Locations Across Baldwin County
5-Star Reviews
Estate Planning Firm
This is what our clients say after lifting the weight of an unfinished estate plan. You know you need to do this. It keeps creeping into your thoughts, that dread about leaving your family unprepared.
But every time you think about starting, it feels overwhelming. We make it simple. Three meetings. Clear explanations. Fixed pricing. And then it’s done, off your mind for good.
We take complex laws and processes and make them organized and easy to follow.
We’re here for the long- term as your family’s
needs evolve
We help you create a plan that reflects what matters most to you
Wills, trusts, powers of attorney, healthcare directives. Everything you need.
We’ve helped hundreds of Baldwin County families replace worry with real protection. Our proven process makes estate planning manageable, not overwhelming.
People spend so much time worrying about what will happen to their families without a plan. We help Baldwin County families turn that worry into relief with thoughtful planning that actually works.
No confusing legal terms or intimidating documents. We explain everything in plain English with stories that make sense, so you’ll actually understand how your estate planning documents protect your family. When you leave our office, you know exactly what you have and why it works.
Our proven process gives you room to breathe. A three-meeting structure designed to reduce overwhelm and give clients space to think, ask questions, and make decisions. No rush, no overwhelm—just thoughtful planning that fits your life.
You’ll know exactly what your estate plan costs before we begin. No hourly billing that keeps climbing, no surprise fees, no uncertainty. Just straightforward pricing that lets you focus on protecting your family, not watching the clock.
Three convenient offices from Orange Beach to Spanish Fort. 480+ five-star reviews from your neighbors. Award-winning Alabama estate planning attorneys who’ve served Baldwin County families for years. We’re not just lawyers—we’re part of your community.
“Brenton was very easy to work with, and he followed all of my instructions in an efficient and polite manner. He also took time to answer all of my questions and explain everything very thoroughly. I would highly recommend him to help you with any of your legal needs.”
“We used Brenton and team to update our trust when relocating to Alabama. He did a great job of explaining the differences between where we lived previously and made sure everything would flow smoothly in the future.”
“We went into our appointment with some hesitation and apprehension, not knowing what to expect. Brenton and his staff made our Estate Planning anxiety-free. Absolutely every detail was explained and each of our questions answered. This firm is professional and top notch!”
“Brenton provided us with a new will and power of attorney documents in a professional and timely manner. Brenton is very knowledgeable about Alabama law and very good at explaining it to us. Highly recommend Brenton C McWilliams.”
“Brenton McWilliams and his staff are worthy of a 5 Star rating based on our experience with them in taking care our needs. They were punctual, knowledgeable, professional, friendly and helpful in all aspects in the fulfillment of what we needed.”
Estate planning is the process of preparing legal documents and strategies to manage your assets during your lifetime and after your death. It ensures your wishes are carried out, minimizes confusion and conflict, and protects your family from unnecessary legal hurdles or expenses. A solid estate plan gives you peace of mind knowing that your legacy and loved ones are protected.
It’s never too early to start. Whether you’re a young parent, a new homeowner, or approaching retirement, creating an estate plan now can help prevent uncertainty later. Life changes such as marriage, divorce, the birth of a child, or acquiring significant assets are common triggers to begin or revise your plan.
While a Will is essential, most people benefit from a more comprehensive plan. This often includes powers of attorney, advance healthcare directives, and possibly a living trust—especially if you want to avoid probate, plan for incapacity, or provide long-term support for a loved one. A well-rounded estate plan is tailored to your goals, not just a single document.
You should review your estate plan every 3–5 years or whenever you experience a major life event. These include marriage, divorce, the birth or adoption of a child, a significant change in assets, or the death of a loved one. Laws also change over time, so it’s wise to periodically consult with an attorney to ensure your documents remain valid and effective.
Yes, and doing so is one of the most critical parts of estate planning for parents. Your Will can include a nomination for who you’d like to raise your children if something happens to you. Without this, the court may decide based on Alabama’s guardianship laws—possibly choosing someone you wouldn’t have selected.
If you die without an estate plan, your assets will be distributed according to Alabama’s intestacy laws. This often leads to outcomes that may not align with your intentions. The probate court will also appoint someone to manage your estate and make key decisions, which could result in delays, family disputes, or unnecessary costs.
A Will only takes effect after death and typically requires probate. A living trust, on the other hand, is active during your lifetime and can help your estate avoid probate altogether. It also offers more privacy, easier management during incapacity, and greater control over how and when your assets are distributed.
