Atlanta Lawyersrecommend that clients have a lawyer prepare their will, powers of attorney, and other estate planning documents. The existence of a will makes the distribution of estate assets run more smoothly during probate proceedings and can significantly reduce disputes between heirs and beneficiaries. When a will is written, an executor can be named who will administer the estate. In some cases, when no executor is named in the will, or if there is no will, the court will assign an administrator. In all of these scenarios, disputes can arise surrounding the choice of the executor or administrator.
Disputes over executors and administrators, which cause unneeded stress during probate proceedings, occur because the role of estate executors and administrators is so important. This is a fiduciary role in which the person administering the estate has very specific legal and financial responsibilities. Because of the serious nature of these responsibilities, there are times when the person chosen is regarded by the heirs and beneficiaries as being an inappropriate choice. Executors, as well as court assigned administrators, have to operate in a levelheaded, responsible manner during the process and they need to be able to understand the mechanisms of Georgia probate law. Besides possessing a calm disposition and having knowledge of the proceedings, they also need to be trustworthy and honest and have the best interests of all parties at heart. Without these traits, a poorly chosen executor or administrator can cause havoc in the proceedings. Fortunately, Georgia law does provide heirs and beneficiaries with a mechanism to remove executors and administrators.
Georgia probate law allows for a formal objection to be filed that removes the person picked to administer the estate. When the heirs or beneficiaries recognize that the person assigned to administer the estate is unfit, it is always preferable to remove them immediately when probate proceedings are initiated. By acting promptly, before any breach of the fiduciary duties can occur, costs associated with fraudulent actions and any ensuing legal fees can be avoided. Of course there are cases in which the person chosen initially appears to be adequate for the responsibilities, but later acts inappropriately, is dishonest or irresponsible. In those instances, it is possible to sue for breach of fiduciary duties, including, but not limited to, the removal and replacement of the administrator or executor. This can be done once a breach of duties occurs, or if a breach has not yet occurred, once there is evidence that the person intends to violate their fiduciary duties.
In any probate proceedings it is important to secure the counsel of a qualified and experienced Atlanta, Georgia probate attorney. Individuals acting without proper legal counsel can unknowingly file false or groundless petitions, such as petitions to remove a person assigned to administer an estate. These frivolous petitions carry specific penalties under Georgia probate law. For that reason, it is especially wise to always seek legal counsel to avoid these types of issues, as well as to ensure the most successfully outcome of the probate process.
Our Atlanta and Marietta estate attorneys are available to assist you with any probate matter, including estate administration and probate litigation. Our Georgia probate attorneys can be reached at (404) 467-8611. The Libby Law Firm is conveniently located in the Buckhead section of Atlanta, Georgia near the intersection of Piedmont and Roswell Roads. You can also meet with one of our Atlanta probate lawyers in our Law Firm’s Marietta, Georgia Office. Please feel free to call our Marietta, Georgia location at (770) 952-1008. Should you have pending or developing Georgia probate or estate issues, please contact us immediately to speak to an experienced Georgia estate litigation attorney and/or set up a consultation. You may also send us a message through our confidential Web Site form.