In Georgia, the difference between handwritten wills and holographic wills is substantial: one may be valid; the other is invalid. If you are deciding whether to probate or contest a Last Will and Testament that is not typed, it is important to understand the difference. It is also important to understand the law in the […]
Groundbreaking film director John Singleton earned a small fortune during his career. With his sudden passing from stroke complications at the age of 51, it appears there may be a family feud brewing over his estate. TMZ reports the Oscar-nominated director left his $3.8 million estate to his oldest daughter, Justice Singleton. The will was […]
If you have created an estate plan, chances are you have planned for the transfer of your bank accounts, investments, and physical property after your death. Instructions for cash and physical property tend to make up the majority of most wills. However, as we continue to transact more of our lives online, post-death planning for […]
The law in Georgia and in most other states is pretty clear that, absent express intent to the contrary, children born out of wedlock have the same inheritance rights as any biological child. But what if the parent was wealthy and wanted to avoid paying estate and other transfer taxes? In this scenario, the wealthy […]
Estate planning is a process that needs periodic attention. Both your family member’s needs and your assets will change over time. As a result, an estate plan that appropriate at one stage of your life may become less so over time. Many people do not consider the fact that after they die, their family members […]
Disputes over wills, trusts and estates are legally complex, and can fracture relationships between family members quickly. Taking a case to court not only drags out the situation, but trials can be incredibly expensive, and even winning a case can cause you to spend more than you may receive from the trust or estate. One […]
A living trust holds your assets and dictates how your estate should be distributed among its beneficiaries. Putting your assets into a living trust can provide additional privacy regarding your assets during your life and keep those assets out of probate after your death. While a living trust is amendable by the person who created […]
Just as your will sets out your wishes for the distribution of your assets after you die, you can ensure that your desires for emergency and end-of-life care are known and followed when you unable to speak for yourself. Living Wills and Healthcare Powers of Attorney are two means by which you can accomplish this […]
The definition of trustee self-dealing might seem pretty straightforward: using the assets of a trust for one’s own benefit. Despite this relatively common-sense definition, self-dealing can be hard to identify in practice. That is one reason it is important to consult an attorney if you believe you have such a case. What does self-dealing look […]
The position of executor is a major responsibility. It is usually discussed beforehand with the future executor, but it is sometimes the case that the executor will be named to their surprise and confusion. What does it mean to be named executor, what duties are entailed by the position, and why would someone want to […]
