Estate Planning Lawyers in Marietta, GA Helping You Safeguard Your Future

Creating an estate plan is a vital step toward protecting the future well-being and wealth of your family members. At Georgia Wills, Trusts, and Probate Firm, LLC, we take pride in helping our clients and their families craft a plan that meets their special needs while reducing the tax burden and overall stress on their loved ones down the road. No one wants their families to have to be in court fighting over their estate while they are grieving. Proper estate planning can ensure that your estate is divided according to your directions and minimizes the amount of estate administration work your executor has to do. Estate planning can also benefit you during your life by allowing you to decide who will make important decisions for you in the event that you become ill or disabled to the point that you can no longer make those decisions for yourself.

Whether you have no estate plan and want to begin creating one, or you have an out-of-date plan which you want to update to your current situation, our lawyers can provide you with knowledgeable and compassionate guidance to create a plan which accomplishes your goals. Contact us today to set up an appointment: (770) 758-6832.

Who Has An Estate Plan?

All Georgians have estate plans, whether they know it or not. They either have the estate plan they created for themselves, or they have the one designated by the state of Georgia. The state’s plan may not have your family’s best interests in mind and can result in many court dates and unanticipated legal fees. If you would like to decide for yourself how your family members will be cared for in the future, then Georgia Wills, Trusts, and Probate Firm, LLC can assist you through every step of the process. We serve a wide variety of clients, from those needing a basic will to those needing a revocable living trust, as well as those interested in sophisticated tax planning and charitable giving.

Many people worry that they can’t afford to create an estate plan, but the estate planning process does not have to be expensive. On the contrary, we want clients to know that this process is far less expensive and time-consuming for your family if you have an individualized plan in place. Investing in your estate plan now can actually save money and time in the future. This can be especially true for those who may have a “red flag.”

What Are Considered “Red Flags” in the Estate Planning Process?

When thinking about estate planning matters and considering whether you need an estate plan, it is important to think about whether any of these special “red flag” situations apply to you or your family. If you have one or more of these “red flags,” proper estate planning may be crucial to ensuring the best outcome for your family’s future:

Real estate in multiple states: Having property or homes in multiple states means navigating estate taxes and tax laws in all of those states. An experienced estate planning attorney in Georgia can assist you to ensure that all of your properties can be passed to your heirs with a minimum amount of hassle.
Blended families/”his” and “hers” children: Today many families are blended and that can come with its own challenges when it is time to decide who receives your assets. Having a clear estate plan can prevent any confusion or hurt feelings.
Estranged family members: We know families can be complicated. If you have concerns that a family member may cause an issue when it comes to your will, it’s important to consult a knowledgeable estate planning lawyer who can put safeguards in place to prevent them from creating any problems in the future.
Non-citizen loved ones: If you have a loved one, such as a husband or wife, who is not a citizen, it can be more challenging for them to inherit your estate. Planning ahead can simplify the legal process and save time and money.
Tax issues: If you have high-value assets, you will want to consult a lawyer about estate planning in order to minimize the amount of taxes your family will have to pay.
Business or commercial ventures: Our skilled attorneys can assist you with business succession planning, so you can feel confident that the business you worked so hard to grow can remain in your family.
Minor children: This is difficult to think about, but if you have children under the age of 18, part of your estate planning process should include designating who you wish to have care for them in the event of your death. This protection prevents them from possibly becoming a ward of the state if both of their parents are gone.

Why Create an Estate Plan?

Choosing your own estate plan can be one of the greatest gifts you leave your loved ones. An experienced estate planning attorney can provide you with the knowledge to prepare a plan that meets all of your needs and sets your family up for a comfortable future. An estate planning attorney can also provide you with protections that you can use during your lifetimes, such as a living will and a durable power of attorney. At Georgia Wills, Trusts, and Probate Firm, LLC, we are available to give you advice as to what documents best meet your special needs and can discuss the specific benefits that estate planning can provide you individually.

Many people put off estate planning matters thinking that they have plenty of time and can do it later, or they believe they are too young to begin focusing on their legacy. Unfortunately, accidents and other misfortunes can befall you at any time in your life so it is smart to create a plan now when you are able to make these important decisions. You don’t have to feel locked in by what you decide now. An estate plan is meant to grow with you as you age and we always want to help our clients continue creating a plan that fits their changing needs.

Is It Worth Hiring an Estate Planning Lawyer in Marietta, GA?

Sorting out an estate plan on your own can be daunting. There can be many different forms involved and it is important to have a deep understanding of the tax and inheritance laws in your state in order to make the most informed decisions about how to pass on your hard-earned property and assets. Georgia Wills, Trusts, and Probate Firm, LLC can simplify this process and provide you guidance for all your estate planning matters in the state of Georgia. The attorneys at our law firm have over 20 years of combined experience in estate planning and we want to assist you in creating a solid plan that provides protection for your assets and your family.

An estate plan is only effective if it is up to date. Between changing tax laws and big events occurring in your life, like marriage, divorce, or the birth of a child, it is important to revisit your plan often to be certain it stays current. That is why we build strong relationships with our clients so we can continue to provide valuable services to them throughout all the seasons of their life.

If you are ready to begin crafting your own personalized estate plan today, contact us at our office location in Marietta, GA by calling (770) 758-6832.