You can create a special needs trust (SNT) to provide for a loved one without jeopardizing their eligibility for government benefits like Medicaid or SSI. These trusts allow you to set aside funds for supplemental care and quality-of-life expenses while preserving essential support services.
Yes, estate planning can be a valuable tool for minimizing federal estate taxes and other transfer costs. While Alabama does not have a state estate tax, strategic planning—such as gifting, charitable contributions, and use of trusts—can protect more of your estate for your heirs.
The process usually begins with an initial consultation to understand your goals, family dynamics, and assets. From there, an attorney will recommend the right mix of documents, such as a Will, power of attorney, healthcare directive, and possibly a trust. Once drafted, the documents are signed, notarized, and safely stored. A good attorney will also help you revisit your plan as life changes.
The attorneys and staff at The Law Offices of Brenton C. McWilliams bring decades of combined experience in estate planning law. More importantly, we bring a deep commitment to building lasting relationships with the families we serve.
From the moment you meet Brenton, you’re at ease. His calm and caring demeanor isn’t typically a trait you would associate with the not-so-loved profession of attorney…and that’s why our clients leave our office feeling confident in their decision to choose our firm! Prior to opening the law office in Orange Beach, Brenton was a partner in one of Tuscaloosa, Alabama’s oldest law firms concentrating in real estate, estate planning, probate and business needs.
Brenton has also previously served as the city attorney for a local municipality and was appointed as a Deputy Attorney General for the State of Alabama. He is admitted to practice law before all courts in the State of Alabama, as well as the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Alabama. Brenton is originally from Huntsville, Alabama and loves reading, biking and traveling with his wife, Crawford. He and Crawford live in Orange Beach with their Boykin Spaniel, Pickles, and are so thankful that they get to live and work in paradise.
With over 16 years of legal and business experience, Brent Helms is a seasoned judge, attorney, and entrepreneur. Early in his legal career, Brent helped pass the Protecting Alabama’s Elders Act, which criminalized the abuse, neglect, and financial exploitation of the elderly in Alabama. After helping protect the elderly, Brent served for three years as a special probate judge, issuing thousands of well-reasoned judicial decisions supported by law, resulting in 0 appeals or writs of mandamus. After leaving the bench, Brent opened his own law firm, where he was recognized by media outlets around the world for his legal accomplishments. Brent practiced elder law, probate law, and estate planning, drafting myriad estate plans, protecting the elderly (and their money), and winning tons of cases in probate court. Brent lives by the mantra that those who say it cannot be done should not interrupt the person doing it.
While Brent does have a self-confessed slightly dorky love of the law, he’d prefer to tell you about his wife and seven children. In addition to spending time with his family, Brent enjoys the outdoors, sports, exercise, and serving others.
Crawford just so happens to be Brenton’s wife…it’s a family affair! She wears a lot of hats at the law firm and plays an important role behind the scenes. She also assists with signings at our Foley and Daphne offices. In addition to working at the law firm, she’s also an artist (Crawford McWilliams Art), freelance interior designer, and owns an online vintage home decor boutique (Play Pretties – Vintage Treasures). Crawford has a big heart for philanthropy and outside of work she stays busy volunteering for the Junior League of Mobile, Meals on Wheels, American Heart Association, and the Pleasure Island Junior Woman’s Club. Crawford is originally from Marion, Alabama and loves spending time with friends, cooking and traveling with her favorite travel partner, Brenton.
Brooke is a Legal Administrative Assitant at The Law Offices of Brenton C. McWilliams. Her depth of experience in the medical and hospitality industry, passion for helping others both personally and professionally, and positive spirit is a wonderful addition to our team. Brooke is originally from Mobile, Alabama, and loves boating, cooking, and traveling. She greets everyone she meets with a smile and is always willing to go the extra mile for our clients. In addition to helping humans, she’s also amazing with animals.
Ileana has a passion for helping those in need and serving the people around her. She helps us tremendously around the firm, and she’s always willing to go the extra mile for our team. Ileana is from Tegucigalpa, Honduras, and she enjoys watching and playing sports, cooking, and traveling.
Dee Dee has a kind demeanor and a passion for customer service. She currently lives in Huntsville but is working her way south to Baldwin County soon, and we can’t wait!
Dee Dee loves walking on the beach, perfecting her barista skills, cooking, writing poetry, and spending time with family and her rescue cat, Daisy.
