Norcross Estate Planning Lawyer

Secure Your Legacy and Plan for the Future with Confidence

Estate planning is an essential step in protecting your assets, ensuring your wishes are honored, and providing for your loved ones. At Bowman Law Firm, we help individuals and families in Gwinnett County create comprehensive estate plans tailored to their unique needs. Whether you are just starting your estate planning journey or need to update an existing plan, our experienced Norcross estate planning lawyer, Shireen Hormozdi Bowman, is here to guide you every step of the way.

What Is Estate Planning?

Estate planning involves preparing legal documents that determine how your assets will be distributed upon your passing and who will make important decisions on your behalf if you become incapacitated. Without an estate plan, your assets will be distributed to family members according to Georgia’s intestate succession statute without any regard to your wishes concerning who inherits what. A well-crafted estate plan can help prevent family disputes, minimize taxes, and ensure your legacy is preserved according to your wishes.

Key components of a comprehensive estate plan include:

Will: A legal document that outlines how your assets will be distributed and names an executor for your estate and a guardian for minor children.
Trusts: Flexible tools that allow you to manage and distribute your assets efficiently while potentially avoiding probate.
Power of Attorney: Designate someone to handle your financial and legal matters if you are unable to do so yourself.
Healthcare Directives: Specify your medical preferences and appoint someone to make healthcare decisions on your behalf.
Beneficiary Designations: Ensure your retirement accounts, insurance policies, and other assets go to the intended recipients.

How Bowman Law Firm Can Help

Creating an estate plan can feel overwhelming, but our firm is dedicated to making the process as straightforward and stress-free as possible. We take the time to understand your specific goals and craft a customized plan that is legally sound and meets your needs. We know that no two estate plans are alike and offer personalized estate planning solutions to achieve your goals. We work closely with you to develop a strategy that aligns with your financial situation, family dynamics, and long-term objectives. Whether you need a simple will or a more complex trust arrangement, we provide clear guidance and practical solutions.

A well-structured estate plan can help protect your assets from unnecessary taxation, creditors, and legal challenges. Our Norcross estate planning attorney can advise on asset protection and tax minimization strategies to safeguard your wealth and ensure that more of your estate is passed on to your beneficiaries.

Why Estate Planning is Important for Everyone

Many people believe estate planning is only for the wealthy, but the truth is that everyone can benefit from having a plan in place. Estate planning allows you to:

Ensure your assets are distributed according to your wishes
Appoint guardians for your minor children
Protect your loved ones from lengthy and costly probate proceedings
Minimize estate taxes and legal fees
Establish a plan for incapacity

By taking proactive steps now, you can provide peace of mind for yourself and your family, knowing that your affairs are in order.

Norcross Estate Planning FAQs

At Bowman Law Firm, we understand that estate planning can be a complex and emotional process. Our goal is to help you make informed decisions about your future and protect your loved ones so you get the right set of documents you need. Here are answers to some of the most common questions we receive about estate planning. For specific advice and professional assistance creating or updating your estate plan, contact our office to visit with an experienced and dedicated Norcross estate planning attorney.

What Is Estate Planning?

Estate planning is the process of organizing your assets and setting legal directives to manage your affairs in the event of incapacity or death. A comprehensive estate plan typically includes documents such as wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and advance directives to ensure your wishes are honored and your loved ones are protected.

Why Do I Need an Estate Plan?

An estate plan allows you to:

Control how your assets are distributed after your death.
Appoint guardians for minor children.
Minimize taxes and legal fees associated with transferring assets.
Plan for incapacity by designating someone to make financial or medical decisions on your behalf.
Avoid probate by setting up trusts and other legal instruments.

Without an estate plan, Georgia’s intestacy laws will determine how your assets are distributed, which may not align with your wishes.

What Happens If I Die Without a Will in Georgia?

If you die without a valid will, your estate will be distributed according to Georgia’s intestacy laws. This usually means your assets will go to your closest relatives, such as a spouse, children, or parents. Without a will, you lose the ability to name beneficiaries, appoint guardians for minor children, or specify your final wishes.

What Is the Difference Between a Will and a Trust?

A will is a legal document that outlines how your assets should be distributed after your death. It also allows you to name guardians for minor children and appoint an executor to carry out your wishes.

A trust is a legal arrangement where a trustee holds and manages assets on behalf of beneficiaries. Trusts can be set up to avoid probate, provide for minor or special needs beneficiaries, offer tax benefits., protect assets from creditors, and more.

What Is a Power of Attorney?

A power of attorney (POA) allows you to appoint someone to make financial or legal decisions on your behalf if you become incapacitated. There are different types of POAs, such as:

General POA – Grants broad authority over financial and legal matters.
Durable POA – Remains effective even if you become incapacitated.
Limited POA – Grants specific powers for certain transactions or periods.

What Is an Advance Directive?

An advance directive is a legal document that outlines your medical preferences if you become unable to communicate. In Georgia, an Advance Directive for Health Care takes the place of both a Living Will and a Durable Power of Attorney for health care. It allows you to specify your wishes regarding life-sustaining treatment and also appoint someone you trust to make medical decisions on your behalf.

How Can I Avoid Probate in Georgia?

You can minimize or avoid probate in several ways, such as by:

Establishing a revocable living trust.
Naming beneficiaries on financial accounts.
Holding property jointly with rights of survivorship.
Using payable-on-death (POD) or transfer-on-death (TOD) designations.

Avoiding probate can help your beneficiaries receive their inheritance more quickly and with fewer legal complications. Avoiding probate is only one aspect of estate planning though, and planning to minimize probate should be done thoughtfully to ensure that it aligns with your overall estate planning goals.

How Often Should I Update My Estate Plan?

It’s recommended to review your estate plan every three to five years or after significant life events, such as marriage or divorce, birth or adoption of a child, death of a beneficiary or executor, major financial changes, or changes in tax laws. Events like these might change your needs or preferences for how you want your estate plan to look.

How Can Bowman Law Firm Help With Estate Planning?

At Bowman Law Firm, we provide comprehensive estate planning services tailored to your unique needs. Our services include:

Drafting wills, trusts, and other essential documents.
Setting up powers of attorney and advance directives.
Developing asset protection strategies.
Assisting with probate avoidance planning.

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

Get Started with a Free Consultation at Bowman Law Firm

At Bowman Law Firm, we are committed to helping you achieve your estate planning goals with confidence and clarity. Whether you need to draft a will, establish a trust, or update your existing documents, we are here to help. Contact our Norcross estate planning lawyer today for a free consultation and take the first step toward securing your legacy.