# Bowman Law Firm
> https://www.norcrosslawfirm.com
> Last Updated: 2026-07-26

At Bowman Law Firm, we understand that planning for the future can be overwhelming. Led by attorney Shireen Hormozdi Bowman, who has been practicing law since 2003, our firm is dedicated to providing compassionate and knowledgeable legal representation. We are here to guide you through the estate planning process with professionalism and care. We offer first-class, personalized attention to every client and have a proven track record of achieving big results. Contact our Norcross estate planning lawyer today. With our firm, you will always be a person first, a client second, and never simply a file number.

## Contact
- Phone: +1-678-395-7795
- Address: 1770 Indian Trail Lilburn Rd., Suite 320, Norcross, GA 30093

## Locations
- Norcross, GA - +1-678-395-7795
  Areas served: Alpharetta, Atlanta, Berkeley Lake, Brookhaven, Buford, Canton, Chamblee, Clarkston, Cumming, Dacula, Dalton, Decatur, Doraville, Duluth, Dunwoody, Gainesville, Grayson, Gwinnett County, Johns Creek, Lawrenceville, Lilburn, Loganville, Marietta, Norcross, Peachtree Corners, Roswell, Sandy Springs, Snellville, Stone Mountain, Sugar Hill, Suwanee, Tucker, Winder, Barrow County, Cobb County, DeKalb County, Forsyth County, Hall County, Georgia

## Practice Areas
- Estate Planning
- Wills
- Trusts
- Powers of Attorney
- Advance Directives
- Revocable Living Trusts
- Special Needs Trusts
- Medicaid Asset Protection Trusts
- Irrevocable Trusts
- Elder Law
- LLC Trusts

## Attorneys
- Shireen Hormozdi Bowman: https://www.norcrosslawfirm.com/shireen-hormozdi-bowman/
  Since 2012, Shireen and her team of legal professionals have focused their practice on representing people needing trusts, wills, estate planning and elder law services

## Key Pages
- Homepage: https://www.norcrosslawfirm.com/
- Blog: https://www.norcrosslawfirm.com/blog/
- Contact: https://www.norcrosslawfirm.com/contact-us/

## Social Profiles
- https://www.facebook.com/NorcrossLawFirm/
- https://www.instagram.com/norcrosslawfirm/
- https://www.linkedin.com/in/shireenbowman/
- https://www.tiktok.com/@bowman.law.firm
- https://www.youtube.com/@Norcrosslawfirm
- https://www.avvo.com/attorneys/30093-ga-shireen-hormozdi-480285.html
- https://twitter.com/NorcrossLaw

## Reviews
- Rating: 5/5 based on 198 reviews

## Practice Area Details

### Norcross Estate Planning & Trusts Lawyer
https://www.norcrosslawfirm.com/
Bowman Law Firm offers first-class, personalized attention to every client. Contact a Norcross estate planning & trusts lawyer with a proven track record.

### Alpharetta Estate Planning Lawyer
https://www.norcrosslawfirm.com/alpharetta-estate-planning-lawyer/
If you are looking for an experienced Alpharetta estate planning lawyer, we are here to guide you every step of the way.

### Doraville Estate Planning Lawyer
https://www.norcrosslawfirm.com/doraville-estate-planning-lawyer/
If you need a knowledgeable Doraville estate planning lawyer, we are here to walk you through the process with care and confidence.

### Duluth Estate Planning Lawyer
https://www.norcrosslawfirm.com/duluth-estate-planning-lawyer/
If you are searching for a trusted Duluth estate planning lawyer, we are here to guide you with compassion and clarity.

### Lilburn Estate Planning Lawyer
https://www.norcrosslawfirm.com/lilburn-estate-planning-lawyer/
When you need a Lilburn estate planning lawyer, we are here to guide you with knowledge and compassion.

### Tucker Estate Planning Lawyer
https://www.norcrosslawfirm.com/tucker-estate-planning-lawyer/
If you are looking for a trusted Tucker estate planning lawyer, Bowman Law Firm is here to help.