Our next team member introduction is the charismatic Pickles McWilliams, our Director of Investigations and Security. Pickles takes her position very seriously and that is evident in her work at the law firm. If you’ve ever picked up a pizza from Domino’s next door then you know this first hand. Some may say that she gets a little too close with our clients, but we know she’s just going that extra mile to make them feel welcome. Pickles is originally from Mobile, Alabama, and loves cuddling, hugs, barking at delivery trucks, and nervously taking little bites out of houseplants when the dishwasher is running.
From the moment you meet Brenton, you’re at ease. His calm and caring demeanor isn’t typically a trait you would associate with the not-so-loved profession of attorney…and that’s why our clients leave our office feeling confident in their decision to choose our firm! Prior to opening the law office in Orange Beach, Brenton was a partner in one of Tuscaloosa, Alabama’s oldest law firms concentrating in real estate, estate planning, probate and business needs.
Brenton has also previously served as the city attorney for a local municipality and was appointed as a Deputy Attorney General for the State of Alabama. He is admitted to practice law before all courts in the State of Alabama, as well as the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Alabama. Brenton is originally from Huntsville, Alabama and loves reading, biking and traveling with his wife, Crawford. He and Crawford live in Orange Beach with their Boykin Spaniel, Pickles, and are so thankful that they get to live and work in paradise.
With over 16 years of legal and business experience, Brent Helms is a seasoned judge, attorney, and entrepreneur. Early in his legal career, Brent helped pass the Protecting Alabama’s Elders Act, which criminalized the abuse, neglect, and financial exploitation of the elderly in Alabama. After helping protect the elderly, Brent served for three years as a special probate judge, issuing thousands of well-reasoned judicial decisions supported by law, resulting in 0 appeals or writs of mandamus. After leaving the bench, Brent opened his own law firm, where he was recognized by media outlets around the world for his legal accomplishments. Brent practiced elder law, probate law, and estate planning, drafting myriad estate plans, protecting the elderly (and their money), and winning tons of cases in probate court. Brent lives by the mantra that those who say it cannot be done should not interrupt the person doing it.
While Brent does have a self-confessed slightly dorky love of the law, he’d prefer to tell you about his wife and seven children. In addition to spending time with his family, Brent enjoys the outdoors, sports, exercise, and serving others.
Crawford just so happens to be Brenton’s wife…it’s a family affair! She wears a lot of hats at the law firm and plays an important role behind the scenes. She also assists with signings at our Foley and Daphne offices. In addition to working at the law firm, she’s also an artist (Crawford McWilliams Art), freelance interior designer, and owns an online vintage home decor boutique (Play Pretties – Vintage Treasures). Crawford has a big heart for philanthropy and outside of work she stays busy volunteering for the Junior League of Mobile, Meals on Wheels, American Heart Association, and the Pleasure Island Junior Woman’s Club. Crawford is originally from Marion, Alabama and loves spending time with friends, cooking and traveling with her favorite travel partner, Brenton.
Brooke is a Legal Administrative Assitant at The Law Offices of Brenton C. McWilliams. Her depth of experience in the medical and hospitality industry, passion for helping others both personally and professionally, and positive spirit is a wonderful addition to our team. Brooke is originally from Mobile, Alabama, and loves boating, cooking, and traveling. She greets everyone she meets with a smile and is always willing to go the extra mile for our clients. In addition to helping humans, she’s also amazing with animals.
Ileana has a passion for helping those in need and serving the people around her. She helps us tremendously around the firm, and she’s always willing to go the extra mile for our team. Ileana is from Tegucigalpa, Honduras, and she enjoys watching and playing sports, cooking, and traveling.
Dee Dee has a kind demeanor and a passion for customer service. She currently lives in Huntsville but is working her way south to Baldwin County soon, and we can’t wait!
Dee Dee loves walking on the beach, perfecting her barista skills, cooking, writing poetry, and spending time with family and her rescue cat, Daisy.
Our next team member introduction is the charismatic Pickles McWilliams, our Director of Investigations and Security. Pickles takes her position very seriously and that is evident in her work at the law firm. If you’ve ever picked up a pizza from Domino’s next door then you know this first hand. Some may say that she gets a little too close with our clients, but we know she’s just going that extra mile to make them feel welcome. Pickles is originally from Mobile, Alabama, and loves cuddling, hugs, barking at delivery trucks, and nervously taking little bites out of houseplants when the dishwasher is running.
The Law Offices of Brenton C. McWilliams provides estate planning services from our three convenient locations. We welcome clients from across Alabama.
