An unexpectedly common problem that Georgia estate planning lawyers encounter is how the proceeds of an estate are handled when the beneficiary gets divorced. We don't want to think of our children dealing with the pain of a divorce, but losing the inheritance you left behind would certainly pour...

Twenty years ago, Jim and Sandy, age 45 at the time, went on their first vacation without their kids since they were married.   They had no planning documents in place, and had to scramble quickly to get a simple will and a power of attorney to make sure their kids would be taken care of should...

Congratulations to Georgia Estate Plan: Worrall Law LLC Founding Attorney Stephen M. Worrall for Selection as 2020 Georgia Super Lawyer in Estate Planning! The Super Lawyers list recognizes no more than 5 percent of attorneys in each state. This is the fourth year of his selection in that pract...

Are you like the groundhog…occasionally we stick our heads out of our warm, protected, cave of ignorance to think about what would happen to our family if something unexpectedly happens to us. In regard to estate planning, are you the type to peek-out, see your shadow, and go back into your safe and warm bunker and hide type of person? Or do you step out and face the day and charge full steam ahead?

On December 20, 2019, President Trump signed into law the SECURE Act Setting Every Community Up for Retirement Enhancement), which was surprisingly included a last-minute appropriations bill designed to avert a government shutdown before the end of the year. The new law will now affect how individuals are able to save money for their retirement, and how heirs will eventually be able to use those funds once the account holder has passed away. Key changes under the SECURE Act include the following:

There is great news for clients with certain family members or other beneficiaries – this year brought with it a huge change in the law that benefits beneficiaries who are disabled or chronically ill. The Setting Every Community Up for Retirement Enhancement (SECURE) Act was integrated into the...

Farming or ranching is more than a means of livelihood – it is about preserving a legacy and unique way of life.  Unfortunately, many farmers and ranchers fail to make an estate plan.  The farm or ranch that has been passed down for generations then ends up being sold and converted into non-a...

You may have heard of a revocable living trust (RLT), which is a commonly used estate planning solution. But what exactly are they, who is affected by them, how can they be changed, and what do they accomplish? What Are They? Trusts, which are legal entities that hold title to property for ...

A will or trust contest can derail your final wishes, rapidly deplete your estate, and tear your loved ones apart. But with proper planning, you can help your family avoid a potentially disastrous will or trust contest.  If you are concerned about challenges to your estate plan, consider the...

If you are thinking about putting together an estate plan, it is important to consult with an attorney who is knowledgeable and experienced in this area of law. Your initial meeting with an estate planning attorney is a good opportunity to discuss your family's financial situation as well as ...

One of the most important aspects of estate planning is the overall effect it will have on an individual or couple's children.  Whether these are minor children who will need a guardian or adult children who are already on their own, the need for financial planning exists.  A good estate planni...

You have likely seen several advertisements for reverse mortgages if you have spent any time watching television or surfing on the internet. The concept and sell is a simple one: as long as you own and live in your home, you can supplement your retirement income with a loan that you do not ne...

When it comes to estate planning there are several types of tools you can use, depending on your circumstances. One such estate planning tool is the trust. There are numerous types of trusts aimed at fulfilling different estate planning purposes. If you are anticipating an inheritance, there ...

To the general public, a trust may seem like an advanced tool only for the wealthiest among us. But, the reality is that trusts are a foundational estate planning tool with a solid history for being highly effective in ensuring a person's wishes are carried out. The process begins with the ma...

2017 is now fading into the rearview mirror. As we all look ahead to 2018, let's consider a few things to watch regarding estate planning, so you and your family can be completely protected. The death tax. The death tax has been in a state of flux ever since the early 2000s when the Bush ad...

There is a common misconception that estate plans are only for the ultra-rich - the top 1 percent, 10%, 20%, or some other arbitrary determination of “enough” money.  In reality, nothing could be further from the truth. People at all income and wealth levels can benefit from a comprehensive e...

You come into the world a blank slate, and as you grow, you gain wisdom. You've planned your estate to leave physical assets to beneficiaries, so now think about leaving them something that's just as important but less tangible: the hard-won wisdom you've accumulated over your life. Let your ...

Substance addiction is by no means rare, impacting as many as one in seven Americans. Because of its prevalence, navigating a loved one's addiction is actually a relatively common topic in everyday life. But you should also consider it when working on your estate planning. Whether the addicti...

Estate planning lawyers in Marietta are most often considered by folks who are wanting to put their end-of-life affairs in order. The lawyer helps them to draw up important documents such as ...

When you hire an attorney for estate planning, help with a loved one's estate, or any other legal matter you want to make sure that the work gets done as quickly as possible and at the best possible value.  Here are some tips to have the most useful and value-oriented law firm experience. ...

It's official — the Electoral College voted on December 19, 2016, essentially completing the 2016 presidential election cycle. With that bit of uncertainty behind us and a fresh year starting out, here's what you need to know about planning your estate under the incoming Trump administration ...

Every one of us receives and passes on an inheritance. The inheritance may not be an accumulation of earthly possessions or acquired riches, but whether we realize it or not, our choices, words, actions, and values will impact someone and form the heritage we hand down. — Ben Hardesty Succes...

George Carlin would have been a great pitchman for estate planning. You may remember his stand-up routine on "stuff." We all have stuff, and we're pretty particular about our stuff. We move it around with us, it's hard for some of us to get rid of it, and some of us don't like our stuff mixed u...