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...
by Susan Grissom | Oct 26, 2021 | Elder Care, Estate Planning
When a loved one enters the final stages at the end of their life some big decisions need to be made. Hospice care switches the focus from treatment to management and emphasizes quality of life during an advanced life-limiting illness. The ultimate goal of hospice...
by Susan Grissom | Oct 19, 2021 | Special Needs Trust
When a child attains the age of 18, he or she is viewed as an adult in the eyes of the law. This means that your authority as a parent terminates. For most families, this milestone means a child is leaving the nest, gaining independence, and possibly headed off to...
by Susan Grissom | Oct 12, 2021 | Elder Care, Wills & Trust
When a guardian is appointed, whether by petition or being nominated in an Advanced Health Care Directive, the guardian has an obligation to the ward. But what happens if the appointed guardian becomes ill themselves or passes? What if a guardian simply can no longer...
by Susan Grissom | Oct 5, 2021 | Elder Care, Wills & Trust
A probate court appoints a guardian when an adult (“Ward”) is deemed incompetent, meaning they cannot make decisions or cannot communicate their decisions regarding personal safety or health. How is a guardian chosen? Once a guardianship is established and...