### Georgia Estate Planning Lawyer
https://www.norcrosslawfirm.com/georgia-estate-planning-lawyer/
If you are searching for a trusted Georgia estate planning lawyer, Bowman Law Firm is here to guide you through the process.

### Norcross Advance Directives Lawyer
https://www.norcrosslawfirm.com/norcross-advance-directives-lawyer/
Call our office today to speak with a Norcross advance directive lawyer about how these valuable tools form an essential part of your comprehensive estate plan.

### Norcross Estate Planning Lawyer
https://www.norcrosslawfirm.com/norcross-estate-planning-lawyer/
Contact a Norcross estate planning lawyer at Bowman Law Firm, we are committed to helping you achieve your estate planning goals with confidence and clarity.

### Norcross Trusts Lawyer
https://www.norcrosslawfirm.com/norcross-trusts-lawyer/
Norcross trusts lawyer Shireen Hormozdi Bowman is dedicated to creating personalized trust solutions that align with your estate planning goals.

### Norcross Wills Lawyer
https://www.norcrosslawfirm.com/norcross-wills-lawyer/
With the guidance of Norcross wills lawyer Shireen Hormozdi Bowman, you can have confidence that your estate will be managed according to your intentions.

### Suwanee Estate Planning Lawyer
https://www.norcrosslawfirm.com/suwanee-estate-planning-lawyer/
Serving Suwanee with thoughtful estate planning solutions, Bowman Law Firm helps individuals and families secure their financial future with confidence.

### Suwanee Wills Lawyer
https://www.norcrosslawfirm.com/suwanee-wills-lawyer/
Protect your loved ones with a legally sound will from Bowman Law Firm, serving Suwanee families with professional estate planning and document preparation.

### Lawrenceville Estate Planning Lawyer
https://www.norcrosslawfirm.com/lawrenceville-estate-planning-lawyer/
Residents of Lawrenceville trust Bowman Law Firm for estate planning that addresses their unique goals, from asset protection to wealth transfer strategies.

### Lawrenceville Wills Lawyer
https://www.norcrosslawfirm.com/lawrenceville-wills-lawyer/
Lawrenceville residents trust Bowman Law Firm to prepare wills that clearly express their intentions and provide for their families after they are gone.

### Buford Estate Planning Lawyer
https://www.norcrosslawfirm.com/buford-estate-planning-lawyer/
Bowman Law Firm provides Buford families with comprehensive estate planning services tailored to protect assets and ensure a lasting legacy.

### Buford Wills Lawyer
https://www.norcrosslawfirm.com/buford-wills-lawyer/
Bowman Law Firm creates carefully structured wills for Buford clients, addressing guardianship, asset distribution, and all critical end-of-life provisions.

### Chamblee Estate Planning Lawyer
https://www.norcrosslawfirm.com/chamblee-estate-planning-lawyer/
The experienced estate planning attorneys at Bowman Law Firm guide Chamblee clients through every aspect of building a secure and effective plan.

### Chamblee Wills Lawyer
https://www.norcrosslawfirm.com/chamblee-wills-lawyer/
A properly drafted will is the foundation of any estate plan, and Bowman Law Firm provides expert will preparation services throughout Chamblee, Georgia.

### Brookhaven Estate Planning Lawyer
https://www.norcrosslawfirm.com/brookhaven-estate-planning-lawyer/
Bowman Law Firm works closely with Brookhaven residents to develop estate plans that reflect their values, protect loved ones, and minimize tax burdens.

### Brookhaven Wills Lawyer
https://www.norcrosslawfirm.com/brookhaven-wills-lawyer/
Bowman Law Firm in Brookhaven prepares wills that stand up in court, clearly outlining wishes for asset distribution and family care provisions.

### Johns Creek Estate Planning Lawyer
https://www.norcrosslawfirm.com/johns-creek-estate-planning-lawyer/
From wills to trusts and beyond, Bowman Law Firm creates customized estate planning solutions for individuals and families across Johns Creek, Georgia.

