Find out today how Lanier Law Group can offer unique, affordable solutions and guidance to securing your family's future.
Gainesville Probate Attorney
Helping Clients With Probate Matters in Georgia
Nestled in the center of Gainesville, GA, Lanier Law Group is a family-run estate planning law office. Our committed team, who only focuses on estate planning, is available to help you with every stage of the probate procedure. Clear communication is crucial, especially in trying circumstances, and we aim to give you peace of mind by offering a flat price structure that guarantees there won't be any unexpected expenses. Start your estate planning process with us by utilizing our complimentary consultation. We at Lanier Law Group are your partners in future planning, not just lawyers.
Call Lanier Law Group at (770) 343-2414 or contact us online to schedule a consultation with our probate lawyer in Gainesville.
What is The Probate Process in Georgia?
When a person passes away, the probate process is overseen by the local county. Contrary to what’s popularly believed, having a will does not protect your assets from going through probate. A will can make the probate process considerably more efficient, and its results are more likely to be aligned with the deceased’s last wishes than if a will didn’t exist. However, in the absence of a trust, the probate process is the means by which the assets of the deceased are distributed.
Your Gainesville probate attorney will locate the beneficiaries and inform them of their inheritance. The Probate Court will need to validate the will. This is a time when anyone who wishes to contest a will can step forward.
It’s worth pointing out that while Georgia law does allow for anyone to be the administrator of a will–the executor, as it’s called in legal terminology–a lawyer can be quite helpful in difficult situations, including dealing with a dispute over a will’s validity.
Financial background from the lawyer/executor might also be important. Before assets can be distributed, they have to be identified. An estate with complex financial holdings might require some work and skill in determining what the final value of an inheritance is.
Once a will is validated, assets confirmed and beneficiaries located, there’s still the matter of any outstanding debts. Creditors can make their final claim on any money they are owed. The lawyer executing the probate process can use the assets of the estate to settle any debts, at which point inheritances can be distributed.
The roles of overseeing probate or administering a trust call for knowledge on both legal and financial issues. Lanier Law Group has both.
When Is Probate Necessary In Georgia?
Probate is generally necessary in Georgia when the deceased person owns assets solely in their name, such as real estate, bank accounts, vehicles, or other valuable property. Other assets may typically be transferred to their new owners without going through probate. Certain assets, such as those held in a living trust or with designated beneficiaries, can be passed directly to the beneficiaries without going through probate.
Other common examples of assets that do not need to go through probate are:
- Assets in a revocable living trust
- Life insurance or pension benefits that are payable to a specific beneficiary
- Assets for a beneficiary who was named outside the will, such as payable-on-death accounts or retirement accounts where the loved one who has passed named a beneficiary
During the probate process, several important steps are taken, including:
- Validating the will, if there is one, to ensure its legality.
- Identifying and inventorying the deceased person's assets and property.
- Notifying creditors and settling any outstanding debts or claims.
- Distributing the remaining assets to beneficiaries or heirs according to the will or state laws of intestacy.
While the probate process is designed to be orderly and fair, it can be complex and time-consuming. That's where our experienced probate attorneys in Gainesville, GA, can assist you. At Lanier Law Group, we understand the intricacies of Georgia probate laws and can guide you through the entire process efficiently.
What Are The Costs Associated With Probate In Georgia?
Understanding the costs associated with probate in Georgia is essential for estate planning. As Gainesville probate attorneys, we strive to provide clarity on these expenses. The probate process generally involves court fees, which vary based on the estate's size and complexity. These fees cover administrative tasks and document filings. At Lanier Law Group, we can offer specific insights into these charges.
Attorney fees may be a significant part of probate costs and may be billed hourly, as a flat fee, or as a percentage of the estate's value. Other potential expenses include appraisal fees for asset valuation, accounting fees for financial oversight, and bond premiums if required. The estate's complexity and any disputes can further influence costs, potentially increasing them. At Lanier Law Group, our services are based on a flat fee structure with no hidden costs.
Ultimately, engaging experienced probate lawyers in Gainesville can help you navigate these expenses, providing a smoother probate process and peace of mind as you manage your loved one's estate.
Understanding the Role of a Probate Attorney
Probate can be a complex and time-consuming process, especially during a difficult time of loss. A probate attorney can help guide you through the legal steps involved in administering an estate, resolving disputes, and ensuring that assets are distributed according to the deceased's wishes.
Our experienced probate attorneys at Lanier Law Group in Gainesville, GA, can provide valuable assistance in the following ways:
- Interpreting the deceased's will and estate plan
- Filing necessary court documents and paperwork
- Resolving disputes among beneficiaries
- Identifying and valuing assets
- Distributing assets to heirs and beneficiaries
By working with a probate attorney, you can navigate the probate process with confidence and peace of mind. Contact our probate lawyer in Gainesville to discuss your specific needs and concerns.
How Can Our Attorneys Help You
Our Gainesville probate lawyers provide personalized attention and are dedicated to handling your matter with compassion and professionalism. We offer a flat fee structure with no hidden costs, ensuring transparency and predictability in our services.
With years of experience in probate law, we have helped numerous clients navigate the complexities of the probate process, allowing them to focus on grieving and healing. Contact us for a free consultation with a skilled probate attorney in Gainesville. We are here to support you and provide you with the guidance and representation you need during this challenging time.
Contact Our Probate Lawyer in Gainesville Today
Still, other examples give the trust administration lawyer considerable discretion. Parents may be worried about an adult child on questions ranging from substance abuse to an excessively lavish lifestyle. They want to take care of their adult child but don’t want to see an inheritance wasted. As a way of protecting their adult child, an inheritance might be made conditional on recovery or some other form of life progress. The trust administration attorney would make those difficult decisions.
Overseeing probate and trust administration is something that requires deep knowledge of the law and finance, and it means turning to a Georgia probate and trusts law firm that you can rely on.
Call our Gainesville office at (770) 343-2414 or contact us online to set up a consultation.
