What happens to your social media photos or online investments when you're gone? In today's world, your digital footprint is as important as any real-world asset. This online presence can include special memories, valuable investments and even your livelihood....
Wills
Understanding the role of a probate judge in Georgia
Very few people take time to think about estate and wealth distribution until they've lost a loved one. However, understanding how these segments work beforehand is very important. One of the legal aspects you should understand is the operations of probate court. Who...
Revoking an original will
Georgia residents who wish to care for their loved ones in the event of their passing may write a will. A last will and testament allows the testator to bequeath assets to chosen beneficiaries. However, circumstances may change, and the testator could decide to devise...
Pros and cons of making a DIY will
As families in Georgia contemplate estate planning, they will no doubt look into having a will created. As with many services, online do-it-yourself (DYI) will services exist. A DYI will can be inexpensive. However, it could also mean headaches for those you leave...
Explaining the Uniform Probate Code
When a person passes away in Georgia, especially if that person has significant assets or multiple heirs or claimants, the process of resolving their estate can be complicated. And each state's probate process is different, which can further the confusion during a...
Using POD accounts to avoid probate
Before a deceased person’s assets can be distributed to their heirs, their will has to be validated and their estate’s debts must be settled. This happens during the probate process, and it can drag on for months. Georgia residents who wish to avoid probate often...
The facts about wills and probate
Probate is a process that validates a will and appoints an estate executor or administrator who settles estate debts and distributes assets to heirs and beneficiaries. Understanding the Georgia probate process makes it easier to create an effective estate plan....
The difference between estate and inheritance taxes
Inheritance and estate taxes are things that few Georgia residents have to worry about. Georgia does not impose an estate tax, and most Georgia residents have estates worth less than the federal estate tax exemption, which is more than $12 million. This is fortunate...
What happens when siblings disagree about an inheritance?
In an ideal world, parents discuss inheritance issues with their adult children and address any concerns they may have. There may be misunderstandings about who gets what that the parents should resolve while there is still time. But life doesn't always run that...
Understanding what intestate means in Georgia
When someone dies, the probate process begins. If the deceased person left a will, then the estate gets distributed according to the will's instructions. But, if the person died without a will, they died "intestate," and state intestacy laws determine how the estate...