### Johns Creek Wills Lawyer
https://www.norcrosslawfirm.com/johns-creek-wills-lawyer/
Bowman Law Firm guides Johns Creek clients through every step of the will creation process, ensuring all documents meet Georgia legal requirements.

### Snellville Estate Planning Lawyer
https://www.norcrosslawfirm.com/snellville-estate-planning-lawyer/
Protect everything you have worked for with a comprehensive estate plan from Bowman Law Firm, serving individuals and families throughout Snellville.

### Snellville Wills Lawyer
https://www.norcrosslawfirm.com/snellville-wills-lawyer/
The will drafting services at Bowman Law Firm ensure Snellville families have legally binding documents that reflect their exact intentions and priorities.

### Berkeley Lake Estate Planning Lawyer
https://www.norcrosslawfirm.com/berkeley-lake-estate-planning-lawyer/
The experienced estate planning attorneys at Bowman Law Firm guide Berkeley Lake clients through every aspect of building a secure and lasting plan.

### Berkeley Lake Wills Lawyer
https://www.norcrosslawfirm.com/berkeley-lake-wills-lawyer/
With Bowman Law Firm in Berkeley Lake, your will is crafted to be clear, enforceable, and aligned with your overall estate planning objectives.

### Sugar Hill Estate Planning Lawyer
https://www.norcrosslawfirm.com/sugar-hill-estate-planning-lawyer/
Bowman Law Firm's Sugar Hill estate planning services encompass wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and advanced tax strategies for every family size.

### Sugar Hill Wills Lawyer
https://www.norcrosslawfirm.com/sugar-hill-wills-lawyer/
Bowman Law Firm creates wills for Sugar Hill residents that clearly communicate your wishes and protect your family under Georgia probate law.

### Roswell Estate Planning Lawyer
https://www.norcrosslawfirm.com/roswell-estate-planning-lawyer/
Bowman Law Firm is committed to helping Roswell residents build thorough estate plans, addressing everything from asset distribution to guardianship needs.

### Roswell Wills Lawyer
https://www.norcrosslawfirm.com/roswell-wills-lawyer/
Bowman Law Firm provides Roswell residents with will drafting services that ensure clear, enforceable instructions for the distribution of their estate.

### Dunwoody Estate Planning Lawyer
https://www.norcrosslawfirm.com/dunwoody-estate-planning-lawyer/
Bowman Law Firm brings decades of combined legal knowledge to estate planning for Dunwoody families, creating strategies rooted in Georgia law.

### Dunwoody Wills Lawyer
https://www.norcrosslawfirm.com/dunwoody-wills-lawyer/
Bowman Law Firm helps Dunwoody individuals plan ahead with professionally drafted wills that address guardianship, bequests, and executor appointments.

### Sandy Springs Estate Planning Lawyer
https://www.norcrosslawfirm.com/sandy-springs-estate-planning-lawyer/
Families throughout Sandy Springs rely on Bowman Law Firm for estate planning that protects wealth, honors wishes, and provides lasting peace of mind.

### Sandy Springs Wills Lawyer
https://www.norcrosslawfirm.com/sandy-springs-wills-lawyer/
In Sandy Springs, Bowman Law Firm stands behind every will they draft, providing clients with confidence that their final wishes are legally protected.

### Decatur Estate Planning Lawyer
https://www.norcrosslawfirm.com/decatur-estate-planning-lawyer/
Decatur families choose Bowman Law Firm for estate planning that goes beyond documents, offering ongoing counsel and updates as life circumstances change.

### Decatur Wills Lawyer
https://www.norcrosslawfirm.com/decatur-wills-lawyer/
Bowman Law Firm in Decatur creates wills that stand up in court, outlining your wishes for asset distribution and providing for family care needs.

### Dalton Estate Planning Lawyer
https://www.norcrosslawfirm.com/dalton-estate-planning-lawyer/
Dalton individuals and families rely on Bowman Law Firm for estate planning that safeguards assets and provides clear instructions for the future.

