Atlanta Probate Lawyer Blog
As a Marietta, Buckhead, Sandy Springs, and Atlanta Probate Attorney, I have seen the tell tale signs that there are many advantages to establishing a solid Georgia estate plan, yet most people do not have one. Even when a plan does exist with a will, it is possible that the will has not been updated in years. Unfortunately, an out-of-date will can be as costly as not having any will at all, as heirs and beneficiaries will inevitably fight over assets in the estate. As an Atlanta, Georgia Probate Litigation Lawyer, my team and I are experienced in all areas of estate planning and litigation and have helped clients set up effective estate plans that minimize conflict and maximize asset distribution.
Moreover, should you not proceed with properly setting up your estate through a number of different tactics, you could be setting legacy up to being remembered by an embattled North Georgia Will Contest and Protracted Georgia Probate Litigation in North Georgia.
Ultimately, the Court’s goal is to close the estate by distributing the assets. Steps in the probate process include proving the validity of an existing Georgia will, determining if a named executor is fit to administer the estate and appointing a replacement if necessary, appointing an administrator if no will exists, accounting for estate assets, paying debts and taxes, and distribution of any remaining assets per the will or per state law, in the absence of a valid Georgia will.
This probate process is very efficient in Georgia, but some fees and court costs will be required. Legal counsel and other expenses related to the proceedings will be paid for out of estate assets. Additionally, any costs associated with Georgia probate litigation resulting from conflicts between the heirs, beneficiaries, executors or administrators are payable by the estate. Besides the monetary cost of such conflicts, long-term damage to family relationships is common and is best avoided if possible.
Due to the potentially high costs in time, money and relationships associated with probate, it is wise to draft a well thought out plan with a Georgia estate planning and probate lawyer and keep it updated. The experienced attorneys at ADAMS | MIHILL are ready to help you determine the best way to set up your assets for future distribution. Call us today at (404) 467-8611 to discuss your current estate plan and understand how it can be optimized to suit your current situation. You may also contact us though our confidential “Contract Us” form on our website. The Firm’s Main Office is conveniently located in the Buckhead section of Atlanta. Our Firm also has a Cobb County, Marietta, Georgia Law Office, which is largely dedicated to Cobb County Probate Litigation/Will Contest Disputes. You can reach our Cobb County Office by calling (770) 952-1008.
Finally yet importantly, Our Firm boasts a National Clientele. We have Clients in over 40 US States and Countries wherein we provide legal representation in Georgia County Probate Courts. Hence our Local Georgia Counsel Moto, “You Stay There, We Will Take Care Of It.“