The bill, SB106 Engrossed, amends the Alabama Small Estates Act to simplify the summary distribution process for small estates, particularly those with personal property valued below a specified threshold. It introduces new definitions such as "small estate," "small estate amount," and "summary distribution," and allows for adjustments to the small estate amount based on the Consumer Price Index. The bill expands the eligibility to file a verified petition for summary distribution to any person entitled to an interest in the estate, rather than limiting it to the surviving spouse or distributees. It also removes the requirement for a bond and updates the conditions for summary distribution to align with the new definitions and processes.

Additionally, the bill modifies the definition of a "surviving spouse," clarifying that individuals divorced from the decedent or whose marriage has been annulled are not considered surviving spouses unless they were married at the time of death. It establishes procedures for individuals entitled to homestead allowances and outlines the distribution hierarchy of the estate, prioritizing the surviving spouse and beneficiaries named in a will. The bill also addresses issues of fraud in estate proceedings and provides for relief for those affected by fraudulent actions. The provisions of this act are set to take effect on October 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 43-2-690, 43-2-691, 43-2-692, 43-2-693, 43-2-694, 43-2-695, 43-2-696, 43-8-40, 43-8-252, 43-2-691, 43-2-697, 43-2-698, 43-8-23
Engrossed: 43-2-690, 43-2-691, 43-2-692, 43-2-693, 43-2-694, 43-2-695, 43-2-696, 43-8-40, 43-8-252, 43-2-691, 43-2-697, 43-2-698, 43-8-23