### Dalton Wills Lawyer
https://www.norcrosslawfirm.com/dalton-wills-lawyer/
Bowman Law Firm provides Dalton families with expert will preparation services, creating documents that hold up in court and honor your legacy.

### Gainesville Estate Planning Lawyer
https://www.norcrosslawfirm.com/gainesville-estate-planning-lawyer/
Bowman Law Firm partners with Gainesville families to build estate plans that are both legally robust and personally meaningful for generations ahead.

### Gainesville Wills Lawyer
https://www.norcrosslawfirm.com/gainesville-wills-lawyer/
Families in Gainesville trust Bowman Law Firm for will drafting that covers guardianship, asset allocation, and all essential estate planning provisions.

### Marietta Estate Planning Lawyer
https://www.norcrosslawfirm.com/marietta-estate-planning-lawyer/
Bowman Law Firm creates strategic estate plans for Marietta residents that address tax efficiency, asset protection, and smooth generational wealth transfer.

### Marietta Wills Lawyer
https://www.norcrosslawfirm.com/marietta-wills-lawyer/
Marietta residents rely on the attorneys at Bowman Law Firm to draft wills that protect their loved ones and clearly express their final wishes.

### Dacula Estate Planning Lawyer
https://www.norcrosslawfirm.com/dacula-estate-planning-lawyer/
Comprehensive estate planning from Bowman Law Firm gives Dacula residents confidence that their wishes will be carried out exactly as intended.

### Dacula Wills Lawyer
https://www.norcrosslawfirm.com/dacula-wills-lawyer/
Bowman Law Firm helps Dacula residents take control of their estate through professionally prepared wills that protect assets and provide for heirs.

### Grayson Estate Planning Lawyer
https://www.norcrosslawfirm.com/grayson-estate-planning-lawyer/
Bowman Law Firm offers Grayson families a collaborative approach to estate planning, ensuring every strategy aligns with their long-term financial vision.

### Grayson Wills Lawyer
https://www.norcrosslawfirm.com/grayson-wills-lawyer/
Grayson clients value the careful attention Bowman Law Firm brings to every will, ensuring all provisions are legally sound and personally meaningful.

### Loganville Estate Planning Lawyer
https://www.norcrosslawfirm.com/loganville-estate-planning-lawyer/
Bowman Law Firm delivers personalized estate planning strategies for Loganville residents, protecting families and preserving legacies for years to come.

### Loganville Wills Lawyer
https://www.norcrosslawfirm.com/loganville-wills-lawyer/
Bowman Law Firm drafts comprehensive wills for Loganville residents, ensuring assets are distributed according to your wishes and Georgia state law.

### Winder Estate Planning Lawyer
https://www.norcrosslawfirm.com/winder-estate-planning-lawyer/
Serving Winder with thoughtful estate planning solutions, Bowman Law Firm helps individuals and families secure their financial future with confidence.

### Winder Wills Lawyer
https://www.norcrosslawfirm.com/winder-wills-lawyer/
Protect your loved ones with a legally sound will from Bowman Law Firm, serving Winder families with professional estate planning and document preparation.

### Stone Mountain Estate Planning Lawyer
https://www.norcrosslawfirm.com/stone-mountain-estate-planning-lawyer/
Bowman Law Firm guides Stone Mountain residents through each stage of estate planning, from consultations to the execution of legal documents.

### Stone Mountain Wills Lawyer
https://www.norcrosslawfirm.com/stone-mountain-wills-lawyer/
For reliable will drafting in Stone Mountain, Bowman Law Firm provides experienced legal counsel that ensures your estate plan is complete and enforceable.

### Clarkston Estate Planning Lawyer
https://www.norcrosslawfirm.com/clarkston-estate-planning-lawyer/
Residents of Clarkston trust Bowman Law Firm for estate planning that addresses their unique goals, from asset protection to wealth transfer strategies.

