Can You Just Write a Will and Get It Notarized?
It can seem like a good idea for people with uncomplicated estates to keep the will process as simple as possible. However, for people with more complex estates, particularly with different kinds of assets, having legal help is strongly recommended to avoid legal troubles for the heirs down the road. But if the estate is […]
Do I Need a New Will if I Get Married?
If someone has already created a will, then decides to marry (or remarry), it’s not uncommon for them not to remember that the will may need to be updated. Here’s what to remember if this is your situation. Does Anything Automatically Change in My Will if I Get Married? No. Wills are legal documents that […]
What Are the Disadvantages of a Trust?
Trusts have several advantages that make them popular choices in estate planning. But before creating and funding a trust, it’s essential to understand the disadvantages to make a fully informed decision for your estate. Initial Cost of a Trust Establishing a trust is more expensive initially than creating a Will or doing nothing. A trust […]
What Does an Estate Planning Attorney Do?
“Estate planning” can be an intimidating term that implies that only wealthy people with vast estates need legal services to ensure what happens to that estate when they die. But in fact, people at various stages of life can benefit from working with an estate planning attorney, and it can be especially helpful for mourning […]
What Does “Per Stirpes” Mean?
“Per stirpes” is a Latin term, as are many legal terms. It means “by roots or representation.” Legally, per stirpes is used in wills or trusts to explain who will receive the deceased person’s will’s assets if one of the beneficiaries dies before the person who is the person with the assets. Generally, per stirpes […]
What Happens if You Don’t File the Will for Probate?
Wills can be more complicated than people realize. It’s important to write them carefully, but it’s also important to probate the will (or file it in probate court). Here are some considerations when planning a will in Georgia and why it’s essential to file it. Note: In Georgia, the law requires wills to be filed […]
What Is a Living Trust?
A living trust is a legal arrangement in which someone places their assets into a trust but still has access to them and continues to use them until they die. At the time of death, the assets in the trust are then passed to the beneficiaries named in the trust. This gives the person who […]
What Is Estate Planning Law?
Estate planning law is a comprehensive, wide-ranging legal field that covers many aspects involving protecting and distributing someone’s assets and property after their death. This can include a variety of planning mechanisms, such as wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and other legal documents and court filings to ensure the deceased person’s wishes are followed through. […]
What Is the Difference Between a Will and a Last Will and Testament?
The terminology around different kinds of wills can be confusing. A last will and testament is essentially the same thing as a will. However, there’s also a living will, which differs from a will or last will and testament. In fact, it’s recommended that people have both a living will and a last will and […]
Which Is Better, a Trust or a Will?
The answer is: it depends. While both wills and many trusts involve planning for the distribution of assets after the original owner’s death, they have different approaches and results. In many cases, people do both to take advantage of the different advantages of each. Here are the reasons people use wills and trusts, and sometimes […]
