It is possible to disinherit someone from a will in Georgia, but it requires careful planning. You must follow specific rules when creating a will to make sure your wishes are clear and legally valid. Without taking these proper steps, the disinherited person may...
ESTATE PLANNING – Wills
When should you update your will?
Creating a will helps protect your family and belongings after you're gone. But life doesn't stand still after you sign those papers. As your environment and circumstances shift, so should your estate plans. Below are five significant life changes that necessitate...
5 mistakes to avoid when making a healthcare power of attorney
Planning for future medical decisions might feel overwhelming, but it remains one of the most important steps you can take for your well-being. Creating a healthcare power of attorney ensures your medical wishes are followed even when you cannot speak for yourself....
What you should not include in your last will and testament
Creating a will is a key part of estate planning. It's the main tool for spelling out who gets your belongings and what your final wishes are. However, not everything belongs in a will. In Georgia, you can better address certain aspects of your estate or bestow...
Can I leave assets for my pets?
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...
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...