The bond between humans and their pets is often unbreakable, extending beyond the owner's lifetime. As pet owners, you want to make sure your beloved companions receive care even after you are no longer around. Can you leave assets for your pets? The law considers...
ESTATE PLANNING – Wills
Why is undue influence a concern in creating wills
Imagine spending a lifetime building your assets, only to have your final wishes altered by someone else's agenda. Unfortunately, undue influence often affects the creation of wills. Threatening the integrity of estate planning Undue influence occurs when someone...
Your executor can be a non-family member
When creating a will, you can choose who will manage your estate after you are gone. This person, known as the executor, will oversee the management of your assets, payment of your debts and distribution of your property as you wish. Many people are under the...
Can a person with a memory disease write a will?
When a family member is diagnosed with a memory disease like dementia, the matter of how their estate should be handled can get complicated. But there are steps you can take to ensure their wishes are respected, even as the disease progresses. It begins with...
Who can be witnesses in your will?
Drafting a will can be an effective way to relay your wishes to your surviving family members after passing on. This document is enforceable but may lose significance if its content becomes outdated, invalid, or cause legal conflicts. Each state has varying...
Do’s and don’ts when writing your last will and testament
In the event of death, your last will and testament may ensure that your beneficiaries will receive your assets accordingly. It’s an important legal document that must be valid so that the courts will accept it. In Georgia, a competent person aged at least 14 can...
What does it mean to plan for incapacity?
Imagine a future where, due to unforeseen circumstances, you are unable to make decisions for yourself. While it is not a pleasant scenario to consider, it is a critical aspect of life planning that often goes overlooked. Planning for incapacity means taking proactive...
What is testamentary capacity?
When facing the loss of a loved one, the surviving family members and relatives are often responsible for tying up loose ends concerning the deceased's personal affairs. In this instance, a will can help guide them on what to do and how to proceed according to the...
Challenges for guardianship for special needs children
Special needs children have unique and distinct conditions. This involves medical, educational and emotional aspects. Unlike planning for typically developing children, their children must anticipate and address long-term challenges. They must recognize that their...
Are electronic wills enforceable in Georgia?
As our technology progresses, processes in various industries have changed as well. In the legal industry, creating contracts and legal documents has been easier with digital technology. In estate planning, this change now allows testators to electronically create...