Ways to Limit Squabbles When Settling an Estate

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

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,

Practical Steps to Take When a Loved One Dies

Losing a loved one is never easy. Emotional needs must be met. Immediate family matters must be attended to. Funeral or memorial service arrangements

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.

Who Controls Facebook Page and Content after Death?

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

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.

Who Owns Contents of a Joint Safe Deposit Box After Death?

I’m often involved in disputes over the contents of safe deposit boxes – usually when the boxes are jointly leased. A recent case in

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.

Can you inherit debt?

Georgia lawyers have always been able to confidently tell their clients that children do not “inherit” the debts owed by parents. As shown by

Georgia lawyers have always been able to confidently tell their clients that children do not “inherit” the debts owed by parents. As shown by a recent case in Gwinnett County, however, a child may be liable for certain debts accruing with respect to his parent’s property following his parent’s death.

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.

Connect With Us

Legal Briefs

Ways to Limit Squabbles When Settling an Estate

Practical Steps to Take When a Loved One Dies

Who Controls Facebook Page and Content after Death?

Who Owns Contents of a Joint Safe Deposit Box After Death?

Can you inherit debt?

What are Living Trusts?

Do I Really Need a Will?

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

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

Practice Areas

Contact Us