structure, flexibility, and clarity that a will alone may not offer.
Why this matters
A trust can help manage how and when assets are distributed, both during your lifetime and after death. It may also help families avoid probate, maintain privacy, and plan more effectively for unique family situations. For some, a trust provides peace of mind knowing there is a clear plan in place if something unexpected happens.
We also see families whose circumstances have changed since their original estate plan was created. Growth in assets, blended families, or concerns about long-term care can all make it worth revisiting whether a trust is appropriate.
Your 2026 checklist
As part of your estate planning review this year, consider the following:
✓ Do you want to simplify or avoid the probate process for your family?
✓ Are you concerned about privacy when it comes to your estate?
✓ Do you have minor children, adult children with special needs, or beneficiaries who
may need guidance with assets?
✓ Do you own real estate, a business, or property in more than one state?
We help families understand whether a revocable trust, special needs trust, or another option aligns with their goals. For many, 2026 is a good time to explore whether adding or updating a trust would strengthen their overall plan.
Resolution 4: Plan for Long-Term Care and Aging
Planning for long-term care is one of the most important, and most overlooked, parts of estate planning. As parents and grandparents age, families often find themselves making decisions quickly, without a clear roadmap. We encourage families to address these concerns early, while options are still available.
Why this matters
Long-term care costs can be significant, whether care is provided at home, in assisted living, or in a nursing facility. Without planning, these expenses can place strain on a family’s finances and limit choices for care.
We regularly work with families who want to understand how long-term care planning fits into their broader estate plan, including how it affects savings, property, and a surviving spouse.
Your 2026 checklist
As you look ahead this year, it may be helpful to ask:
✓ Have you considered how you or a loved one would pay for long-term care if it becomes necessary?
✓ Do you understand how Medicaid planning works in Alabama?
✓ Are there steps you can take now to protect assets and maintain flexibility later?
✓ Have you discussed these issues with your family?
Starting these conversations early can make future decisions less stressful and more informed.
Resolution 5: Organize and Communicate Your Plan
Even the most carefully prepared estate plan can create confusion if no one knows it exists or how it works. We encourage families to treat organization and communication as an essential final step in the planning process.
Why this matters
When documents are difficult to locate or plans are not clearly explained, loved ones may struggle during an already emotional time. Clear organization and simple communication can help ensure your wishes are understood and carried out as intended.
This step is often overlooked, yet it can make a meaningful difference for the people you care about most.
Your 2026 checklist
As part of your estate planning resolutions this year, consider taking time to:
✓ Store your estate planning documents in a secure but accessible location
✓ Let trusted family members know where documents are kept
✓ Review beneficiary designations on retirement accounts and insurance policies
✓ Keep a current list of important contacts, advisors, and account information
We find that families who take these steps feel more confident knowing their plan is not only complete, but also clear and manageable for others.
Who This Checklist Helps Most
We designed this checklist with real Alabama families in mind. Over the years, we have worked with people at many different stages of life, and we see how estate planning needs evolve over time. This checklist is especially helpful for:
- Parents with minor children who want to name guardians and plan responsibly
- Families with adult children, including blended families
- Business owners thinking about succession and continuity
- Retirees and those approaching retirement
- Adults who are caring for aging parents or loved ones
If any of these situations apply to you, reviewing your estate plan in 2026 can help ensure it still reflects your priorities and protects the people who depend on you.
Why Birmingham, AL Families Work With Us
Estate planning is personal, and it is also shaped by state-specific laws. Alabama has its own rules around probate, wills, powers of attorney, Medicaid, and long-term care planning. Generic online documents often fail to address these details or account for a family’s full picture.
We believe working with estate planning attorneys like us gives families the opportunity to ask questions, understand their options, and create plans that work together rather than in isolation. Our goal is to help clients avoid common mistakes and feel confident about the decisions they are making.
Local experience matters, especially when planning for probate administration, elder law concerns, or future care needs. Birmingham families often value having a trusted local resource they can return to as life changes.
What Birmingham, AL Families Say About Working With Us
We are honored by the trust families place in us during important planning decisions. While every situation is different, clients often share similar themes when describing their experience working with our firm.
Many families tell us they appreciate our clear explanations and straightforward approach. Estate planning can feel overwhelming, and we take time to explain options in plain language so clients feel informed and comfortable with their decisions.
For Birmingham-area families, having a local firm that is accessible and responsive is important. We strive to be available, timely, and supportive throughout the planning process and beyond, as plans need to be updated over time.
Your Alabama Estate Planning Questions Answered
1. Do I really need an estate plan if my assets are simple?
In many cases, yes. Even families with relatively simple assets can benefit from having a will, powers of attorney, and health care documents in place. Estate planning is not only about wealth. It is about clarity, control, and making sure someone you trust can act if the unexpected happens.
2. How often should we review our estate plan?
We generally recommend reviewing an estate plan every three to five years, or sooner after a major life change. Marriage, divorce, the birth of a child, changes in health, or significant financial changes are all good reasons to review existing documents.
3. What happens if someone dies without a will in Alabama?
When a person passes away without a will, Alabama law determines how their property is distributed. This process may not reflect what the person would have wanted and can create added stress for family members. A will allows you to make those decisions in advance.
4. Are trusts only for wealthy families?
No. We work with many families who use trusts for reasons other than wealth, such as avoiding probate, protecting privacy, planning for minor children, or addressing special needs and long-term care concerns. Whether a trust makes sense depends on your goals and circumstances.
5. Does estate planning include long-term care planning?
It often does. For many families, estate planning and long-term care planning are closely connected. Planning ahead can help families understand future care options and how those needs may affect assets and overall planning goals.
Start 2026 With Confidence and a Clear Estate Plan
Estate planning is about more than documents. It is about making thoughtful decisions that protect the people you care about and reduce uncertainty during life’s changes. As 2026 begins, reviewing or creating your estate plan can help you feel prepared and confident about what lies ahead.
We work with Alabama families at every stage of life, from young parents to retirees, and we understand that no two situations are the same. Whether you are starting from the beginning or updating an existing plan, we take the time to understand your goals and explain your options in clear, practical terms.
If you are ready to take the next step, we invite you to schedule a consultation with us. We serve families throughout Birmingham and surrounding communities and are here to help you move forward with clarity and peace of mind.
You may call us at 205 663 0281, or schedule a consultation with us to talk through your concerns, understand your options, and create an estate plan designed to provide clarity, continuity, and peace of mind for your family.