Alabama: official help for families

Updated Nov 3, 2026. Sources last checked Oct 18, 2026. See sources.

The official Alabama pages for the paperwork and problems families run into most, in one place. Every link goes to a government or official source in Alabama, or to a free national service when we haven’t verified a state page.

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Power of attorney

The state law and any official forms for financial and health care powers of attorney. Our guide: power of attorney, explained.

Transfer on death deeds

Whether this state lets a homeowner name who gets the house without probate. Our guide: handing down the home.

Not found. Not found. We didn't find a law allowing transfer on death deeds in this state when we checked on Oct. 20, 2026. The link below is the state's official probate information.

Probate and small estates

Court help or law for settling an estate, including any simpler process for small estates. Our guide: what to do after a death.

Long-term care ombudsman

A free, official advocate for people in nursing homes and assisted living. Our guide: when a parent can’t live alone.

Medicaid agency

The state agency that runs Medicaid, which can pay for long-term care for people who qualify. Our guide: paying for long-term care.

Small claims court

The state’s small claims rules or court self-help. Our guide: refunds and small claims.

Utility regulator

The state commission that takes complaints about electric, gas, water or phone companies. See also find help near you.

Free national help, anywhere in the U.S.

General information, not legal advice. Laws change. Before you sign or file anything, check the official page above or talk with a lawyer or free legal aid.

Sources

Last checked Oct 18, 2026 (transfer on death deed and utility links checked Oct 20, 2026).

  1. Alabama Dept. of Public Health: Advance Directive for Health Care (PDF): https://www.alabamapublichealth.gov/cancer/assets/advdirective.pdf
  2. Alabama Dept. of Senior Services: Legal assistance: https://alabamaageline.gov/legal-assistance/
  3. Code of Alabama 26-1A-101: Uniform Power of Attorney Act: https://alison.legislature.state.al.us/code-of-alabama?section=26-1A-101
  4. Code of Alabama 43-2-690 and following: Small estates (summary distribution): https://alison.legislature.state.al.us/code-of-alabama?section=43-2-690
  5. Code of Alabama 43-2-690 and following: Small estates (summary distribution): https://alison.legislature.state.al.us/code-of-alabama?section=43-2-690
  6. Alabama Department of Senior Services: State Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program: https://alabamaageline.gov/ombudsman/
  7. Alabama Medicaid Agency: https://medicaid.alabama.gov/
  8. Alabama Judicial System: A guide to Alabama small claims courts: https://judicial.alabama.gov/library/smallclaims
  9. Alabama Public Service Commission: https://psc.alabama.gov/
  10. Report a scam: ReportFraud.ftc.gov (Federal Trade Commission): https://reportfraud.ftc.gov/
  11. Identity theft recovery plan: IdentityTheft.gov: https://www.identitytheft.gov/
  12. Find your state attorney general: National Association of Attorneys General: https://www.naag.org/find-my-ag/
  13. Free Medicare counseling: State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP): https://www.shiphelp.org/
  14. Local help with bills, food and housing: 211: https://www.211.org/
  15. Free civil legal aid: Legal Services Corporation: https://www.lsc.gov/about-lsc/what-legal-aid/get-legal-help
  16. Eldercare Locator, 1-800-677-1116: https://eldercare.acl.gov/

Rules and numbers change. If something here does not match what an agency tells you, trust the agency, and please let us know.