Choosing an Executor or Trustee
In Georgia, almost anyone of sound mind who is 18 years of age or older can serve as an executor, administrator, or trustee. Law firms, trust companies, and some other corporations may also do so. But who should do it for you and your family when the time comes to follow through on your estate […]
What Are the Four Basic Types of Wills?
Although there are many different ways to prepare a will, they have certain elements in common. Every will expresses the wishes of a testator—that is, the person planning their estate, who will be known as the decedent after their death. The testator must be of legal age to create a will; in Georgia, they only […]
What Are the Seven Steps in the Estate Planning Process?
What is Estate Planning? Estate planning is the process of making a plan for the benefit of your loved ones when something bad happens to you. This form of planning allows you to ensure that your wishes are followed long after you are gone. Some may feel they don’t have enough money to worry about […]
What Is the Best Age to Make a Will?
What age should you write a will? In Georgia, anyone who is at least 14 years of age can make a will, but few of us seriously think about it when we are young. Eventually, we realize that our loved ones will someday have to manage without us, and we wonder if it is time […]
What Should I Avoid in a Will?
What is a Will? A testator creates a will, a legal document instructing how the testator would like their assets managed and distributed upon death. The testator selects an individual to finalize their wishes as instructed. This person is called an executor. A will can also name a person who will become a legal guardian […]
What is the Difference Between a Will and Estate Planning?
What is an Estate Plan? A proper estate plan involves establishing who will handle your affairs should you become incapacitated or die. It also determines who and when your heirs will receive your assets upon your death. The best time to create an estate plan is when you are of sound mind and capable of […]
How Can I Plan for Long-Term Care?
Long-term care planning is planning and preparing for when a person may require assistance due to either a physical or cognitive impairment. These needs often revolve around activities of daily living, such as: needing help with bathing, dressing, eating, transferring (mobility), and/or using the toilet. At a deeper level, a person may need help with […]
Will We Lose Our House if My Spouse in Long-Term Care Goes on Medicaid?
It can be an unsettling time to care for our loved one in Long-Term Care while simultaneously worrying about our expenses and future. There are laws in place that can protect us from having to relinquish our most important assets, such as our homes, so we can continue to live in our community and care […]
Can I Grant Power of Attorney with Limitations?
A Power of Attorney (POA) is a document that allows an entrusted person (commonly a relative, friend, or legal professional) to make decisions and act on your behalf. They range from a single specific use POA (for a one-time transaction while you cannot attend), all the way to someone who has the power over medical […]
Does Georgia Recognize Handwritten Wills?
The short answer is yes. A handwritten will can be valid in the state of Georgia as long as it follows the specific guidelines that are in place. In this article, we will discuss what makes a handwritten will valid or invalid and what you need to include to ensure that the wishes of your […]
