Bloodworth, Crowley & LeverettThe Firm You Call When Good Enough Is Not Enough2026-09-14T11:23:27Zhttps://www.bloodworthlawoffice.com/feed/atom/WordPress/wp-content/uploads/sites/1304157/2021/10/cropped-favicon-32x32.pngOn Behalf of Bloodworth, Crowley & Leverett<![CDATA[What tasks does an estate executor handle?]]>https://www.bloodworthlawoffice.com/?p=470852026-09-14T11:23:27Z2026-09-14T11:23:27ZAn estate executor is the person who administers an estate after another individual passes away. There are many different duties and responsibilities that they have to take on.
Some of these are procedural. They may need to obtain copies of the death certificate, for example. They may need to file the will with the probate court so that the probate process can get started.
Notifying the beneficiaries
Additionally, the estate executor is often the person who provides all of the paperwork to the beneficiaries. They may need to give these beneficiaries a copy of the will, for example, so that they know what they are going to inherit. At the same time, the estate administrator may need to inventory the existing assets, gain access to bank accounts and take other important steps so that those assets can be distributed in accordance with the will.
Addressing outstanding debts
Furthermore, it is often the estate executor who has to handle any obligations that the estate still has. This could include paying property taxes or income taxes to the government, for example, or handling estate taxes.Even for relatively minor expenses, such as credit card bills, the debt remains. It is not inherited by the beneficiaries, however. Instead, creditors make claims against the estate, and the estate administrator pays these claims before distributing assets to beneficiaries.These are just a few of the important duties that an estate administrator will take on, and they help to show why it is so important for those going through this process to understand exactly what legal steps they will need to take.
]]>On Behalf of Bloodworth, Crowley & Leverett<![CDATA[What’s the difference between common and solemn form probate?]]>https://www.bloodworthlawoffice.com/?p=470842026-08-28T22:37:30Z2026-08-28T22:37:30Zcommon” or “solemn” form for validation. The primary difference between the two involves notice to the heirs and how firmly the proceeding establishes the will’s validity.
Common form is usually faster and requires less notice, while solemn form provides greater protection against future challenges. The choice can have significant consequences for an executor and the beneficiaries.
Speed versus certainty
When a will is offered for probate in common form, the executor is generally not required to provide advance notice of the proceedings to the deceased’s heirs. That’s a quicker process that can be useful when the family of the deceased is united and no challenges are expected.
However, an order admitting a will in common form is not immediately binding on heirs who did not receive notice. An heir may generally challenge the will up to four years after it is admitted to probate (with different rules possible for minors and those who are disabled).
Probate in solemn form requires notice to all of the deceased person’s heirs before the will can be accepted and the remaining process begins. This means the people who would inherit under Georgia intestacy law must receive notice even if they are not named as beneficiaries in the will. Each heir must then be given an opportunity to examine the will and make an objection, if they have one. If none are made, the court may then admit the will in solemn form.
Solemn form may be the safer choice when substantial assets are involved, someone was disinherited or other family conflict is likely because it generally prevents heirs from raising challenges later.
Probate is an intricate process with a lot of rules that must be carefully followed. Legal guidance can make it easier to navigate the steps and keep the probate process in motion.]]>On Behalf of Bloodworth, Crowley & Leverett<![CDATA[What if zoning rules change after you buy property?]]>https://www.bloodworthlawoffice.com/?p=470822026-08-21T14:20:10Z2026-08-21T14:20:10ZAn existing use may remain allowed
If you already used the property legally before the zoning change, you may have a nonconforming use. This means the old zoning rules allowed the use, but the current rules do not.
Local rules may still limit changes to that use or restrict how much you can expand it. A lawful existing use therefore differs from a project that you had only planned.
Buying land under one zoning classification does not, by itself, guarantee that you can develop it under those rules later.
Earlier approvals may protect your plans
Georgia law recognizes vested rights in some development projects. A vested right may allow you to continue under an earlier zoning rule after the local government changes it.
The source of that right matters. Georgia courts have recognized vested rights tied to valid permits, properly filed permit applications and development plans that local officials approved. In some cases, spending substantial funds after relying on official assurances may also support such a right.
A permit or approval therefore may do more than show how far your project had advanced. It may affect which zoning rules govern the work.
Review records from before the change
You may want to gather permits, approved plans and records of what local officials told you. It may also help to note when you received each approval and when the new zoning rule took effect. Those records could help you assess how the change affects your project and prepare for the legal process.]]>On Behalf of Bloodworth, Crowley & Leverett<![CDATA[Why do families often argue about property after a loved one dies?]]>https://www.bloodworthlawoffice.com/?p=470752026-08-16T01:18:27Z2026-08-16T01:18:27Zlegal team that handles estate planning can help identify potential areas of disagreement before they develop into costly legal claims.
Beneficiaries may have different plans for the same property
Leaving a house equally to several children may appear fair, but equal ownership does not guarantee that the beneficiaries will agree about its future. One beneficiary may want to sell the property and receive their share of the proceeds, while another may wish to live in the home, and a third may prefer to retain it as a rental investment.
