Estate planning can be difficult for anyone, but in some ways, the executor of the estate ends up with the hardest job. It is important to talk with your Marietta estate planning lawyer to determine if your chosen executor is right for the task. He or she can help clear up some of the confusion...

Any type of co-parenting relationship can be complicated, especially when the relationship ends in divorce. Divorcing parents of a special needs child, even one that has reached adulthood, may have questions about their rights and obligations as guardians when it comes to making decisions for a...

Granting someone power of attorney means that you are giving them the authority to make important decisions on your behalf should you be incapable of making them yourself. The scope, duration, and other specifics are up to you. While the laws vary in each state, it's usually as simple as draf...

Once an older loved one starts to show signs of dementia, you will likely need to start thinking about the type of care he or she will need in the future. When your loved one gets to the point where he or she is no longer able to remain in their home, a dementia care facility could be your best...

Excluding someone from your will, particularly if it's your spouse or your child, can be complicated. In some states, it's not even allowed. Leaving out people who wouldn't automatically receive any of your estate is usually as simple as just not including them. However, if you do want to be sp...

When a child with special needs turns 18, he or she becomes an adult in the eyes of the law. However, if the child's disability prevents him or her from making adult decisions and being able to manage his or her affairs, the parents will need to petition the local court for legal guardianship o...

One of the main benefits of estate and trust planning according to lawyers in Cobb County is the avoidance of probate proceedings. But what does that mean? And why should you want to avoid probate in the first place? The main reason to avoid probate in Cobb County is simply that it's a long, p...

Marietta estate planning lawyers are often asked by their clients to explain what comprises a basic estate plan. Unfortunately, there's no simple answer to this question because an estate plan all depends on the situation and the needs of the individual. For instance, a basic estate plan for on...

One of the hardest things a senior must come to grips with is that he or she can no longer operate an automobile safely. However, this is not usually something they'll admit to themselves, even if they know it's the truth. Most of the time it is up to their adult children to determine when it's...

As we age, simple things we took for granted as kids become more difficult -- and more expensive. That's a truth all of us know. What you may not realize is that the aging middle class will face unique difficulties going forward. The private market offers options for assisted living, but at a...

Marietta Special Needs Lawyer: Special Needs Trusts Protect Government Benefits and MUCH More Unfortunately, many parents of children with special needs wait until their child turns 18 to consider creating a Special Needs Trust. Sometimes, they even wait until their child eventuall...

A common misconception is that only wealthy families and people in high-risk professions need to have an asset protection plan. But in reality, anyone can be sued. A car accident, foreclosure, unpaid medical bills, or an injured tenant can result in a monetary judgment that will decimate your...

Before You Hire a Marietta Elder Law Attorney…Ask These 10 Questions First! You could never fit the dreams, goals, and desires of your family into a one-size-fits-all box. Nor can you fully anticipate the unique challenges, changes, and loss you and your loved ones may face ahead. ...

If you've heard of a 529 Plan, you probably think of it as a means of education funding for your children or your grandchildren. These plans are sponsored by state agencies or educational institutions, and they're available to people of all income brackets. While a 529 Plan is a great tool 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...

One of the most common questions asked when it comes to settling an estate in is, “How long is this going to take?” The answer to that question is, of course, going to vary depending upon several factors. In some situations, Cobb County probate may just take several weeks or a few months; in ...

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 ...

Elder Care Lawyer in Marietta Offers Important Strategies for Dementia Patients Elder care lawyers in Marietta work with families to prepare for any number of situations in the estate planning process. One circumstance that is especially relevant to elder care law is dementia. Alzh...

Whether or not you have an estate plan in place, you have likely heard the term “probate”. Probate is the legal process by which a deceased individual's assets are distributed under court supervision. This process is necessary to distribute assets that are solely in the name of the deceased p...

If you have a loved one with disabilities, you may be familiar with “ABLE” accounts, authorized by Congress in 2014 under the Achieving a Better Life Experience Act.  ABLE accounts are tax-advantaged savings accounts–similar to 529 education savings plans–whose funds can be used to pay for ce...

The Do-It-Yourselfer—A Sad But True Story | Marietta Estate Planning Attorney I have no hesitation saying that my wife and I are DIYers, but we recognize our limits. Doing it yourself can save you some dough, but you need to be smart about it. It doesn't save you one dime if you la...

Marietta Will and Trust Lawyer on How to “Marie Kondo” Your Financial Life and Streamline Your Estate Planning Process If you're not familiar with Marie Kondo, take some time this week to watch one of her videos on YouTube or check out her new Netflix series, Tidying Up with Marie ...

Estate Planning Bucket List from a Marietta Estate Planning Lawyer We've pretty much all heard about “bucket lists,” but that term can take on a little bit of a different meaning when you're a Marietta estate planning lawyer.  We deal with the reality every day that life is fleetin...

Estate Planning for Single People | Will and Trust Attorney Canton GA Do single people need a will or trust attorney?  Yes! Really, “yes” is the only answer that's really needed, but we'll go ahead and create a whole blog post to offer some insight as to why estate planning is im...

How to Choose an Executor or Successor Trustee with Your Woodstock GA Estate Lawyer The decision of who to appoint as your executor or trustee is a huge one, and we've talked about it a bit in the past.  Still, it's important to make sure that you have the information you need to m...