Every Season of Life Deserves a Plan.

Estate planning isn't just for major milestones — it's for anyone who wants their wishes honored, their loved ones protected, and their legacy preserved. At Waters Sullivan, LLC, we help individuals and families across Alabama build thoughtful, legally sound estate plans tailored to their unique lives, goals, and circumstances.

Schedule a Consultation → 205.855.5020

Estate Planning is for Everyone

You Don't Have to Be Wealthy or at a Crossroads to Need an Estate Plan.

Many people put off estate planning because they assume it doesn't apply to them. Maybe they don't have children. Maybe they're young and healthy. Maybe their assets seem modest. But the reality is that people in virtually every season of life benefit from having a plan in place.

Life changes. Sometimes gradually, sometimes overnight. Marriage, divorce, the birth of a child, a second marriage, a blended family, the loss of a spouse, a new business venture, and each of these moments can fundamentally change what your estate plan should look like. And without one, the financial and emotional costs to your loved ones can far outweigh the cost of planning itself.

At Waters Sullivan, we're here to make estate planning feel approachable, not overwhelming, and to make sure your wishes are protected no matter where you are in life.

What We Handle

Comprehensive Estate Planning Services in Birmingham, Alabama.

Our practice is focused exclusively on estate, probate, and life planning — which means we bring deep, specialized knowledge to every client relationship. We handle a wide range of matters, including:

Wills & Testamentary Planning A properly drafted will is the cornerstone of any estate plan. We help you designate beneficiaries, name an executor, establish guardianship for minor children, and ensure your final wishes are documented clearly and legally.

Trusts Trusts are one of the most versatile and powerful tools in estate planning. Whether you need asset protection for a loved one, a plan for charitable giving, business succession, or a way to transfer your estate efficiently, we'll help identify the right trust structure for your situation — including revocable living trusts, irrevocable trusts, special needs trusts, testamentary trusts, family trusts, and charitable trusts.

Powers of Attorney A durable power of attorney designates someone you trust to manage your financial affairs if you become unable to do so — temporarily or permanently. Without one, your family may face a costly court process simply to act on your behalf.

Advance Directives & Healthcare Proxies An advance directive documents your medical wishes should you become incapacitated. A healthcare proxy designates a trusted person to make critical medical decisions on your behalf. These documents offer profound peace of mind — for you and for your family.

Guardianships & Conservatorships We help families establish legal guardianships and conservatorships to protect loved ones who are unable to care for themselves, whether due to age, disability, or incapacity.

Special Needs Planning For families with a loved one who has a disability, careful planning is essential to protect their well-being without jeopardizing eligibility for government benefits. We design special needs trusts and tailored strategies that provide security for the long term.

Incapacity Planning Planning for the possibility of incapacity — before it happens — is one of the most important gifts you can give your family. We help put the right legal tools in place so that your care, finances, and wishes are managed exactly as you intend.

Family Business Succession When a family business is part of your estate, succession planning ensures it stays in the right hands. We help structure transitions that protect both the business and the family relationships tied to it.

Philanthropic & Charitable Planning If leaving a legacy of giving matters to you, we can help structure foundations, charitable trusts, and other vehicles that carry your philanthropic mission forward.

Tax Planning & Foreign Assets We help clients navigate the tax implications of estate transfers and address the added complexity of foreign assets or international beneficiaries.

Why Our Approach is Different

We See the Whole Picture — Planning and Litigation Under One Roof.

Because Waters Sullivan handles both estate planning and estate litigation, we bring a perspective most planning-only firms can't offer. We've seen firsthand how estates get challenged in court — which means we know exactly how to build a plan that holds up.

We're uniquely positioned to identify potential points of conflict before they arise, craft strategies that reduce the likelihood of family disputes, and ensure your wishes are expressed in a way that leaves little room for interpretation or challenge.

You get more than a document. You get a plan built to last.

FAQs

Q: Does everyone really need an estate plan? Yes — regardless of age, marital status, or the size of your estate. Without a will or trust, Alabama's intestate succession laws determine how your assets are distributed, which may not reflect your wishes at all. An estate plan puts you in control.

Q: When should I update my estate plan? We recommend reviewing your estate plan after any major life event — marriage, divorce, the birth or adoption of a child, the death of a beneficiary, a significant change in assets, or a move to a new state. At Waters Sullivan, we proactively follow up with clients when we become aware of changes that may affect their existing plans.

Q: What's the difference between a will and a trust? A will takes effect after your death and goes through the probate process. A trust can take effect during your lifetime, allows assets to pass directly to beneficiaries without probate, and offers greater flexibility and privacy. Many clients benefit from having both. We'll help you determine what's right for your situation.

Q: Can estate planning help reduce taxes? Yes, in many cases. Certain trust structures and asset titling strategies can minimize estate and gift tax exposure. We work with clients to understand the tax implications of their estate and build plans that protect as much as possible for their beneficiaries.

Q: How much does estate planning cost at Waters Sullivan? Estate planning services start at $1500. The right plan for you depends on the complexity of your estate, your family structure, and your goals. We discuss fees transparently from the start — no surprises.

Your Wishes Deserve to Be Heard. Let's Make Sure They Are.

Whether you're creating your first estate plan or updating one that no longer reflects your life, Waters Sullivan is here to guide you — clearly, personally, and without pressure. Serving individuals and families throughout Birmingham and Alabama.

Call us: 205.855.5020

Email us: hello@waterssullivan.com

Visit: waterssullivan.com

2 20th Street North, Suite 1350 | Birmingham, Alabama 35203