Recent Blog Posts
Who Should Create a Special Needs Trust?
What is a Special Needs Trust (SNT) in Georgia, and who should create one? Special Needs Trusts are designed specifically for disabled adults to provide for their additional needs beyond the benefits they receive from government programs without impacting their eligibility for those government programs. Special Needs Trusts can be self-funded by a disabled… Read More »
The Wrong Successor Trustee Can Derail Your Final Wishes
Many estate plans contain revocable living trusts that will become irrevocable (cannot be easily changed or terminated) when the trustmaker dies. Such trusts may benefit the surviving spouse during their lifetime and may continue for the benefit of several additional generations. Because these trusts can be designed to span multiple decades, it is crucial… Read More »
Planning for the Unthinkable: Essential Tools for Parents of Minor Children
Approximately three-fourths of Americans do not have a basic will.[1] Many of the same people also have children under the age of 18, which underscores a major misunderstanding about estate plans: They can accomplish much more than just handling financial assets (money, accounts, and property). One of the most important estate plan functions for… Read More »
Myths and Frequently Asked Questions: Estate Planning Using Asset Protection Strategies
Myth 1: Asset protection planning is only for the wealthy or those with high-risk jobs, such as doctors or lawyers. Fact: Asset protection planning is for everyone. If you engage in any activity that could give rise to a lawsuit (drive a car, employ someone, allow people into your home, etc.), you are vulnerable… Read More »
Avoid Living Probate: How to Keep Guardians and Conservators Out of Your Estate
While most proactive individuals know the importance of having a well-rounded estate plan, it is typically considered as something that will take effect after they have passed away. But there are in fact many ways in which comprehensive estate planning can have a positive impact on your life while you are still around to… Read More »
What is the Difference Between a Revocable and an Irrevocable Trust?
For many Gwinnett County residents, estate plans will include establishing one or more trusts. Georgia law recognizes various types of trusts, which are legal arrangements through which you transfer assets to an account that becomes a separate entity managed by a trustee. With many types of trusts, the person who creates the trust can… Read More »
Do Not Let Your Money and Property Go to the State: Why You Need an Estate Plan
Americans tend to bristle when any level of the government meddles in their private lives, especially with their money. Look no further than the famous “death and taxes” quote for a sense of how Americans feel about bureaucratic creep and government’s sticky fingers. You may take pains to minimize government meddling in your personal… Read More »
Learning More About Estate Planning and Asset Protection for Older Adults
Estate planning is something that is essential for Gwinnett County residents of all ages, but it takes on added significance when a person is approaching older age and may soon need to think about long-term care options and asset protection strategies. You may be wondering: what is the relationship between estate planning and asset… Read More »
Checklist for Preparing to Make a Will
When you are starting to think about estate planning, and about making a will in particular, it is important to plan ahead before you begin working with an estate planning lawyer. Whether you are a young adult or an older adult (or any age in between), it is essential to have a will. Although… Read More »
Common Uses for a Power of Attorney
A power of attorney (POA) is a document that gives another person or party the authority to act on your behalf as your “agent.” Creating one or more power of attorney documents, and naming one or more agents, is common in any estate plan. While powers of attorney are critical to ensure that you… Read More »
