Five Estate Planning Mistakes You Can’t Afford to Make in Georgia
Estate planning is not just a legal formality. It’s one of the most practical, forward-looking things you can do to protect your loved ones and preserve what you’ve worked hard to build. At Fletcher Estate Planning, we’ve seen how the right plan can bring peace of mind—and how easily avoidable missteps can create problems no one saw coming.
Let’s talk about what not to do.
1. Putting It Off Until “Later”
There’s always something else to do. Another birthday. Another promotion. Another year. But waiting too long to put a plan in place can leave your family in a difficult situation, especially if something unexpected happens.
Without a valid estate plan, Georgia law will decide who inherits what. Your assets could be tied up in probate court, your loved ones could be left guessing, and your wishes might not be honored at all.
You don’t need to have everything figured out. You just need to start.
2. Skipping the Big Picture
Some people start with documents. We start with questions. What are you trying to accomplish? Who do you want to protect? Is privacy a priority? Are there family dynamics to consider? What about charitable giving or long-term care?
A good estate plan is more than paper. It’s a strategy. Clear goals lead to clear outcomes. A few thoughtful conversations now can save your family from confusion, conflict, and court later.
3. Letting Your Plan Go Stale
Life doesn’t stand still. Your estate plan shouldn’t either.
Major events—marriage, divorce, the birth of a child, a death in the family, a new business, a new house—can all change how your plan should function. We’ve had clients come in with a will from 1998 that still lists an ex-spouse as executor and an old friend as guardian.
We recommend reviewing your plan every one to two years. Not because the law always changes, but because your life does.
And don’t forget those beneficiary designations. Retirement accounts and insurance policies can bypass your will entirely. Keep those updated, too.
4. Forgetting About Powers of Attorney
You may think estate planning is about what happens after you die. But what if you’re still here and unable to make decisions?
Your financial power of attorney and health care directive are just as important as your will. These documents authorize someone you trust to make medical or financial choices for you if you become incapacitated.
The wrong person—or no person—can lead to family conflict or court intervention. Review these carefully. Update them as needed. And talk to the people you’re naming so they understand the role.
5. Ignoring Taxes
Georgia doesn’t have a state estate tax. But that doesn’t mean you’re in the clear. The federal estate tax still applies to high-value estates. And gifting rules, trust income, and capital gains can all affect how much of your estate your heirs actually receive.
Proper tax planning can make a significant difference. This might involve lifetime gifts, charitable contributions, or trust-based strategies designed to reduce exposure and keep more of your estate intact for your family.
Let’s Build Something That Lasts
Avoiding these five mistakes is not just about avoiding problems. It’s about protecting your intentions and caring for your family long after you’re gone.
Whether you’re just getting started or ready for a full review, Fletcher Estate Planning is here to guide you every step of the way. Thoughtfully. Efficiently. Personally.
Call (404) 409-5665 or reach out online to schedule a consultation. Let’s make sure your estate plan does what it’s supposed to do—protect the people and future that matter most.
