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Legal Briefs

What are Living Trusts?

Most people have heard the term “living trust” but it is sometimes a commonly misunderstood legal arrangement. You may have heard that Living Trusts

Most people have heard the term “living trust” but it is sometimes a commonly misunderstood legal arrangement. You may have heard that Living Trusts are an alternative to a traditional will – because it allows families to avoid going through the probate process upon the death of a loved one.

Do I Really Need a Will?

Bucky Highsmith, an estate attorney and partner with the Gainesville, Ga. law firm Stewart, Melvin & Frost, specializes in legal areas that affect older

Bucky Highsmith, an estate attorney and partner with the Gainesville, Ga. law firm Stewart, Melvin & Frost, specializes in legal areas that affect older citizens, including estate planning, wills, trusts, guardianships, retirement planning, and other similar legal matters.

Beware of Foreclosure Rescue Scams

As we know, record numbers of homeowners are defaulting on their mortgages & losing their most precious asset to foreclosure. Unfortunately, this ongoing crisis

As we know, record numbers of homeowners are defaulting on their mortgages & losing their most precious asset to foreclosure. Unfortunately, this ongoing crisis has opened up opportunities for scam artists to prey on the desperation of distressed homeowners who fear losing their home.

Drinking and Legal Responsibility for Party Host

Whether it’s the holiday season or that summer cookout around the pool, party host need to know their responsibilities when alcoholic beverages are served.

Whether it’s the holiday season or that summer cookout around the pool, party host need to know their responsibilities when alcoholic beverages are served. You should already know that it’s important to practice moderation.

The Emerging Age of the ‘Silver Divorce’

In the past, divorce rates among the elderly in America have been much lower than for younger couples. But those statistics seem to be

In the past, divorce rates among the elderly in America have been much lower than for younger couples. But those statistics seem to be changing in recent years with a marked increase in divorce cases among couples 60 years and older.

Georgia’s New Restrictive Covenant Act

Georgia voters approved a constitutional amendment to what is known as Georgia’s Restrictive Covenant Act in 2010.

Protecting Tenants at Foreclosure Act

It’s not just homeowners or landlords who need to know what to do in the case of foreclosure. Renters do, too. Most discussions on

It’s not just homeowners or landlords who need to know what to do in the case of foreclosure. Renters do, too. Most discussions on foreclosure center on the plight of homeowners, but what about the renters in homes or apartments that have been foreclosed?

Financial Reform Law and its Impact on Consumers

In mid-July, Congress passed legislation imposing the strongest restrictions on banks & Wall Street since the Great Depression. The legislation was pushed by President

In mid-July, Congress passed legislation imposing the strongest restrictions on banks & Wall Street since the Great Depression. The legislation was pushed by President Obama in response to the 2008 meltdown of the national economy.

Impact of Recession on our Judicial System

We hear a lot in the news about the impact of the recession on local governments & our school systems. Budget cuts at the

We hear a lot in the news about the impact of the recession on local governments & our school systems. Budget cuts at the state and local levels have led to furloughs, layoffs & reduction of government services throughout our communities.

New Georgia Law that Bans Texting While Driving

On July 1, the state of Georgia passed a new law making it illegal to text on your cellphone while driving. This new ban

On July 1, the state of Georgia passed a new law making it illegal to text on your cellphone while driving. This new ban has been in effect only for a few weeks, but it has already caused some confusion among drivers as to what they can & can’t do with their cellphones.

How Long Do I Have to File a Personal Injury Case in Georgia?

After suffering an accident, clients often feel stressed, overwhelmed, and unsure what to do next. However, it is essential to know your rights so that you do not lose your chance to hold the negligent party responsible for what they did to you. In Georgia, in most…

Bill Would Remove Vital Protections During Home Closings

By Scotty Ball Under the guise of efficiency and cost savings, some lawmakers in Georgia are pushing to let out-of-state notaries conduct real estate closings online. It is a terrible idea that would destroy critical protections for Georgia homebuyers…

Anna Adams Orkins Named to 2022 “Georgia Super Lawyers” List

Super Lawyers has named Stewart, Melvin & Frost partner Anna Adams Orkins as a 2022 Georgia Rising Star. It is the second straight year that Orkins has been named a Rising Star by Super Lawyers. After years of practicing law in the areas of wills, trusts…

How Long Do I Have to File a Personal Injury Case in Georgia?

Bill Would Remove Vital Protections During Home Closings

Anna Adams Orkins Named to 2022 “Georgia Super Lawyers” List

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Gainesville, GA 30501
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