2021 Code of Alabama
Title 43 - Wills and Decedents' Estates.
Chapter 8 - Probate Code.
Article 4 - Elective Share of Surviving Spouse; Abatement.
Section 43-8-70 - Right of Surviving Spouse to Elective Share.

Universal Citation:
AL Code § 43-8-70 (2021)
Learn more This media-neutral citation is based on the American Association of Law Libraries Universal Citation Guide and is not necessarily the official citation.

Section 43-8-70

Right of surviving spouse to elective share.

(a) If a married person domiciled in this state dies, the surviving spouse has a right of election to take an elective share of the estate. The elective share shall be the lesser of:

(1) All of the estate of the deceased reduced by the value of the surviving spouse's separate estate; or

(2) One-third of the estate of the deceased.

(b) The "separate estate" of the surviving spouse shall include:

(1) All property which immediately after the death of the decedent is owned by the spouse outright or in fee simple absolute;

(2) All legal and equitable interests in property the possession or enjoyment of which are acquired only by surviving the decedent; and

(3) All income and other beneficial interests:

a. Under a trust;

b. In proceeds of insurance on the life of the decedent; and

c. Under any broad-based nondiscriminatory pension, profit-sharing, stock bonus, deferred compensation, disability, death benefit or other such plan established by an employer.

(c) If a married person not domiciled in this state dies, the right, if any, of the surviving spouse to take an elective share in property in this state is governed by the law of the decedent's domicile at death.

(Acts 1982, No. 82-399, §2-201.)

Disclaimer: These codes may not be the most recent version. Alabama may have more current or accurate information. We make no warranties or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness, or adequacy of the information contained on this site or the information linked to on the state site. Please check official sources.
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.