Top Reasons to Make a Will
Every adult in Georgia should have a will regardless of the value of their assets and regardless of their age and health. While making a will might be a more pressing concern for an individual who is going through a particularly serious health issue, or for a high net worth individual, wills serve important purposes for all Gwinnett County residents. There are many reasons to make a will, and our Gwinnett County estate planning lawyers can provide you with more information about the top reasons to consider making a will.
Once you learn more about the importance of making a will, an attorney at Bowman Law Firm can discuss your particular estate planning needs with you and can ensure that you have a valid will and all other important documents and tools of estate planning.
If You Die Without a Will, Georgia Law Will Determine How Your Assets Are Distributed
If you do not make a will and you die without a valid will, Georgia law will determine how your property gets distributed among your surviving family members. More specifically, dying without a will is called dying “intestate,” and it will mean that Georgia’s law of intestate succession applies. According to Georgia’s intestate succession laws, assets are typically distributed among a surviving spouse, children, and descendants, but assets can also be distributed to parents and siblings in some circumstances. By making a will, you can choose who inherits your property rather than the state of Georgia.
Give Yourself Peace of Mind Knowing Your Property Will Be Distributed to the People of Your Choosing After Your Death
By making a will, you will be giving yourself peace of mind knowing that your assets will be distributed precisely to the person or persons of your choosing. You can be extremely detailed in your will, identifying every single piece of property you own (if you choose to be this precise) and the specific party to inherit it.
Ensure You Name an Executor You Trust to Handle Your Estate and Ensure Your Wishes Are Carried Out
In a will, you can name an executor. Your executor is the person you are entrusting to handle your estate after you pass away — to pay remaining debts and taxes, and to ensure that all assets are distributed specifically according to the terms you set forth in your will.
Avoid Family Disputes About Property Distribution
By having a clear and valid will, you can avoid future disputes among your family members about property distribution and who will inherit which assets.
Identify a Person (or Persons) You Trust to Care for Your Minor Child in the Event of the Unexpected
A will is also extremely helpful for more than just dealing with assets and financial matters. Through a will, you can also identify the person or persons you entrust to care for your minor children in the event of your unexpected incapacity or death. Naming a guardian for your minor children can give you immense peace of mind.
Contact Our Norcross Estate Planning Lawyers
If you have any questions about making a will, or if you are ready to get started on your will and other aspects of estate planning in Georgia, one of the Norcross estate planning attorneys at Bowman Law Firm can speak with you today. Contact us to learn more about how we can assist you.
Source:
law.justia.com/codes/georgia/title-53/