### Clarkston Wills Lawyer
https://www.norcrosslawfirm.com/clarkston-wills-lawyer/
Gwinnett County families turn to Bowman Law Firm for irrevocable trusts that safeguard assets from creditors while reducing estate tax liabilities.

### Cumming Estate Planning Lawyer
https://www.norcrosslawfirm.com/cumming-estate-planning-lawyer/
Bowman Law Firm helps Gwinnett County families navigate Georgia probate law, ensuring estates are settled and beneficiaries receive their fair inheritance.

### Cumming Wills Lawyer
https://www.norcrosslawfirm.com/cumming-wills-lawyer/
Cumming clients choose Bowman Law Firm for will preparation that is thorough, legally precise, and designed to prevent conflicts among beneficiaries.

### Canton Estate Planning Lawyer
https://www.norcrosslawfirm.com/canton-estate-planning-lawyer/
Bowman Law Firm provides Canton families with comprehensive estate planning services tailored to protect assets and ensure a lasting legacy.

### Canton Wills Lawyer
https://www.norcrosslawfirm.com/canton-wills-lawyer/
Bowman Law Firm in Peachtree Corners provides comprehensive probate representation, from initial petition filing through final distribution of estate assets.

### DeKalb County Estate Planning Lawyer
https://www.norcrosslawfirm.com/dekalb-county-estate-planning-lawyer/
The experienced estate planning attorneys at Bowman Law Firm guide DeKalb County clients through every aspect of building a secure and effective plan.

### Fulton County Estate Planning Lawyer
https://www.norcrosslawfirm.com/fulton-county-estate-planning-lawyer/
Bowman Law Firm works closely with Fulton County residents to develop estate plans that reflect their values, protect loved ones, and minimize tax burdens.

### Cobb County Estate Planning Lawyer
https://www.norcrosslawfirm.com/cobb-county-estate-planning-lawyer/
From wills to trusts and beyond, Bowman Law Firm creates customized estate planning solutions for individuals and families across Cobb County, Georgia.

### Hall County Estate Planning Lawyer
https://www.norcrosslawfirm.com/hall-county-estate-planning-lawyer/
Hall County residents turn to Bowman Law Firm for estate planning guidance that balances asset protection with thoughtful provisions for future generations.

### Forsyth County Estate Planning Lawyer
https://www.norcrosslawfirm.com/forsyth-county-estate-planning-lawyer/
Bowman Law Firm offers dedicated estate planning counsel to Forsyth County families, ensuring every detail is addressed with professionalism and genuine care.

### Whitfield County Estate Planning Lawyer
https://www.norcrosslawfirm.com/whitfield-county-estate-planning-lawyer/
Bowman Law Firm offers experienced estate planning services for Whitfield County residents, helping families protect their assets and plan for the future.

### Barrow County Estate Planning Lawyer
https://www.norcrosslawfirm.com/barrow-county-estate-planning-lawyer/
The Barrow County estate planning team at Bowman Law Firm develops solutions that protect your legacy and simplify the process for your loved ones.

### Atlanta Estate Planning Lawyer
https://www.norcrosslawfirm.com/atlanta-estate-planning-lawyer/
Atlanta estate planning lawyer Shireen Hormozdi Bowman and her experienced team are ready to guide you through every step of the estate planning process.

### Gwinnett County Estate Planning Lawyer
https://www.norcrosslawfirm.com/gwinnett-county-estate-planning-lawyer/
Whether you need to draft a will, establish a trust, or protect your assets, our experienced Gwinnett County estate planning lawyers are here to help.

### Peachtree Corners Estate Planning Lawyer
https://www.norcrosslawfirm.com/peachtree-corners-estate-planning-lawyer/
Whether you’re preparing a will, establishing a trust, or crafting advance directives, our experienced Peachtree Corners estate planning lawyer is here to help.

## Recent Articles

### How Divorce Impacts Your Estate Plan
https://www.norcrosslawfirm.com/how-divorce-impacts-your-estate-plan/ (2026-07-21)
At Bowman Law Firm, we help clients sort through exactly which documents update automatically and which ones need a fresh hand to bring them current.

