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...
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...
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...
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...
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....
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...
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...
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...
When someone dies in Georgia, their estate has to be managed and distributed in a way that is consistent with their wishes as stated in their will. This complex process falls on the shoulders of the executor, who is usually appointed by the deceased ahead of time to...
At some point in life, it's essential to decide how your property will be distributed when you die. It's also a good idea to create a legal document stating your health care wishes if you become incapacitated. Talking with your children about these choices and...
