Did you know that for a will to be valid in Georgia, it must be signed by yourself or another individual under your direction, and two witnesses? Also, writing a will without legal help may render all or part of it invalid. Regardless of whether you pass away with or without a will, and if your will is considered valid or invalid, your loved ones will need to go through the Georgia Probate Court.
Probate is the process by which the court makes sure that when you are gone, your debts are paid and your assets are distributed according to your wishes. Your family will be required to seek court approval and appear before the approbate judge on many matters. Probate court proceedings can be long, costly and confusing. However, if your will is well drafted by an attorney, your family may not need to continually seek such approval.
Probate can be avoided by taking some simple steps while you are alive to spare your family the hassle. By developing a comprehensive estate plan to include a revocable living trust, you can avoid probate for virtually any asset you own, including real estate, bank accounts and vehicles. At the time of death, the trust beneficiaries receive the assets without the stressful probate court proceedings.
I can guide you through all aspects of estate planning, from creating a will and settling an estate in probate, to designing a customized and comprehensive plan to protect 100% of your hard-earned assets for your loved ones. It is important to have a knowledgeable attorney that works exclusively in estate planning to guide you through this process for your entire lifetime. Please give me a call at (404) 260-1901 to set up a time to discuss your options or register for an educational event at www.twestateplanning.com, or call our seminar line to register at (800) 283-8252.