### Will vs. Trust: One Lets the Court Watch, the Other Lets You Skip the Show
https://www.norcrosslawfirm.com/will-vs-trust-one-lets-the-court-watch-the-other-lets-you-skip-the-show/ (2026-07-20)
At Bowman Law Firm, we sit down with you, look at your assets and your goals, and build a plan that actually matches your life.

### Guardianship or Conservatorship: Which One Does Your Loved One Actually Need?
https://www.norcrosslawfirm.com/guardianship-or-conservatorship-which-one-does-your-loved-one-actually-need/ (2026-07-17)
At Bowman Law Firm, we walk families through the probate court process and help them understand what level of protection actually fits their loved one's circumstances.

### Why an Unfunded Trust Might Be the Costliest Document in Your Estate Plan
https://www.norcrosslawfirm.com/why-an-unfunded-trust-might-be-the-costliest-document-in-your-estate-plan/ (2026-07-16)
At Bowman Law Firm, we help clients follow through on every piece of the funding process so their plan works the way it was intended.

### Common Estate Planning Mistakes Families Make
https://www.norcrosslawfirm.com/common-estate-planning-mistakes-families-make/ (2026-07-07)
Our Norcross estate planning attorneys at Bowman Law Firm can help you build a plan that avoids costly errors. If you are ready to take the next step, contact us today to get started.

### How a Trust Can Help Avoid Probate in Georgia
https://www.norcrosslawfirm.com/how-a-trust-can-help-avoid-probate-in-georgia/ (2026-07-06)
Our team at Bowman Law Firm can guide you through creating a plan that fits your needs. Contact us today for a consultation.

### Can a Trust Protect Assets From Creditors in Georgia?
https://www.norcrosslawfirm.com/can-a-trust-protect-assets-from-creditors-in-georgia/ (2026-06-23)
At the Bowman Law Firm, our Norcross estate planning attorneys can help you evaluate your options and move forward with confidence. Reach out to us today for a consultation and to move forward.

### What Happens When Family Members Disagree During Probate?
https://www.norcrosslawfirm.com/what-happens-when-family-members-disagree-during-probate/ (2026-06-22)
At the Bowman Law Firm, our Norcross estate planning attorneys can provide clarity and direction. Contact us today to discuss your situation and learn how their attorneys can assist you.

### Special Needs Trusts in Georgia and How They Protect Benefits
https://www.norcrosslawfirm.com/special-needs-trusts-in-georgia-and-how-they-protect-benefits/ (2026-06-16)
At Bowman Law Firm, we work with families to create strategies that protect benefits while enhancing quality of life.

### How Georgia Law Handles Disputes Over Wills
https://www.norcrosslawfirm.com/how-georgia-law-handles-disputes-over-wills/ (2026-06-15)
Our team at Bowman Law Firm understands how challenging these situations can be. We are here to guide you through the process and help protect your interests.

## Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why Choose Bowman Law Firm in Alpharetta?
A: When it comes to estate planning, every client’s needs are unique. At Bowman Law Firm, we take the time to listen, understand your circumstances, and design a plan tailored to your situation. Shireen Hormozdi Bowman brings both knowledge and compassion to her work, ensuring that your estate plan addresses every concern — from financial matters to healthcare decisions. Clients throughout Alpharetta choose Bowman Law Firm because:

Q: Why Choose Bowman Law Firm in Doraville?
A: Estate planning is not just about documents — it’s about peace of mind. At Bowman Law Firm, we believe every client deserves a plan tailored to their unique circumstances. Shireen Hormozdi Bowman brings extensive experience, compassion, and attention to detail to every case, ensuring your plan reflects your priorities and protects those you care about most. Here’s why families in Doraville turn to us for estate planning:

Q: Why Choose Bowman Law Firm in Duluth?
A: Estate planning is not just about drafting documents — it’s about protecting your future. At Bowman Law Firm, we understand that every client has unique circumstances and goals. Shireen Hormozdi Bowman takes the time to learn about your priorities so that your estate plan reflects your wishes. Clients in Duluth choose us because we combine legal knowledge with personal attention to provide exceptional service. Here’s what sets us apart:

Q: Does a revocable living trust replace a will entirely?
A: Not entirely. A pour-over will is typically drafted alongside a revocable living trust to capture any assets that were not transferred into the trust during your lifetime. The will directs those remaining assets into the trust upon your death. Together, these documents form a more complete plan than either one alone.

