In many cases, it is direct family members who will challenge a will. These heirs have standing because they are affected by the estate distribution. For instance, if one adult child receives far less in the estate plan than one of their siblings, they may believe...
It’s not unusual for someone to name more than one executor for their estate. Many people appoint co-executors to provide backup, make the load a little lighter or keep things fair between family members. While the intention is usually good, sharing the job of...
In Georgia, not just anyone can contest a will. You must have legal standing to so, meaning the outcome of the probate process directly affects you. The parties who typically have legal standing are beneficiaries of the will, beneficiaries in previous wills and...
When a deceased's estate enters probate court, the judge could appoint someone to represent it or serve as its administrator. It is a significant role with various responsibilities concerning the estate, including tax-related duties concerning the deceased and the...
The main reason people in Georgia have wills is to ensure that their property ends up with the people they want to have it after they pass away, but there are other important purposes for wills. One is that parents of young children can name potential guardians for...
Being named the executor in a loved one’s will is an honor, but it can also lead to stress and confusion. After all, most people have never served as an executor before and are now facing responsibilities that they are unsure about how to handle. The following is a...
One of the most common reasons give lawyers to convince their clients to draft a will is to eliminate disputes between family members after the client dies. Unfortunately, a will is not a guaranteed dispute preventative. Georgia probate laws permit certain interested...
In Georgia, probate is the process that is necessary after a person has died. The court oversees it and it is designed for the personal representative (also called the executor) of a will to address the testator’s affairs. This includes accruing and distributing the...
Probate is the legal process of estate administration that takes place when a person, called the decedent, passes away. The administration of probate settles the debts and taxes of the decedent’s estate and distributes designated inheritance and gifts. With or without...
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...
