Norcross Estate Planning  Lawyer

Comprehensive Estate Planning Services in Norcross

Planning for the future is one of the most important steps you can take to protect yourself and your loved ones. Our estate planning services are designed to help individuals and families create customized plans that ensure their wishes are honored and their assets are protected.

Our firm assists clients with a range of estate planning tools, including:

• Wills and trusts, so you can distribute the contents of your estate to family, friends, and charities as you see fit, with control over the process and confidence your wishes will be followed
• Powers of attorney and advance healthcare directives, ensuring that your personal, medical, financial and legal affairs will be appropriately managed by persons you trust in the event you are ever incapacitated
• Asset protection strategies, protecting all you worked so hard to build from being lost to creditors, lawsuits, or poor decisions
• Elder Law, helping seniors access and afford long-term care in quality settings without having to spend their life savings to live their later years in dignity and comfort
• Business Succession Planning, creating the entities and legal documents necessary to transfer a company to the next generation of leaders

No two estate plans are ever the same. Our Norcross estate lawyers take the time to understand your unique needs and craft a legally sound and effective estate plan that provides peace of mind for you and your family.

Secure Your Future with Proper Estate Planning

Estate planning and elder law are essential to securing your future and ensuring your assets are managed and distributed according to your wishes. In Norcross, Georgia, these legal areas cover wills, trusts, powers of attorney, asset protection, and business succession planning. Understanding these aspects and the relevant state laws is crucial for effective planning. Bowman Law Firm provides experienced legal assistance to individuals and families navigating these complex matters. Planning for the future is essential, and a well-structured estate plan ensures that your assets are protected and distributed according to your preferences. Whether you need a will, trust, power of attorney, or business succession plan, having an experienced Norcross estate planning attorney can make the process seamless and effective. Bowman Law Firm provides trusted legal guidance to help clients navigate estate planning and elder law in Norcross, GA, ensuring peace of mind for you and your loved ones.

Wills

A will is a critical document in any estate plan, dictating how your assets will be distributed after your passing. In Georgia, a legally valid will must be written, signed by the testator (the person creating the will), and witnessed by two competent individuals. Without a will, the state’s intestacy laws determine how your estate is distributed, which may not align with your preferences. A well-drafted will can help prevent disputes among beneficiaries and ensure your legacy is handled according to your wishes. A Norcross wills lawyer at Bowman Law Firm assists clients in creating clear, legally sound wills tailored to their unique circumstances.

Trusts

Trusts are effective tools for managing and protecting assets during your lifetime and after your death. Various types of trusts serve different purposes, including:

• Revocable Living Trusts – These allow you to retain control over your assets while ensuring a smooth transfer to beneficiaries upon your death, often bypassing probate.
• Irrevocable Trusts – These trusts provide asset protection and potential tax benefits by transferring ownership of assets out of your name permanently.
• Special Needs Trusts – Designed to support a beneficiary with disabilities without affecting their eligibility for government benefits.

A Norcross trusts lawyer at Bowman Law Firm helps individuals set up customized trusts that align with their estate planning goals.

Powers of Attorney

A power of attorney (POA) authorizes a trusted individual to make decisions on your behalf in financial or medical matters. In Georgia, the two primary types of POAs include:

• Durable Financial Power of Attorney – Grants authority over financial affairs, including managing bank accounts, investments, and real estate transactions.
• Healthcare Power of Attorney – Enables a designated person to make medical decisions if you become incapacitated.

These documents ensure that your financial and medical needs are handled in accordance with your wishes, even if you are unable to make decisions yourself. Bowman Law Firm prepares thorough and legally binding POAs to provide peace of mind for you and your family.

Asset Protection

Asset protection involves structuring your estate to shield wealth from potential creditors, lawsuits, and unforeseen financial risks. Some common strategies include:

• Establishing irrevocable trusts to remove assets from personal ownership.
• Utilizing limited liability companies (LLCs) to separate personal and business assets.
• Implementing strategic gifting to reduce estate tax liabilities.

Georgia law provides several asset protection tools, and having the right legal guidance ensures that your assets remain safeguarded from potential risks. Bowman Law Firm works with clients to develop personalized asset protection plans that meet their specific needs.

Business Succession Planning

For business owners, succession planning is essential to ensure the continuity of the company in the event of retirement, incapacity, or death. A structured plan can prevent conflicts and disruptions in business operations. Key components include:

• Buy-Sell Agreements – Define what happens to an owner’s business interest upon their exit.
• Family Limited Partnerships (FLPs) – Facilitate the transfer of business ownership while maintaining control over assets.
• Trust-Based Succession Planning – Helps business assets transfer smoothly to heirs or designated successors.

Bowman Law Firm assists business owners in structuring succession plans that align with their long-term goals and provide a seamless transition.

Relevant Georgia Laws

Estate planning in Georgia is governed by state-specific laws that impact probate, asset distribution, and decision-making authority. Some key legal considerations include:

• Probate Process – Georgia offers an expedited probate process for uncontested wills, but a well-structured estate plan can help avoid probate altogether.
• Intestacy Laws – If a person dies without a will, state law determines asset distribution, prioritizing spouses and children.
• Advance Directives – Georgia allows individuals to create advance healthcare directives, specifying medical treatment preferences in the event of incapacity.

