Georgia fans of the late film director John Singleton may be surprised to know that there may be some estate issues complicating things for the loved ones he left behind. Singleton, who died in April 2019 at the age of 51, reportedly had a will that was already...
Year: 2019
The pros and cons of buying a home in the exurbs
Exurbs were hit hard during the housing crisis, including in Georgia. Sale prices in these less-densely populated communities around the country fell 31 percent from their 2007 peak as compared to urban areas, which saw a drop of 24 percent. While prices in urban...
Is Mediation Right For Your Case?
Mediation is a way of resolving legal disputes outside of the courtroom. If both parties agree to mediation, neither must appear in court. The mediator serves as a facilitator of the negotiations, offering legal information so that the parties can reach an agreement...
What to do when behind on a mortgage
Homeowners in Georgia may experience difficulty making payments on their mortgages. At this point, it may make sense to sell the home and get out from the expensive home loan. The good news is that an individual can generally sell the home even if he or she is behind...
Changes to taxes on gross estates
When a person dies in Georgia or another state, the sum of their possessions both in and outside the United States is subject to estate taxes. These possessions, known as their gross estate, don't just include physical property. Bank accounts, investments, annuities...
Housing market is finally looking up for buyers
In recent years, sellers have generally had the upper hand in the housing market in Georgia and many other parts of the country. However, 2019 is shaping up to be a year in which buyers may be gaining back some leverage. According to Redfin, only 13 percent of homes...
Would you like to donate part of your estate to charity?
If you would like to leave a gift for a good cause in your estate, it can be difficult to know where to start. Certain methods of giving have tax benefits and some might require complicated steps for an estate executor. However, with careful planning you can make your...
Why all adults need an estate plan
More than half of all adults lack an estate plan, according to the AARP. Some people in Georgia may think they do not need a plan because they have few assets or no family. However, one function of an estate plan is appointing agents to handle any legal or financial...
Everyone needs an estate plan
There is a common misperception among many that estate planning is a sophisticated process that wealthy people use to make sure their surviving spouse, children, and future generations will be taken care of. And while it is certainly true that the larger and more...
Common issues encountered during a home purchase
Georgia residents who are about to close on a home purchase shouldn't feel comfortable until the transaction is official. This is because there are many issues that could arise before that happens. For instance, the bank might only agree to lend up to the home's...