Meet The Probate Professor, James O'Connell
After graduating from Tulane Law School in New Orleans in the wake of hurricane Katrina, James moved to Birmingham, Alabama. He has since focused his law practice on probate, estate planning, tax, trust, and related work for clients with estates of all sizes. He is a knowledgeable and experienced lawyer who is dedicated to helping his clients achieve their estate planning goals in a cost-efficient and tax-efficient manner. He has helped scores of families with estates from the modest to the multi-millions.

James is also a longtime professor at the Birmingham School of Law. He teaches courses in Wills & Estates, Will Drafting, Trusts, and Probate Practice. In order to teach such courses, he must constantly stay abreast of evolving laws and concepts in estate planning, tax, and probate matters through continuous study. That updated knowledge is then used to benefit his clients. James has the credentials, knowledge, experience, and skills to help you. Whether you need just a simple will or a complex estate plan, James will deliver what you need – no more and no less.

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WHAT WE OFFER

Wills

A testamentary will serves several very important functions. It directs how your estate should be divided after your death, it names the person you want to administer your estate, it nominates a guardian for your minor children, and more. Is your will up to date? Does it reflect your current wishes?

Trusts

Trusts come in many varieties. There are marital trusts, family trusts, asset protection trusts, grantor trusts, dynasty trusts, special needs trusts, and many more. Which, if any, of these types of trusts is right for you and your family?

Probate

When someone dies with or without a will, a lawyer opens a legal estate proceeding in the local probate court and assists the executor or administrator through the estate administration process. Do you need a lawyer to open proceedings for someone close to you?

Estate Administration

Serving as the executor or administrator of a decedent’s estate is a tremendous responsibility. There is a great deal of work to do and pitfalls abound. You have enough on your plate and on your mind already. We can take the burden off of you.

Living Wills

If you are sick or injured, you may be unable to make health care decisions for yourself. Your family members may not know what you want. A living will lets you make the decisions now, so that your family need not make them for you.

Power of Attorney

A power of attorney document appoints someone to make financial decisions for you. While a living will sets out your health care instructions, a power of attorney appoints your financial manager. This is a very powerful legal document and you should seek legal advice before executing one.

Pre-marital Agreements

Nobody expects their marriage to end acrimoniously, but unfortunately it can turn out that way. This is the worst time to negotiate who gets what. The sooner you resolve these questions and the better your relationship at the time of the negotiation, the better the outcome. Let’s have the conversation today.

Tax Planning

From estate tax, to gift tax, to income tax, there are many traps for the unwary. There are also many legal strategies to defer and lower your tax liability. Which strategies are right for you?

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Be Prepared for life's uncertainty. Leverage our years of experience and legal expertise to protect yourself and your assets. Most services are flat rate pricing, no hidden fees.
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Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a will? What will happen if I die without a will?

If you die without leaving a will, the law dictates what will happen to your estate.  This may or may not be what you wish to happen.  A will allows you to decide what happens to your estate.  It can also save your estate money by eliminating unnecessary legal procedures and the attendant costs.  

Is a revocable trust right for me?

A revocable trust can be a great device for avoiding the time and expense of probate, but it must be set up and managed properly in order to realize the benefits.  The Probate Professor can help you understand the benefits and detriments of a revocable trust in your specific situation. 

My loved one has died. What do I do now? Can you help me?

Every situation is different and the right help can make a huge difference.  If you have lost a loved one, we can help.  

How much will this cost?

Fees are based on the amount, complexity, and nature of the estate involved, as well as other factors.  The Probate Professor offers up front, flat fees for most services. 

My spouse or parent left me nothing in the will. Can you help me?

The law provides protection for spouses and children.  The remedy available to you is specific to your situation.

My loved one died with a lot of debt. Is there any reason to open an estate administration?

Even if a person dies with more debt than assets, the family may still be able to recover some money from the estate.  

How can I set an appointment for a free initial consultation?

E-mail or call us.  An appointment setter will reply to you soon