How to Make an Online Will In Alabama

What You Need to Know about Creating a Will Online in Alabama

Creating a will is one of the most important steps you can take to protect your loved ones and ensure your wishes are honored. For Alabama residents, the process has never been easier—thanks to secure, state-specific online will platforms like Trust & Will. Whether you’re planning for the future, starting a family, or simply getting organized, an online will offers a simple, affordable way to make your intentions legally clear. Here’s what you need to know about Alabama wills online, and how to create one with confidence from the comfort of your home. 

How Much Does a Simple Will Cost in Alabama?

The cost of a simple will in Alabama can vary depending on how you choose to create it. If you work with a traditional attorney, you can expect to pay anywhere from $300 to $1,000 or more, depending on your location and the complexity of your estate.

However, many Alabamians are turning to online will platforms like Trust & Will for a more affordable and efficient option. With Trust & Will, you can create a legally valid, state-specific will starting at just $159, all from the comfort of your home. The process is guided, easy to understand, and backed by attorney-approved documents that comply with Alabama law—so you can protect your loved ones and your legacy without breaking the bank.

Can I Create an Online Will in Alabama?

Yes, you can legally create an online will in Alabama. While the state doesn’t yet allow fully electronic (or “eWill”) execution, you can draft your will online using a trusted platform, then print and sign it according to Alabama’s legal requirements.

Creating your will online is a fast, affordable, and secure way to make sure your loved ones are protected — and with Trust & Will’s step-by-step guidance, you can complete your plan confidently from home.

What is Required for a Will to be Valid in Alabama?

For a will to be valid in Alabama, it must meet these basic requirements:

1. Age and capacity: The person creating the will (the testator) must be at least 18 years old and of sound mind.

2. Written document: The will must be in writing, typed or handwritten.

3. Signature: The testator must sign the will, or direct someone else to sign it in their presence.

4. Witnesses: Two competent witnesses must sign the will in the presence of the testator and each other.

Can You Write Your Own Will in Alabama Without a Lawyer?

Yes, you can write your own will in Alabama without a lawyer. As long as your will meets the state’s legal requirements, it’s considered valid. That means it must be in writing, signed by you, and witnessed by two competent adults who sign in your presence.

Do I Need a Lawyer to Make a Will in Alabama?

No, you don’t need a lawyer to make a will in Alabama. As long as your will meets the state’s legal requirements, it’s valid without attorney involvement. While hiring a lawyer can help in complex situations, many Alabamians create a legally valid will online using Trust & Will’s guided platform. It’s an affordable, attorney-approved way to make sure your wishes are clear and your loved ones are protected.

How Do I Probate a Will in Alabama?

To probate a will in Alabama, you’ll need to file it with the probate court in the county where the deceased person lived. Here’s a simplified overview of how the process works:

1. File the will with the probate court within five years of the person’s death.

2. Petition the court to open probate and appoint a personal representative (also called an executor).

3. The court will verify the will’s validity and issue Letters Testamentary, giving the representative legal authority to manage the estate.

4. The executor then notifies heirs and creditors, pays debts and taxes, and distributes remaining assets according to the will.

Does a Will Have to be Notarized in Alabama?

No, a will does not have to be notarized in Alabama to be valid. It only needs to be in writing, signed by you, and witnessed by two competent adults who sign in your presence.

However, notarizing your will can make it “self-proving,” which means the court can accept it without contacting your witnesses during probate. This can save your loved ones time and simplify the process of proving its validity. 

What Happens if Someone Dies Without a Will in Alabama?

If someone dies without a will in Alabama, their estate is distributed according to state intestacy laws, not personal wishes. This means the court decides who inherits based on family relationships.Typically:

• A spouse and children share the estate.

• If there’s no spouse or children, assets go to parents, then siblings, and so on.

• The court will also appoint someone to manage the estate, called a personal representative.

Without a will, settling an estate can take longer and cause added stress for loved ones. Creating a legally valid will ensure your assets go to the right people and your wishes are clearly followed.

Who Can Serve as a Witness for a Will in Alabama?

In Alabama, any competent adult can serve as a witness for a will. To be valid, your will must be signed by two witnesses who:

• Are at least 18 years old,

• Are mentally competent, and

• Watch you sign the will (or acknowledge your signature) and sign it in your presence.

While it’s legal for a beneficiary to serve as a witness, it’s best to choose witnesses who aren’t named in your will to avoid potential conflicts or challenges later.

Is a Living Will the Same as a Last Will and Testament in Alabama?

No, a Living Will is not the same as a Last Will and Testament in Alabama.

A Living Will (also called an Advance Healthcare Directive) outlines your medical care preferences if you become unable to communicate, such as life support or end-of-life decisions.

A Last Will and Testament details how your property and belongings should be distributed after your death and allows you to name guardians for children or pets.

Both documents are important parts of a complete estate plan. With Trust & Will, you can easily create both—ensuring your healthcare wishes and your legacy are protected.

How Do You Make a Will in Alabama Online?

Creating your will online in Alabama is a simple, secure way to take control of your future. By using a trusted platform like Trust & Will, you can complete the entire process from home—answering straightforward questions, customizing your plan to fit Alabama’s legal requirements, and downloading ready-to-sign documents. Once you sign your will with two witnesses, it’s legally valid and ready to protect the people and possessions that matter most.

Whether you’re just starting your estate plan or updating an existing one, Trust & Will makes it easy to create a state-specific, attorney-designed will you can feel confident about. Get started today to bring clarity, security, and peace of mind to your loved ones—because planning for tomorrow begins with a few simple steps today.