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Why Would You Need A Probate Attorney In Georgia? (5 Risky Reasons)

Why Would You Need A Probate Attorney In Georgia
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If you can file the paperwork, why would you need a probate attorney in Georgia? 

You’ll need to understand the laws around: 

  • validating a will
  • notifying creditors and settling debts
  • distributing assets per the will or intestate laws

Probate lawyers make sure: 

  • you comply with the laws
  • you aren’t financially liable for mishandling debts and distributions

Let’s dig in. 

What Is The Probate Process In Georgia?

Probate involves managing and distributing a deceased person’s estate.

In Georgia, the probate process includes:

Why Would You Need A Probate Attorney In Georgia?

Technically, you don’t need a lawyer for probate.  

But, navigating probate without legal expertise can be challenging. 

Here’s why hiring a probate attorney in Georgia is essential:

Expertise in Georgia Probate Law

Georgia has specific laws surrounding: 

  • how to validate the will
  • where and what to file with the petition for probate
  • what to do with the deceased’s property
  • how to notify and communicate with beneficiaries
  • how to inventory and value the estate
  • how to notify the creditors
  • how to settle debts and pay taxes
  • how to manage or sell a house
  • how to distribute assets to the beneficiaries
  • how to file taxes for the estate
  • how to inventory, do accounting for, and close the estate

Your probate lawyer can guide you through your responsibilities as the executor. 

This way, you’re not legally liable for any mishaps.

Reducing Family Conflict

Probate is like divorce for siblings. 

We see beneficiaries having conflicts all the time with things like: 

  • Will Disputes: Families often argue over the will’s validity, claiming it is outdated, made under pressure, or not reflecting the deceased’s wishes. Will disputes can lead to costly legal battles.
  • Unequal Distribution: Resentment and feelings of unfairness arise if assets are distributed unequally, especially in blended families or when some relatives feel shortchanged.
  • Executor Issues: Disagreements can occur over the chosen executor, with accusations of bias or incompetence, leading to conflicts over their decisions.
  • Debt Handling: Family members may disagree on how to settle debts, with some wanting to pay quickly and others wanting to contest certain obligations.

Efficient Handling of Estate Administration

Probate involves numerous administrative tasks like:

  • Expertise in Paperwork and Deadlines: A probate attorney ensures all documents are correctly filed on time, avoiding delays and legal issues.
  • Managing Creditors and Beneficiaries: Handles communications with creditors and beneficiaries, settling debts and keeping everyone informed.
  • Asset Inventory and Appraisal: Identifies and accurately appraises all assets for fair distribution and tax purposes.
  • Settling Debts and Taxes: Makes sure all debts and taxes are paid correctly, preventing legal problems.
  • Fair Distribution of Assets: Distributes assets according to the will or state law, reducing disputes among beneficiaries.
  • Handling Complex Cases: Provides expertise for complicated estates, like those with businesses or contested wills.

How Probate Lawyers Help With The Probate Process

Probate lawyers don’t just fill out the paperwork and probate a will. 

They handle things that you HAVE to get right during the probate process. 

If you don’t you could be finanically and legally liable. 

  • Filing the Petition: Completes and files the petition, and handles the court request to validate the will and appoint an executor.
  • Notifying Interested Parties: Notifies all beneficiaries and creditors according to legal requirements.
  • Identifying Assets: Inventories the deceased’s assets for accurate valuation and distribution.
  • Appraising Assets: Manages asset appraisals for tax purposes and distribution.
  • Settling Debts: Pays outstanding debts and liabilities before asset distribution.
  • Handling Taxes: Files the final income tax return and manages estate taxes.
  • Following the Will: Distributes assets according to the deceased’s wishes as outlined in the will.
  • Intestate Succession: Distributes the estate according to Georgia’s intestate succession laws if there is no will.

Fill out the form to have a probate lawyer handle this for you.

Benefits of Hiring a Probate Attorney

Other than handling the probate process, what other benefits are there? 

(These are the real reasons why you would need a probate attorney in Georgia.)

  • Avoiding Legal Pitfalls: Prevents missed deadlines, incorrect notifications, and will misinterpretations for a smooth probate process.
  • Saving Time and Reducing Stress: Streamlines paperwork, manage communications, resolve issues quickly, and provide emotional support.
  • Maximizing the Estate’s Value: Minimizes costs, protecting against fraud, and ensuring assets sell at fair market value. 
  • Ensuring Fair Distribution: Adheres precisely to the will, follows intestate laws, mediates disputes, and manages complex assets.
  • Expertise in Specialized Situations: Handles out-of-state assets, business interests, and trusts with specialized legal knowledge.

Get Help From A Probate Lawyer

Are you overwhelmed by the process? 

Our Georgia probate attorneys handle everything for you.

We specialize in taking as much as possible off your plate so that you are not: 

  • personally financially liable
  • accidentally breaking the law
  • filling out the paperwork wrong
  • not notifying or paying off creditors
  • dealing with disputes among family and partners

Fill out the form to take this off your plate.

Ready to Secure Your Family’s Future?

Avoid the delays, expenses, and public exposure of probate.

Schedule your free, no-pressure Estate Planning Roadmap Call today.

Schedule Your Free Strategy Call

"*" indicates required fields

Name*