Q: How does a trust avoid probate in Georgia?
A: Assets held in the name of your revocable living trust pass directly to your beneficiaries according to the trust terms, without court involvement. Georgia's probate process applies to assets held in your personal name without a designated beneficiary. Proper trust funding, meaning retitling your assets into the trust, is what actually achieves probate avoidance.

Q: Can I change my trust after it is created?
A: Yes. A revocable living trust can be amended, restated, or revoked entirely during your lifetime as long as you retain legal capacity to do so. Life changes like marriage, divorce, the birth of a grandchild, or the sale of a major asset are all common reasons to update a trust, and doing so is a routine part of maintaining a current estate plan.

Q: What happens to my trust if I become incapacitated?
A: This is one of the most compelling reasons to establish a revocable living trust. If you become unable to manage your own affairs, your named successor trustee takes over management of the trust assets immediately, without any court intervention. This is often faster, less expensive, and far less disruptive for families than the alternative of seeking a court-ordered guardianship or conservatorship proceeding.

Q: Is a revocable living trust only for wealthy families?
A: No. Families across a wide range of financial circumstances benefit from trust planning. If you own real estate, have minor children, want to avoid probate, or simply want clear instructions about who manages your affairs during incapacity, a revocable living trust may be appropriate for you regardless of your total net worth.

Q: How long does it take to set up a trust?
A: The timeline varies depending on the complexity of your estate and how quickly you are able to gather information and make decisions about trustees and beneficiaries. Many clients complete the trust drafting process within a few weeks. The funding process, transferring assets into the trust, may take additional time depending on the types of assets involved.

Q: Does a trust affect how my assets are taxed during my lifetime?
A: A revocable living trust has no impact on your income taxes during your lifetime. Because you retain control over the trust, the IRS treats trust assets as your own for tax purposes. You continue to report trust income on your personal tax return exactly as you did before the trust was created.

Q: What is the difference between a revocable living trust and a will?
A: A will takes effect only after death and must pass through probate before assets are distributed. A revocable living trust takes effect during your lifetime, allows you to manage your assets as usual, and enables a smooth, private transfer to beneficiaries upon your death without court involvement. A will also does not address incapacity, while a trust does.

Q: Can I change or revoke my trust after it is created?
A: Yes. A revocable living trust is designed to be flexible. As long as you are mentally competent, you retain full authority to amend the terms of the trust, change beneficiaries, remove or add assets, or revoke the trust entirely. This flexibility is one of its primary advantages over irrevocable trust structures.

Q: Does a revocable living trust protect my assets from creditors?
A: A revocable living trust does not provide strong creditor protection because you retain control over the assets. Since you can revoke the trust and reclaim the assets at any time, creditors can generally still reach those assets. For asset protection strategies beyond probate avoidance, an irrevocable trust structure may be more appropriate, and attorney Shireen Hormozdi Bowman can help you evaluate which tools fit your situation best.

Q: What happens to my trust if I move out of Georgia?
A: A trust validly created under Georgia law will generally remain effective if you move to another state, though it is wise to have the document reviewed by an attorney in your new state to confirm it meets local requirements. Bowman Law Firm creates trusts designed with durable, clear language that holds up across jurisdictions, but any major life change, including a move, is a good reason to revisit your estate plan.

