Estate, Wills & Probate
Estate law addresses a wide range of matters that go well beyond the drafting of a last will and testament. Depending on the needs of the client, it can address guardianship issues for young families, dictate medical care in case of incapacity, put a retired parent's affairs in order or help a family with probate needs.
The legal team at Marger Stuart Law serves clients in Georgia, Tennessee, Florida, and Washington, D.C. with expert estate planning guidance and help with probate issues. Our lawyers will work with you to address all of the important issues in regard to your estate. The right estate plan can be a final gift to family members because it addresses all important and possibly contentious decisions, thereby ensuring that the probate process and dispersal of assets go as smoothly as possible.
Common Estate & Probate Services
- Draft a Will: We can help create a thoughtfully drafted will that addresses all of your needs and is carefully constructed to minimize potential disputes.
- Probate administration: We can provide steady guidance during the months it takes to organize assets, pay taxes and other bills, and even collect money owed to the decedent.
- Power of attorney: This enables an individual or attorney to oversee financial decisions if a client is unable do so themselves. The POA is appointed by the individual and then can be terminated by the individual.
- Health care directives: We can address these matters in a living will in case you become incapacitated.
- Determining a legal guardian or conservatorship: This is always a good idea for families with young children or that include adults unable to care for themselves. A guardian is in charge of the person's care, while the conservator is in charge of the property. It is generally best if these roles are handled by different people. Courts will appoint these if they have not been determined by the person in need.
- Modifications: It is a good idea for individuals to update their estate plan every few years or as major shifts occur in your life, such as divorce or marriage.
- Contesting a will: Sometimes the will does not take all the facts into account and mediation or litigation is needed.