Think you estate plan is airtight? You might be right. Then again, a few overlooked details could cause headaches down the line, possibly even for generations. Take this quick quiz to gauge your preparedness and…
Estate Planning for Unmarried Couples
If you’re not legally married to your partner, there’s no built-in safety net. That’s the simplest way to explain it. You might share a home, bank accounts, kids—even decades of life together—but under Georgia law,…
Who Should Get Copies of My Estate Documents?
Once your estate plan is complete, the next question is usually, “Do I need to give anyone a copy of this?” It’s a good question—and the answer depends on how much you want others to…
Do I Really Need a Trust if I Already Have a Will?
A will is an important part of any estate plan. It lets you name who should receive your property, and it gives the probate court instructions on how to handle your estate. But a will…
Estate Planning for Families Living in More Than One State
If you own property in more than one state or have family spread out across the country, it’s worth paying close attention to how that affects your estate plan. This doesn’t mean starting from scratch,…
Charitable Giving Without the Complexity
A lot of people want to include charitable giving in their estate plan, but hold back because they think it’s complicated. They picture trusts, tax shelters, maybe even a team of advisors—and decide it’s easier…
Business Succession: When Retirement Isn’t the Trigger
A lot of business owners think of succession planning as something you do when you’re ready to retire—something you’ll get around to eventually. But in reality, the need to plan often shows up before you’re…
Pets in Probate: Who Cares for Fluffy?
For many families, pets are more than just animals - they are companions, routines, and emotional anchors. But legally? But legally, pets are still considered property. That distinction matters, especially when it comes to estate…
Divorced but Still Named as Beneficiary? Why the Supreme Court’s Ruling in Sveen v. Melin Doesn’t Change Georgia Law—But Still Matters
1. What Happened in Sveen v. Melin? In Sveen v. Melin, the U.S. Supreme Court looked at a Minnesota law that automatically removes an ex-spouse as the beneficiary of a life insurance policy once a…
What Happens If Two Wills Turn Up?
When Conflicting Documents Complicate Everything It’s a situation we’ve seen more than once:After someone dies, the family finds two wills. Both are signed. Both look legitimate. And they say different things. Now what? Georgia Law…