Q: Are the estate planning documents I signed while living in another state still be valid now that I’ve become a Georgia resident? A: Probably- But trying to use non-Georgia documents in Georgia will likely be very difficult. Each state’s laws differ, sometimes significantly, from the law of the other 49 states. For that reason,…
Q: If I don’t want my estranged child to receive an inheritance at my death, do I need to leave them a minimal amount in my Will or Trust? A: No, so long as a Will or Trust clearly show that the estranged child has merely not been forgotten about, but a provision has been…
Q: Should I add my adult child’s name to my bank account if I become too ill to pay my own bills? A: No, under Georgia law if a bank account has co-owners or is in joint names upon the death of one joint owner, the funds in that account (in almost every case) automatically…
An advance directive is a legal document that states a person’s wishes about receiving medical care if that person is no longer able to make medical decisions because of a serious illness or injury. Our blog offers more information on advance directives. Why do I need an Advance Directive? Depending on your circumstances, an advance…
Having a will is one of the most important things you can do for yourself and your family. Let’s take a deeper look into why it is so important. Why do I need a will? A will is important because if you do not designate who will inherit your property, the state will. This statutory…
The durable power of attorney is a legal procedure that gives authority to a named individual to make important decisions about your possessions, healthcare, finances, and other vital areas of your life. It’s a means of managing your affairs if you are disabled. Our Q&A answers questions we have received concerning durable power of attorney….
Over my many years of assisting executors and family members deal with settling the estates of loved ones, I’ve noticed an odd phenomenon: Often there are no squabbles regarding assets having high financial value,
Losing a loved one is never easy. Emotional needs must be met. Immediate family matters must be attended to. Funeral or memorial service arrangements must be made. But at some point fairly soon after death certain practical steps need to be taken.
Facebook should be treated like an asset of the deceased member’s estate and therefore managed by the executor and controlled by the deceased member’s Will.
I’m often involved in disputes over the contents of safe deposit boxes – usually when the boxes are jointly leased. A recent case in Forsyth County provides a helpful reminder of the rules involved.