Q: Do I still need a will if I have a revocable living trust?
A: Yes. Even with a revocable living trust in place, a "pour-over will" is an essential companion document. A pour-over will captures any assets that were not transferred into the trust during your lifetime and directs them into the trust at your death. Without this document, those assets may be distributed under Georgia's intestacy laws rather than according to your wishes.

Q: How long does it take to set up a revocable living trust in Georgia?
A: The timeline varies depending on the complexity of your estate, but many straightforward trust plans can be drafted, reviewed, and finalized within a few weeks. More complex situations involving business interests, multiple properties, or blended family considerations may take longer. Once the document is signed and notarized, the trust is legally effective, though funding the trust with your assets is an ongoing process.

Q: Is a revocable living trust worth it if my estate is not large?
A: Estate size is only one consideration. The privacy benefits, incapacity planning protections, and probate avoidance that a revocable living trust provides are valuable at virtually any asset level. For families with even a single piece of real estate, the cost of probate alone can easily exceed the cost of proper trust-based planning.

Q: Does Georgia require a will to be notarized?
A: Notarization is not strictly required for a will to be valid in Georgia, but it is strongly recommended. A notarized, self-proving will can simplify the probate process because the court can accept it without requiring the witnesses to testify. An attorney at Bowman Law Firm can ensure your will is drafted and executed in a way that minimizes complications down the road.

Q: Can I write my own will in Georgia?
A: Georgia does not recognize handwritten, or holographic, wills. Unlike some other states, a handwritten will without proper witnesses is not legally valid in Georgia. Any will that does not meet the state's formal execution requirements risks being rejected by the probate court, leaving your estate subject to intestacy laws.

Q: What happens to my will if I move to or from Georgia?
A: A will validly executed in another state is generally recognized in Georgia, but the laws that govern distribution, executor authority, and probate procedure will be those of Georgia if that is where you reside when you die. If you have moved to the area from another state, having your existing will reviewed by a Georgia attorney ensures it will function as intended under local law.

Q: How often should I update my will?
A: Estate planning professionals generally recommend reviewing your will after any major life event, including marriage, divorce, the birth or adoption of a child, the death of a named beneficiary or executor, a significant change in assets, or a move to a new state. Even without a triggering event, reviewing your will every three to five years is a reasonable practice to make sure it still accurately captures your intentions.

Q: What is the role of an executor, and how do I choose one?
A: The executor, called a "personal representative" in some states, is the person responsible for carrying out the instructions in your will. This includes gathering assets, paying debts, filing tax returns, and distributing property to beneficiaries. The role can be time-consuming and carries legal responsibility, so it is important to choose someone who is organized, trustworthy, and willing to serve. You should also name a successor executor in case your first choice is unable or unwilling to...

Q: Can a will be contested, and how is a challenge handled?
A: Yes, wills can be challenged in Georgia probate court. Grounds for a challenge typically include claims of lack of testamentary capacity, undue influence, fraud, or improper execution. A well-drafted will prepared by an experienced attorney creates a clear record of the testator's intentions and reduces the likelihood that such challenges will succeed. Attorney Bowman's approach to drafting is designed to anticipate and minimize the grounds on which a will might be disputed.

Q: What is a power of attorney, and do I need one in addition to a will?
A: A will only takes effect after your death. A power of attorney is a separate document that authorizes someone to manage your financial or medical affairs during your lifetime if you become incapacitated. Without one, your family may need to seek a court-appointed guardianship to handle even routine matters on your behalf. Bowman Law Firm prepares both durable financial powers of attorney and healthcare powers of attorney as part of a comprehensive estate plan.

Q: Does every estate have to go through probate in Georgia?
A: Not necessarily. Assets held in a revocable living trust, jointly owned property with right of survivorship, accounts with designated beneficiaries such as life insurance or retirement accounts, and payable-on-death accounts typically pass outside of probate. However, assets held solely in the deceased's name without a designated beneficiary generally must go through the probate process before they can be transferred to heirs.

---
Detailed version — see https://www.norcrosslawfirm.com/llms.txt for summary
Generated by MileMark Schema Pro