Zachary Heath Starnes, Business Attorney in Decatur, Alabama
Over 14 years of legal practice · focused on Business, Litigation, and Probate
AttorneyatHarris Caddell Shanks P C
Decatur, AL
Practicing business in Decatur since 2012.
- 14+
- Years practicing
- 2
- Bar admissions
Practices in
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Quick answer
Zachary Heath Starnes is an attorney based in Decatur, AL. The practice focuses on Business, Litigation, and Probate. Zachary has over 14 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Harris Caddell Shanks P C.
- Based in
- Decatur, AL
- Experience
- over 14 years
- Known for
- Business · Litigation · Probate
- Handles Business, Litigation, and Probate matters from Decatur, AL.
- Over 14 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
About Zachary Heath Starnes: Zachary Heath Starnes is an attorney based in Decatur, AL. The practice focuses on Business, Litigation, and Probate. Zachary has over 14 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Harris Caddell Shanks P C.
Areas of practice
Practice areas handled by Zachary Heath Starnes
Zachary concentrates on business, litigation, probate, and trusts. Each area below outlines the kind of case Zachary handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Business
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Litigation
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Probate
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Trusts
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Business cases in Decatur, Alabama
Zachary takes business matters in Decatur, Alabama. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Zachary agrees to represent you.
Litigation cases in Decatur, Alabama
Zachary takes litigation matters in Decatur, Alabama. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Zachary agrees to represent you.
Probate cases in Decatur, Alabama
Zachary takes probate matters in Decatur, Alabama. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Zachary agrees to represent you.
Trusts cases in Decatur, Alabama
Zachary takes trusts matters in Decatur, Alabama. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Zachary agrees to represent you.
Biography
About Zachary Heath Starnes — Over 14 years of Alabama business experience
Zachary Heath Starnes is an attorney based in Decatur, AL. The practice focuses on Business, Litigation, and Probate. Zachary has over 14 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Harris Caddell Shanks P C.
Zach Starnes is a probate and business attorney whose practice is directed toward estate administration, probate litigation, estate planning and general corporate and business law
He regularly assists clients with all aspects of estate administration and has significant experience handling probate litigation matters, including will contests and disputes between personal representatives and heirs or beneficiaries. Zach previously served as the General Administrator for Morgan County and currently serves as County Guardian & County Conservator for Morgan County and as the General Administrator for Lawrence County.
His estate planning practice includes the development of estate plans, including drafting wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and other sophisticated estate planning instruments, and tailoring those estate plans to suit each client’s priorities.
Zach’s corporate practice includes routinely advising clients in all matters relating to their business operations, including entity selection and formation, as well as assisting clients with issues concerning the operation of corporations, limited liability companies, and other business and nonprofit organizations. He also has extensive experience in the drafting and review of sales contracts, buy-sell and shareholder agreements, employment agreements (including non-compete agreements and non-disclosure agreements), and various other contracts and agreements.
Zach is originally from south Arkansas and has lived in Decatur since 2012. He is a Deacon at the Beltline Church of Christ in Decatur, where he and his family attend. Zach’s wife, Kelli, is a Decatur native and they have four children – Cooper, Carter, Eliana, and Adeline.
Zachary's approach to business cases
Zach Starnes is a probate and business attorney whose practice is directed toward estate administration, probate litigation, estate planning and general corporate and business law He regularly assists clients with all aspects of estate administration and has significant experience handling probate litigation matters, including will contests and disputes between personal representatives and heirs…
Clients Zachary works with
Zachary reviews new inquiries case-by-case for business, litigation, and probate matters in Decatur and the surrounding Alabama area.
Credentials
Zachary Heath Starnes's legal education and bar admissions
Cumberland School of Law, Samford University
J.D. · 2012
Harding University
B.S. Public · 2008
Jurisdictions
Zachary's state bar admissions
U.S. District Court,
2012 · ACTIVE
Alabama
2012 · ACTIVE
Zachary studied at J.D. in Cumberland School of Law, Samford University and B.S. Public in Harding University.
Law school and academic background
Zachary completed J.D. in Cumberland School of Law, Samford University and B.S. Public in Harding University. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Zachary runs in Alabama is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Locations
Zachary Heath Starnes's office in Decatur
Zachary's primary office is at 214 Johnston Street, S.E., Decatur, AL, 35601. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Client feedback
Client reviews of Zachary Heath Starnes
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Schedule your consultationHiring guide
How to hire Zachary Heath Starnes — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new business attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Zachary usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
Zachary charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Zachary's office.
What to bring to your first meeting
Bring any documents you already have — police reports, medical records, filed pleadings, correspondence from an insurer, a copy of the contract at issue. If you're not sure, err on the side of bringing everything; Zachary will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a business attorney in Decatur, Alabama
A short list to run through before you commit: How many business matters have you handled in the last year? What's your fee structure? Who else in the office will work on this? What's your realistic estimate of timeline and range of outcomes? How do I reach you between meetings?
Fees & payment
Fees, payment methods, and consultation options for Zachary
Zachary discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in business practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every business matter is priced differently. Simple document review might be a flat fee. Injury litigation is often contingency. Complex commercial disputes usually run hourly with a retainer. Zachary confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
Zachary's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many business practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about Zachary Heath Starnes
How much does it cost to hire Zachary for a business case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Zachary walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Zachary offer a free consultation?
Zachary charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Zachary's office. Some business attorneys offer free consults — check Zachary's current terms during booking.
How long do business cases in Alabama typically take?
Simple business matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. Zachary gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Zachary take my case if I'm outside Decatur?
Zachary is licensed in Alabama. Matters governed by Alabama law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — Zachary will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.
What should I bring to my first meeting with Zachary?
Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. Zachary will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Zachary accepting new business clients right now?
Zachary's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.
Areas served
Business attorneys serving Decatur, Birmingham and Montgomery in Alabama
Zachary handles business matters throughout Alabama. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified business attorneys in that community.
More counsel
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If Zachary's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these business attorneys in Decatur handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.
