There are a lot of tasks involved in a real estate closing. This is the portion of the transaction where you settle all last-minute matters before the home finally becomes yours. Contingencies must be completed to make the transaction becomes official, and they cover...
How a (TOD) Transfer of Death account can help avoid a legal mess
Preparing for death can be a scary thought, but it’s a necessary step to save your family some stress as they grieve. One step to seriously consider is to create a will or a trust. Some people don’t have a trust or will due to not having enough...
Online passwords are important to estate planning
When people in Georgia ponder how to provide for their loved ones after they pass away, they may think about making a will or preparing other key estate documents. However, many people do not take into account the changing digital reality of many assets. From...
Celebrity experiences highlight importance of estate planning
Many people in Georgia love the music of Aretha Franklin, known widely as the Queen of Soul. However, like many celebrities, she did not leave behind a clear estate plan to distribute her valuable assets among her family members. Franklin's experience may highlight...
An overview of business structures
Prospective Georgia entrepreneurs who are thinking about starting a business will need to consider what type of structure it should take. Factors that will likely influence that decision include a desire to limit liability or whether there are multiple founders. Other...
John Singleton’s estate up in the air until will is filed
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...
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...