Norcross Wills Lawyer

Protect Your Legacy With a Legally Sound Will

A will is one of the most important legal documents you can create to ensure that your wishes are carried out after your passing. At Bowman Law Firm, we help individuals and families draft clear and enforceable wills that protect their assets and provide for their loved ones. With the guidance of Norcross wills lawyer Shireen Hormozdi Bowman, an experienced lawyer who truly cares about her clients’ well-being, you can have confidence that your estate will be managed according to your intentions.

What Is a Will?

A will is a legal document that outlines how your assets will be distributed after your death. It allows you to specify heirs and beneficiaries, designate guardians for minor children, and name an executor to manage your estate. Without a valid will in place, state laws will determine how your assets are distributed, which may not align with your wishes.

Key elements of a will include:

• Distribution of Assets: Specify how your property, financial accounts, and personal belongings should be divided among beneficiaries, including bequests of specific items to named individuals.
• Executor Appointment: Choose a trusted individual to manage your estate and ensure your instructions are followed.
• Guardianship for Minors: If you have young children, you can designate a guardian to care for them in your absence.
• Charitable Giving: Include provisions for donations to charities or causes that are important to you.
• Funeral and Burial Preferences: Outline any specific wishes regarding your funeral or burial arrangements to help relieve the burden on your family.

How Bowman Law Firm Can Help

Our firm is dedicated to helping clients create legally sound wills that accurately reflect their wishes. We guide you through the process, ensuring that all aspects of your estate are properly accounted for. Our services include:

Drafting and Updating Wills

A well-prepared will should be clear, comprehensive, and compliant with Georgia law. We assist in drafting new wills and updating existing documents to reflect life changes such as marriage, divorce, the birth of a child, or acquiring significant assets. Even if you already have a will, it is important to review it periodically to ensure that it remains up-to-date and accurately reflects your current wishes.

Avoiding Common Pitfalls

Improperly drafted wills can lead to disputes, delays, and unintended consequences. We help you avoid common mistakes, such as vague language, failure to update beneficiary designations, and overlooking key legal requirements. Many individuals attempt to draft wills on their own using online templates, but these generic documents often fail to account for the complexities and requirements of Georgia estate law. Working with an experienced Norcross wills attorney ensures that your will is legally sound and enforceable.

Coordination with Other Estate Planning Tools

A will is a critical component of an estate plan, but it often works best alongside other tools like trusts, powers of attorney, and healthcare directives. We help integrate your will with a broader estate planning strategy to provide comprehensive protection for you and your family. For instance, certain assets, such as life insurance policies or retirement accounts, may pass directly to named beneficiaries outside of your will. We ensure that all elements of your estate plan work together seamlessly.

Why Everyone Needs a Will

Many people assume that wills are only necessary for those with significant wealth, but having a legally valid will is beneficial for everyone. Creating a will ensures that:

• Your assets are distributed according to your wishes
• Your loved ones are cared for and provided for
• Your estate avoids unnecessary legal complications and delays
• Your final wishes regarding charitable giving and asset management are honored
• Family conflicts and potential disputes over inheritance are minimized

Without a will, the probate process can be lengthy and stressful for your heirs. The court may appoint an administrator to oversee your estate, which could result in decisions that do not align with your personal preferences. Taking the time to create a will now can save your loved ones significant time and emotional distress in the future.

When Should You Create or Update a Will?

Many people delay creating a will because they believe they are too young or that their estate is too small to warrant one. However, a will is a valuable legal tool at any stage of life. Major life changes are a good time to ensure your estate plan is up to date and aligns with your current preferences. You should consider drafting or updating a will if you recently got married or divorced, you had a child or adopted a child, or if you acquired significant assets, such as a home or business. If you wish to include charitable donations in your estate plan or want to change your executor or beneficiaries, checking in with your estate planning lawyer is key.

Life circumstances change, and your will should reflect your most current wishes. Regularly reviewing your estate plan ensures that your family is protected no matter what the future holds.