Because of the responsibilities that come with inheriting a property, there may be disagreement over management and control. This can delay estate administration and reduce the property’s value.
Verbal promises may conflict with estate planning documents
Property disputes can also arise when family members rely on conversations they had with the deceased person. While verbal statements do not automatically change the terms of a valid will or trust, the child who relied on the promise may challenge the estate plan or accuse another beneficiary of interfering with the parent’s decisions.
To avoid these kinds of situations, it is crucial to update a will, trust or deed to provide stronger evidence of the property owner’s intentions, should they shift after the initial creation of estate planning documentation. An effective estate plan should explicitly state enforceable instructions that reflect the creator’s intentions and minimize opportunities for disagreement during estate administration.]]>On Behalf of Bloodworth, Crowley & Leverett<![CDATA[Estate planning for blended families]]>https://www.bloodworthlawoffice.com/?p=470722026-08-06T18:22:25Z2026-08-06T18:22:25ZBalancing the needs of your spouse and children
A blended family is a household formed when two adults come together, bringing children from past relationships or having children together. According to the Pew Research Center, about 17% of children under the age of 18 live in a blended household, which accounts for about 12.4 million children. This indicates how common blended family dynamics have become. Because multiple complex family relationships may be involved, an estate plan that clearly reflects your wishes can help avoid misunderstandings after you’re gone.
One of the biggest concerns for many parents is making sure a surviving spouse has enough financial support while also preserving their children's inheritance. A will can outline who receives specific assets, but additional planning tools may also help accomplish both goals.
For example, some families may use trusts to provide income or access to assets for a surviving spouse during their lifetime while preserving the remaining property for children from a previous relationship. Naming beneficiaries carefully and regularly reviewing those designations can also help ensure retirement accounts and life insurance proceeds align with your overall estate plan.
The importance of an up-to-date estate plan
Clear communication and regular updates are equally important. Major life events such as remarriage, the birth of additional children or significant changes in finances may require revisions to an existing will. Without updated documents, state inheritance laws could distribute property in ways that do not reflect your intentions. Keeping your estate plan current helps reduce the likelihood of disputes among family members and provides greater clarity for everyone involved.
Every blended family has unique goals and concerns, and there is no one-size-fits-all approach to estate planning. Speaking with an experienced legal professional can help you create a will and broader estate plan that protects your loved ones, honors your wishes and provides peace of mind for the future.]]>On Behalf of Bloodworth, Crowley & Leverett<![CDATA[What to consider if you wish to disinherit someone]]>https://www.bloodworthlawoffice.com/?p=470712026-08-03T19:48:35Z2026-08-03T19:48:35Zminor children, you are not typically obligated to do so.
If you do wish to disinherit someone who would expect to get something, it is important to think things through carefully.
Are your reasons valid?
Family members can become estranged, often over the smallest of things -- to an outsider, at least. To those involved, the reasons may feel fully justified. Yet disinheriting someone is such a big move that it is wise to get some outside opinions on the matter.
Talk to other family members or close friends about it. They can help you reflect on whether disinheriting the person is really the right choice, or if it is something that you might regret. It is easy to think that you can just change your will later if the ice thaws between you, but you can’t predict the future, and if you did not get around to putting the person back into your will before you passed away or lost competency, they would likely get nothing.
Who else will it affect?
Leaving someone out of your will can cause issues for those to whom you do leave things. A child who does receive something may spend the rest of their life feeling guilty that they received an inheritance when their sibling didn’t. It might also lead to a rupture between them or a court challenge that delays the distribution of assets for everyone.
Is it clear that this was your wish?
Some people just omit a person from the will, but if the person files a challenge, it can lead a probate court to question whether this was your true wish. Properly documenting your choice reduces the chance that your decision can be challenged on the grounds that it was an oversight or due to mental incapacity or undue influence. Having experienced estate planning guidance can help you better determine whether disinheritance is the best option in your particular situation.]]>On Behalf of Bloodworth, Crowley & Leverett<![CDATA[What qualities does an estate executor need? ]]>https://www.bloodworthlawoffice.com/?p=470702026-08-03T19:32:19Z2026-08-03T19:32:19Zchoosing an executor.
They must be trustworthy
Executors have been known to abuse their power for their own gain. If nobody spots this and files action with a court to stop it, the beneficiaries you intended to leave your wealth to could be left with much less than they should receive.
On that note, good communication skills can be a useful characteristic in an executor. Regular communication and responses to questions and concerns can help to reassure others that everything is being carried out as it should be.
They must be organized
Executing an estate involves many different tasks that often need to be completed in a particular sequence. There are also deadlines for some of these tasks. Someone who lacks the necessary organizational skills is more likely to make mistakes, delay the distribution of the estate to the beneficiaries or cause assets to be lost through fines or other penalties.
They must be available
Likely, you don’t plan to pass away any time soon, so you need to think about who will still be around when you eventually do. That may rule out a sibling who is much older than you or a friend who intends to move to a different continent.