Staying informed about these laws is crucial to ensuring your estate plan is legally sound and aligns with your goals.

Why Choose Bowman Law Firm?

Choosing the right Norcross estate planning attorney near you is a crucial step in protecting your future and ensuring your wishes are carried out. The best attorney for your needs should have extensive experience in drafting wills, establishing trusts, managing asset protection, and handling Medicaid planning. When searching for the best “Norcross estate lawyer near me”, look for a lawyer who takes a personalized approach, carefully assessing your financial situation and long-term goals rather than offering a one-size-fits-all solution. Reputation matters, so checking client reviews, legal accolades, and case experience can help you identify a trustworthy professional. A strong estate planning attorney will also educate you on Georgia’s probate laws and strategies to minimize court involvement for your loved ones. If you’re looking for dedicated legal guidance, Bowman Law Firm in Norcross offers customized estate planning and elder law services designed to give you confidence in your future plans. Bowman Law Firm, led by attorney Shireen Hormozdi Bowman, provides comprehensive estate planning and elder law services in Norcross, GA. With over 20 years of experience, the firm offers personalized legal strategies tailored to each client’s unique circumstances. Our services include:

• Estate Planning: Drafting wills, trusts, and powers of attorney to protect assets and ensure proper distribution.
• Elder Law Services: Addressing long-term care planning, Medicaid planning, and other matters.
• Business Succession Planning: Helping business owners develop legal strategies for a smooth transition of leadership and ownership.
• Experienced Legal Guidance: With over 20 years of experience, Attorney Bowman brings knowledge and dedication to every case.
• Personalized Attention: We take the time to understand your concerns and provide tailored legal solutions.
• Compassionate Advocacy: We truly care about our clients and strive to make the legal process as smooth and stress-free as possible.

By working with Bowman Law Firm, individuals and families in Norcross can secure their financial future, protect their assets, and ensure their estate plans reflect their wishes.

Norcross, GA Estate Planning & Elder Law FAQs

What is the difference between estate planning and elder law?

Estate planning focuses on preparing for the management and distribution of assets after death, including wills, trusts, and powers of attorney. Elder law addresses legal issues affecting older adults, such as long-term care planning, Medicaid eligibility, and asset protection. Both areas ensure financial security and legal protection for individuals and families.

Do I need a will if I already have a trust?

Yes, even if you have a trust, a will is still important. A pour-over will ensures that any assets not included in the trust at the time of your death are transferred into it. Additionally, a will allows you to name guardians for minor children and specify final wishes.

How does probate work in Georgia?

Probate is the court-supervised process of distributing a deceased person’s assets. In Georgia, the process can be streamlined if there is a valid will. However, without a will, assets are distributed based on the state’s intestacy laws. A properly structured estate plan can help avoid or minimize probate.

What is a durable power of attorney, and why is it important?

A durable power of attorney (POA) allows someone you trust to make financial or legal decisions on your behalf if you become incapacitated. Without one, your loved ones may have to go through a costly and time-consuming process to manage your affairs.

How can I protect my assets from nursing home costs?

Planning ahead with Medicaid planning strategies can help protect assets while ensuring eligibility for long-term care assistance. This may include using irrevocable trusts, transferring assets strategically, and structuring finances to meet Medicaid requirements.

What happens if I die without a will in Georgia?

If you pass away without a will (intestate), Georgia law determines how your assets are distributed. Typically, assets go to your closest relatives, such as your spouse and children, but the exact division depends on your family structure. This can lead to unintended consequences and legal disputes.

What is business succession planning, and why is it important?

Business succession planning ensures a smooth transition of ownership if a business owner retires, becomes incapacitated, or passes away. Strategies such as buy-sell agreements, family limited partnerships, and trust-based planning can help protect business continuity and financial stability.

Can I change my estate plan after it’s been created?

Yes, estate plans should be reviewed and updated regularly, especially after major life events such as marriage, divorce, the birth of a child, or acquiring new assets. Revocable trusts and wills can be modified, while irrevocable trusts may have limited flexibility.

What are advance healthcare directives, and do I need one?

An advance healthcare directive combines a healthcare power of attorney and a living will. It allows you to appoint someone to make medical decisions on your behalf and outline your healthcare preferences in case you are unable to communicate. It’s a crucial document for ensuring your medical wishes are followed.

How can Bowman Law Firm help with estate planning and elder law in Norcross?

Bowman Law Firm provides comprehensive estate planning and elder law services, including drafting wills and trusts, creating powers of attorney, asset protection, Medicaid planning, and business succession planning. Our experienced legal team helps clients develop customized plans to secure their financial future and protect their loved ones.

Serving Throughout Norcross and Surrounding Areas

• Historic Norcross
• Peachtree Corners
• Langford Close
• Wyntree
• Creekside Park
• Beaver Creek
• Oakbrook Station
• Sheffield Forest
• Pinnacle Pointe
• Seven Norcross
• Brook Hollow
• Hyde Park
• Mitchell Rise
• Goshen Springs
• Park Trace

Contact Bowman Law Firm for a Consultation

Bowman Law Firm is here to help. We serve clients throughout Gwinnett County and Atlanta, and staff at the firm speak English, Spanish, and Vietnamese to better serve you in your language of choice. Contact our Norcross estate planning lawyer today for a consultation and take the first step toward securing your future and protecting your rights.