Most Georgians believe that signing a valid will is tantamount to eliminating all disputes regarding the distribution of the maker’s assets. While this is mostly the case, a few wills can lead to more, not less, controversy among a person’s heirs about the...
ESTATE PLANNING – Wills
What happens if I die without a will in Georgia?
If you are a resident of Georgia and you pass away without a valid will, you may leave your loved ones with a lot of uncertainty and confusion. State law will decide how your property and assets will be distributed among your surviving relatives, regardless of your...
What should be included in your will?
A will is an estate planning tool used to distribute assets after the will creator, or testator passes away. The contents of your will may depend on your specific circumstances, but here are a few things that should be included. Personal information It is important...
Choosing witnesses for your will
Writing a will is an important part of estate planning and a valid will is something that ensures your peace of mind. For your will to be legally valid, it must be signed in the presence of witnesses. Georgia law requires that 2 witnesses be present when you sign your...
Requirements for a will in Georgia
If you are in the process of drafting a will, it is important to make sure that your will meets all state requirements. Creating a will is arguably the most important part of the estate planning process, so it is important that the courts declare your will to be...
Estate planning for younger people
Traditionally, estate planning isn’t a top priority for younger people. Many incorrectly assume that an estate implies excessive wealth, and applies only to those with a home, who are married or have children. But planning your estate is a good idea for any adult, no...
The firm you call for estate plans
You work your entire life to build your estate. While you are alive, that estate funds your lifestyle. However, after you pass, that estate funds your legacy. Unfortunately, the estate planning and probate process are complicated and fraught with legal landmines. That...
Helpful information for drafting a will in Georgia
Making the choice to draft a will is a very responsible decision. Although no one wants to think about their death, having a valid will in place reassures you that your property will be distributed the way you want it, and your loved ones will be taken care of. Since...
Know the role of a health care agent when estate planning
In Georgia, people automatically equate estate planning with creating a will or trust. This is understandable since these are key aspects of many estate plans. However, there are other issues that can be addressed with an estate plan, such as health care decisions....
How mental state can affect the legal creation of a will
A will seems like a simple legal instrument that can be used to dictate how assets will be distributed upon death. While that’s true to a certain extent, creating a legally valid will takes much more than just writing down what you want on a piece of paper. It takes a...