Remember, though, that you can and should revise your estate plan in the future. So if someone who might not be a great long-term option is the best option you currently have, you could still designate them for the time being as long as you regularly review whether they are still a suitable choice.
After choosing a personal representative and getting their consent to take the job, you need to document it properly. Having experienced legal guidance throughout the estate planning process is crucial to creating a sound plan that reflects your goals and wishes.]]>On Behalf of Bloodworth, Crowley & Leverett<![CDATA[Why early settlement offers in personal injury cases fall short]]>https://www.bloodworthlawoffice.com/?p=470682026-07-22T17:48:10Z2026-07-22T17:37:31ZThe true cost of a severe accident
Severe injuries from car crashes or premises liability claims create financial burdens that last for years. A quick settlement might cover the emergency room visit and a few weeks of lost wages, but it does not pay for the ongoing care required for major trauma.
Victims often face months of physical therapy, future surgeries or permanent changes to their earning power. Because insurance adjusters factor these timelines into their reviews, an injured person who closes a claim too early must pay these future costs out of pocket.
Methods used to limit financial payouts
Insurance carriers operate as businesses that manage their financial risks by closing claims before the full extent of injuries is known. Adjusters may rely on the following methods to reach early agreements:
Encouraging fast decisions: Adjusters may state the offer will expire or that a long dispute will leave the victim with nothing.
Requesting recorded statements: Representatives may ask questions to find errors and reduce the value of the claim.
Disputing future medical needs: Carriers may argue that future treatments are not needed or unrelated to the first event.
These methods aim to secure a signed release of liability before the victim reaches maximum medical improvement.
Calculating long-term financial impact
Determining a proper claim value generally involves waiting until a doctor assesses how an injury will affect the victim's future. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that non-fatal crash injuries cost Americans tens of billions of dollars each year in medical care and lost work.
A full calculation must include past medical bills, planned future treatments, lost income and the loss of future earning power. Settling before these numbers are clear creates a major financial risk for the family.
The finality of signing a release form
Once an injured person signs a settlement agreement and accepts a check, the agreement generally prevents them from seeking additional compensation. If a doctor later recommends an unexpected surgery, the insurance company holds no legal duty to provide more funds. This same finality applies if a victim cannot return to their past line of work. Securing a fair recovery involves patience and understanding the full value of the damages before accepting an offer.]]>On Behalf of Bloodworth, Crowley & Leverett<![CDATA[5 signs it may be time to update your will]]>https://www.bloodworthlawoffice.com/?p=470652026-06-22T14:52:36Z2026-06-24T04:00:56ZLife changes that often signal the need for a review
A will can become outdated gradually, even when no major event occurs. For that reason, most people review the document every three to five years. However, several developments may warrant a review before that time. Some of these circumstances include:
There are changes in your family structure: Marriage, divorce or the birth or adoption of a child can alter who you want to inherit your property or serve in important roles.
You experienced a major change in your finances: Purchasing real estate, selling valuable property or receiving a substantial inheritance may change the makeup of your estate.
A person named in your document is no longer available: An executor, guardian or beneficiary could pass away or become unable to serve. Replacing that individual can help prevent uncertainty when the document is eventually used.
You moved to a different state: A relocation often creates a reason to confirm that your will works as intended under the laws of your new state.
Your current instructions no longer match your wishes: If your preferences have shifted since you signed the document, your estate plan should generally reflect those changes.
Not every review leads to a completely new will. In some situations, a few revisions may be enough to reflect developments in your life. For limited updates, Georgia law recognizes the use of a codicil. It is a formal amendment that can update specific parts of an existing will while leaving the remainder in place.
Keeping your estate plan aligned with your goals
An outdated estate plan may create uncertainty for your loved ones. Reviewing your documents periodically can help ensure that the directions they rely on remain up to date. When changes are needed, it is important to make them properly so the document continues to function as intended.
Obtaining legal guidance can be helpful when evaluating potential revisions. A careful review can identify outdated provisions and help ensure your wishes remain accurately documented.]]>On Behalf of Bloodworth, Crowley & Leverett<![CDATA[When a prior owner shows up during a title search]]>https://www.bloodworthlawoffice.com/?p=470662026-06-23T00:32:29Z2026-06-23T00:32:29ZTitle corrections must occur promptly
Mortgage lenders generally require that buyers purchase title insurance. A lender's policy protects the mortgage company or bank if an outside party brings a successful claim against the property in the future.
If a prior owner still shows up on title records, the current owner may need to locate the other party to execute a deed that they can record to remove that person from title records. They can also initiate quiet title proceedings.
If the other party is difficult to locate, deceased or otherwise unable to sign a deed, a judge can update title records to remove them. Until those corrections take place, the buyer likely cannot acquire a title insurance policy, and the closing cannot occur.
Taking immediate steps to address inaccurate title records can protect people who are at risk of delayed or canceled transactions. Title records that are not accurate can cause headaches, and people trying to address title blemishes often need legal assistance, and that’s okay.]]>