Begin Preparing For Your Future With Estate Planning
There are a lot of misconceptions about estate planning. You should know that anyone, whether they have a large or modest estate, can benefit from estate planning, and now is the best time to get started.
At Trotter Deems & King LLC, we are a team of dedicated Georgia lawyers who are committed to helping our clients properly secure their futures. We know how difficult things can be for loved ones if you do not have an estate plan in place. We can help you act today to answer the important questions of tomorrow.
How Estate Planning Can Benefit You
Proper estate planning goes much further than just making a will. We can help you prepare for the most difficult scenarios with our experience in:
- Trusts: A trust is different from a will, as it is an account that can distribute property or assets to beneficiaries before or after you pass on. You can establish when a trust pays out, such as a certain age for a beneficiary, or when a certain event happens, like college graduation.
- Wills: Wills are the most common tool used in estate planning. They determine who will inherit what from your estate after your passing, and they also prevent loved ones from arguing about your last wishes.
- Power of attorney: When you are not able to make decisions on your own, you can grant someone the legal authority of being a power of attorney. This will grant your chosen person (like a trusted loved one or a lawyer) the ability to make financial decisions on your behalf.
- Health care directives: In times of a tragic accident or illness, you may not be able to communicate on your own when it is time to make serious decisions like whether you want to continue life support. These “living wills” will relieve the burden on your loved ones of making major decisions.
There is no telling what life may bring you tomorrow, so why not prepare yourself by acting today? We take the time to truly understand your unique needs and then create a custom plan for you to help you meet your personal goals.
Here To Answer Your Estate Planning Questions
While the attorneys at Trotter Deems & King LLC practice estate planning every day, we know that the language and tools of estate planning and will creation are unfamiliar to most people. Here, we answer some common questions we hear from estate planning clients.
Why is estate planning important?
Many people put off estate planning because it is unpleasant to think about death, incapacity or leaving our loved ones behind. However, estate planning allows people to have a say in what happens to their assets, how their legacies are preserved and how their loved ones are cared for. In addition, having a plan in place can minimize taxes and disputes in the future.
What is a revocable living trust?
A revocable living trust is a document that outlines what will happen to your assets when you die. Assets placed in the trust may include real estate property, investments, bank accounts or valuable possessions. Upon your death, these assets may be transferred to the named beneficiaries or managed by a successor trustee in accordance with your estate plan.
What happens when someone dies without a will?
If there is no will, a family member of the deceased may petition the court to be named an administrator. Under Georgia law, a court-appointed administrator is responsible for gathering the estate’s assets, paying off any debts and distributing the remaining assets.
Many people assume that, without a will, all of their assets will automatically go to their spouse. However, Georgia law also includes children in the distribution of assets unless otherwise stated in an estate plan. The exact distribution depends on factors like how the assets are owned and how many children there are.
Do I need to work with an estate planning attorney?
People in Georgia have many options available to create an estate plan, including a growing number of “DIY” solutions that do not require an attorney. While working with an estate plan lawyer is not legally required, proceeding without an attorney may leave planners more vulnerable to mistakes, future disputes or an estate plan that does not truly meet their needs. A DIY will may be a place to start, but there is no substitute for the advice of an experienced estate planning lawyer who is dedicated to protecting your interests.
To discuss your estate planning questions with a member of our team, we welcome you to contact us for a consultation. A member of our team will help you understand your options for protecting your assets and your loved ones while minimizing your stress and uncertainty.
Why work with us?
You can find hundreds of estate planning lawyers across Georgia. You might be wondering – why should you work with us? We can provide several reasons. First, we have a decades-long standing in Cartersville and the Bartow County community. We have a robust real estate law practice that comes in handy when addressing real properties and estate administration. Our team stands apart from the rest because:
- We help you navigate the complex legal requirements involved in creating an estate plan.
- We confirm that your documents are valid and enforceable.
- Our estate planning lawyers give personalized advice based on your unique situation.
- Whether you need asset protection or long-term care planning, we tailor our services to meet your needs.
- We can help prevent potential legal disputes among beneficiaries. By clearly outlining your wishes, we reduce the chances of misunderstandings and conflicts.
- We maintain a relationship with you so that your plan remains current and effective.
At our firm, our wills, trusts and probate team is committed to helping you secure your future. We aim to make the process as simple and stress-free as possible. What we do is more than just legal work – it gives you peace of mind for your loved ones.
Begin Your Planning With Us – Contact Us For A Consultation
Call us at 770-382-6144 or send us an email to meet with us at our office in Cartersville. We will take the time to sit down with you and create an estate plan to meet your needs.
