Sarah S. Shepard

Sparkman Shepard & Shepard, LLC is an Alabama Estate Planning Attorney and Huntsville Trusts Lawyer.

We are a Huntsville, Alabama-based law firm specializing in assisting individuals and companies with estate planning, trust drafting, and probate law.

Our law firm offers a range of services that help you protect your family and loved ones. Our Huntsville wills attorney helps clients with probate, trusts, and estate planning.

• Free Consultation
• Credit Cards Accepted

Alabama

Alabama State Bar Association

Since 2012

Attorney

Sparkman, Shepard & Shepard, LLC

2020 - Current

Legal Counsel

LG Electronics North America

2014 - 2020

Law Clerk

Hon. James P. Smith, 23rd Judicial Circuit

2012 - 2014

Pro Bono Staff Attorney

Legal Services Alabama

2012

Intern

EEOC

2011

University of Alabama School of Law

J.D. (2012) | Law

Senior Editor of the Alabama Law Review, Order of the Samaritan

University of Miami

B.A. (2009) | Psychology & History

Phi Beta Kappa, Alpha Delta Pi

Very Good Rating

Avvo

2023

Client Reviewed 5.0/5.0

Lawyers.com

2023

Rising Star

Super Lawyers

2023

2021-2023

Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch

Huntsville Business Journal

2022

2021

Alabama State Bar  # 9730W86C

Member

Current

Activities: Young Lawyer Section

Huntsville-Madison County Bar Association

Member

Current

Do You Need an Estate Plan When You Don’t Have a Spouse or Children?

SSS LLC: Alabama Law Blog

2023

Getting Your Estate Plan in Order for Succession Planning

SSS LLC: Alabama Law Blog

2023

The Right Way to Execute a Last Will and Testament

SSS LLC: Alabama Law Blog

2023

How Does a Revocable Living Trust Avoid Probate in Alabama?

SSS LLC: Alabama Law Blog

2022

How to Create a Good Estate Plan

SSS LLC: Alabama Law Blog

2022

Privacy Law Update, LG Privacy

2020

Updates on Corporate Compliance, US Compliance Task Form

2019

Import/Export Control, North American Compliance

2018

Q. I need help. I am getting my wages garnished due to a medical bill that I have not had the money to pay b/c of Covid-19

December 4, 2020

A: I'm sorry to hear about your situation. That sounds very hard. Alabama law allows people with judgments against them to exempt the first $1,000.00 of each month's wages from garnishment by a creditor (including a hospital). Here is a new story about the exemption:

https://www.al.com/news/2020/01/alabama-court-protects-paychecks-from-debt-collectors.html#:~:text=The%20Alabama%20Court%20of%20Civil,eliminating%20protection%20from%20debt%20collectors.

You will need to file a Notice of Exemption with the court for this to take effect.

Otherwise, your other option is either a Chapter 7 or a Chapter 13 bankruptcy, which will lead to a release or the current wage garnishment. I'd recommend you discuss this further with a bankruptcy attorney.

Good luck! ... Read More

Q. LLC is suing a Member. Does the Member have to be represented by counsel to defend their own interest. Not the LLC

December 4, 2020

A: The general rule in most states is that business entities, such as LLCs, must be represented by a licensed attorney in court. Individuals generally may appear pro se, meaning that they may represent themselves, in court proceedings and lawsuits.

That said, it is best generally best practices for individuals to hire a lawyer experienced in the practice area to represent them because the rules of civil procedure are complicated and familiarity with the law is important to best present your case. Lawsuits are adversarial, meaning that each side advocates for itself and judges are not there to help you along the way. Representing yourself in court is a bit like trying to negotiate a business deal in a foreign language. You can do it, but pro se litigates are at a distinct disadvantage.

Good luck! ... Read More

Q. Is it possible to register your business as an LLC on a budget with the safety of a lawyer and not the online websites?

December 4, 2020

A: Yes, and I would recommend talking to a licensed attorney in your state.