Forsyth County, GA Last Will and Testament Attorney

Estate Planning Services Helping Clients Prepare for the Future

Many people worry about coming in to create a will because they have the wrong idea about estate planning. Most lawyers only talk about protecting the individual’s finances, and while that is important, we find that most clients worry the most about their loved ones. They are thinking not about the money but about the people they care about the most.

When you come to Bascom Law, P.C. for help with your last will and testament, our wills lawyers will take the time to get to know you and ascertain what really matters to you. This attention to detail sets us apart from other law firms and makes our estate planning a wonderful fit for our clients. Having a will can make all the difference for your family’s future, so we recommend you begin the process immediately with an experienced wills lawyer. You can reach our law office in Cumming, GA, by calling 770-285-5493. We are happy to offer free consultations for the surrounding communities, and we are also licensed in Florida.

What is a Last Will and Testament?

A last will and testament is a document that specifies how an individual wishes for their estate to be distributed after they die. This legal document is an essential part of estate planning because it outlines what beneficiaries will receive and which assets. Some common beneficiaries are children, a spouse, parents, siblings, other close relatives, and friends. Some people choose to leave part of their inheritance to an institution such as their favorite charity. A will also names the executor or the person who will carry out the deceased person’s wishes.

Some essential aspects must be fulfilled in order for a will to be binding in the state of Georgia. For example, there must be at least two witnesses at the signing of the will, and these witnesses must qualify under the law according to their age (in Georgia, the minimum age to witness a will signing is 14 years old). The document must also be notarized and signed by the testator (the person whose will it is) and witnesses. These and other details must be verified in order for the will to be legally binding. Hiring a trusted estate planning attorney, like Mike Bascom of Bascom Law, P.C., is the best way to ensure your will is drawn up correctly.

How Does Having a Will Protect My Loved Ones?

A valid will is extremely important for protecting your loved ones when you pass away. For one thing, disputes over the validity of the will can cause bad feelings and heartache among family members who are already going through the difficult process of grieving. When you ensure that your will is drawn up correctly using the guidance of a legal professional, you help avoid such problems after your death.

Another way your will protects your family members is by specifying how you want your assets distributed. Some items that a will can include are bank accounts, real estate, property, vehicles, retirement accounts, and other valuables. These can be difficult to divide among numerous people without having a will to instruct how this is to be done. Also, without a will, chances are the state will not assign any portion of your wealth to your favorite charities or other individuals who are not related to you, such as close friends. Reach out to our wills lawyers for help drawing up your last will and testament today.

What Happens to Individuals Who Pass Away Without a Will?

Georgia’s laws are fairly flexible regarding people who die intestate or without a will. It is rare for the state to collect the decedent’s or deceased person’s assets, as laws of escheat ensure that your belongings will pass to any close living relatives if you die. However, having a will is still very important as it can resolve potential issues in the family that could arise if you do not have one.

For someone who has died intestate, the probate court allocates the assets as fairly as possible. Specific rules regulate how this is done, including giving the spouse priority. The decedent’s spouse must receive at least 1/3 of the estate, with descendants dividing the rest. If there is no spouse or children, the assets may go to the person’s parents or siblings. Rather than leaving your estate up for the court to decide, it is far preferable to have a will in place, so there is no question as to how to assign the assets to the beneficiaries you choose.

Should You Hire Our Wills Lawyer for Help with Your Last Will and Testament?

The process of developing a will can be overwhelming and complicated. However, this is an essential part of the estate process as it can protect your assets from being distributed according to the court’s basic protocol and give your family peace of mind at the difficult time of mourning. Creating a valid will in Georgia can be tricky as several conditions must be met for the document to be legally binding.

We recommend you only draw up your will after consulting with trained, capable lawyers such as Mike Bascom at Bascom Law, P.C. Mike has many years of experience helping clients create wills that give them and their families confidence about the future. Our wills lawyers will listen carefully to the client’s desires and wishes and helps craft the best estate plan based on their situation. We happily meet with clients for a free initial consultation, so please reach out to our Georgia wills lawyers today at 770-285-5493.