by Susan Grissom | Jan 4, 2022 | Estate Planning, Probate
Many misconceptions and myths surrounding probate and estate plans circulate through families, gossip at the coffee shop, or talk among friends. Some of these misconceptions can cause a lot of trouble for during your lifetime and for your family after you pass....
by Susan Grissom | Dec 28, 2021 | Wills & Trust
There are a variety of ways to leave gifts in your estate plan, via a Will or a Trust. Finding the best way to leave a gift to a specific person or group of people, depends on the asset, the person receiving the gift, and your goals. Specific Gifts When you name a...
by Madalyn Davis | Dec 21, 2021 | Estate Planning, Wills & Trust
Creating an estate plan is a custom process that takes into account family, finances, goals, age, and specific wishes. See our blog on unique planning. We are often asked if a plan can leave money only for education, or money to take care of pets. Each situation is...
by Madalyn Davis | Dec 14, 2021 | Business, Estate Planning, Wills & Trust
A charitable remainder trust (or a CRT) is a tax-exempt trust that is often used to reduce taxable income. A CRT benefits charities while providing an income stream during the life of the beneficiary. Upon the death of the last-living beneficiary, or after a set...
by Susan Grissom | Dec 7, 2021 | Elder Care, Estate Planning, Probate, Wills & Trust
One of the first questions we receive from families when a loved one dies, is who can access the decedent’s bank account to pay bills or to see what is being drafted from the account. This question is not one that is easily answered, because whether the account...
by Susan Grissom | Nov 30, 2021 | Estate Planning, Wills & Trust
When a person dies intestate – without a will, a family member can file a Petition stating that no administration is necessary. This allows smaller estates to avoid the probate process. The person must file the petition and pay the filing fees in addition to some...
by Susan Grissom | Nov 23, 2021 | Business
Happy Thanksgiving! Many years ago, I attended a Bible Study that challenged the attendee to take time daily to reflect on the many blessings you have received because doing so would put the challenges of the day into perspective. I began doing that and continue to do...
by Susan Grissom | Nov 16, 2021 | Wills & Trust
For a Will to be valid in Georgia, it must meet several legal requirements. If you have a Will that you want to change, even if you tell people you want to change it your old Will is the only valid Will you have until you execute a new Will or Codicil to your Will....
by Susan Grissom | Nov 9, 2021 | Probate
Probate in Georgia generally takes at least a year from opening the estate to closing the estate. Some assets must go through the entire probate process, and some can be dispersed immediately. The probate process can become daunting, so it is always best to retain a...
by Susan Grissom | Nov 2, 2021 | Probate
When a Georgia resident dies, his or her estate generally goes through probate. Having a Will does not avoid probate, it only directs where your property goes. Certain circumstances do allow property to bypass the probate process. Whether you die with or without a...