Norcross Wills FAQs

For many, creating a will is a daunting step, and it can feel overwhelming just trying to begin. Our goal at Bowman Law Firm is to provide clear and straightforward guidance so you can make informed decisions for yourself and your loved ones. Here are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about wills in Georgia. For personalized assistance custom-tailored to you and your family’s needs and goals, contact our office to sit down with a skilled and compassionate Norcross wills attorney.

What Is a Will?

A will is a legal document that outlines how your assets and property should be distributed after your death. It allows you to name beneficiaries, appoint a guardian for minor children, and designate an executor to carry out your wishes. Without a valid will, Georgia’s intestacy laws will determine how your estate is distributed, which may not reflect your preferences.

Why Do I Need a Will?

Having a will ensures your assets are distributed according to your wishes. It also allows you to:

• Name a guardian for your minor children
• Choose an executor to manage your estate
• Minimize family disputes over inheritance
• Specify how debts and taxes should be handled

Without a will, the probate court will make these decisions on your behalf, potentially creating complications and stress for your loved ones.

Who Can Create a Will in Georgia?

In Georgia, any person who is at least 14 years old and of sound mind can create a legally valid will. You must be mentally competent at the time of creating the will and sign the will voluntarily, without undue influence. The will must also be signed by at least two competent witnesses who are not beneficiaries of the will.

What Makes a Will Legally Valid in Georgia?

To be legally valid, a will in Georgia must:

1. Be in writing (handwritten or typed; oral wills are not recognized)
2. Be signed by the person making the will (the testator)
3. Be witnessed and signed by at least two individuals who are not beneficiaries

Additionally, Georgia allows for self-proving wills, which means the witnesses sign an affidavit in front of a notary public. A self-proving will can be accepted by the court without requiring any additional evidence proving the document is the testator’s true will. Taking this step can simplify the probate process.

Can I Change My Will After It’s Been Created?

Yes, you can update or change your will at any time, as long as you remain mentally competent. Changes can be made by creating a codicil, which is a legal amendment to your existing will, or by drafting a new will that explicitly revokes the previous one. Either way, it’s essential to keep your will updated to reflect major life changes, such as marriage, divorce, the birth of a child, or significant changes in financial status.

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 intestate succession laws. This typically means:

• If you have a spouse but no children, your spouse inherits everything.
• If you have children but no spouse, your children inherit everything equally.
• If you have both a spouse and children, your estate will be divided equally between them.
• If you have no immediate family, more distant relatives will inherit your assets.

Without a will, you lose control over how your estate is distributed and who will manage the process. This includes failing to make a will or using an online form or other option that creates a will that is not legally valid in Georgia.

Can I Draft My Own Will?

While it’s possible to draft your own will using online templates or DIY kits, doing so can lead to errors that may render your will invalid or create confusion during probate. Working with an experienced estate planning attorney ensures that your will is legally valid and reflects your true intentions.

What Is an Executor, and What Do They Do?

An executor is the person you appoint to manage your estate after your death. Their responsibilities include:

• Filing your will with the probate court
• Notifying beneficiaries and creditors
• Managing and distributing your assets according to your will
• Paying outstanding debts and taxes

Choosing a responsible and trustworthy executor is crucial to ensuring your estate is managed effectively. You can name an executor of your choice in your will; otherwise, the court will appoint an individual to fulfill this role.

How Can Bowman Law Firm Help with Your Will?

At Bowman Law Firm, we provide comprehensive estate planning services, including:

• Drafting and updating wills
• Advising on guardianship and executor selection
• Ensuring compliance with Georgia estate laws
• Providing guidance on estate taxes and asset protection
• Ensuring your will is legally valid and accurately reflects your wishes

Get Started with a Free Consultation at Bowman Law Firm

At Bowman Law Firm, we are committed to helping you establish a will that gives you peace of mind and security for your loved ones. Whether you need to draft a new will or revise an existing one, our Norcross wills lawyer is here to provide expert legal guidance. Contact us today for a free consultation and take the first step toward protecting your legacy.