You trust your spouse completely. But if you're in a blended family and your estate plan simply says "everything goes to my spouse," your own children could end up with nothing - not because anyone meant harm, but because ownership changes everything. Read more…
Retirement accounts follow different rules from other assets you may own. After you die, the people you love most may face unexpected tax burdens if you don’t understand how the rules work. Read more...
A living trust offers immediate protection and probate avoidance, but understanding how it works and whether it fits your goals is essential to making the right choice. Read more...
Creating a trust in your will might sound like good planning, but understanding what you're actually trying to accomplish matters more than the type of trust you choose. Read more...
If your estate plan is years old, or you did it yourself, you may call an attorney asking for a quick, low-cost review of your estate planning documents, thinking it’s a quick and easy process. The reality is that an estate plan review is (or should be) more complicated than most people think. Read more...
Understanding the tax implications of different inherited assets can help you structure your estate to minimize your beneficiaries' tax burden. Read more...
A Lady Bird Deed (or a Transfer on Death Deed in Georgia as it's more particularly referenced) can protect your home and simplify things for your family after you're gone, but it's not a complete estate plan on its own. Understanding when this tool works and when you need more comprehensive planning makes all the difference. Read more...
Many people worry about leaving debt behind for their loved ones, but the reality of what happens to debt after death is more complex than you likely realize. Read more...
If you're planning for your own future or helping aging parents, understanding options for living and long-term care isn't just about finding a nice place to live. It's about navigating a complex web of legal, financial, and personal decisions that will affect quality of life, inheritance, and fa...
Every year, billions of dollars quietly sit with state governments, unclaimed and forgotten. Learn how proper estate planning keeps what you own from getting lost. Read more…
Probate can delay access to money, property, and answers when families need them most. Read more...
You've spent a lifetime collecting memories, treasures, and possessions, but without proper planning, these items could become an overwhelming burden for your loved ones. Read more...
Choosing between a will and a trust can shape your family’s future. Learn what to consider so your plan truly works. Read more...
You probably know you “should” have a will or a trust, but have you ever talked with your family about why your money exists in the first place? A simple family mission statement can dramatically increase the odds that your wealth and your relationships stay intact for generations. Read more...
The SECURE Act 2.0 reshaped retirement planning. Learn how these changes impact your loved ones and why proper planning matters now. Read more...
It’s heartbreaking when one spouse is eager to protect the family through estate planning and the other resists. Here’s what to do when your partner isn’t on board. Read more...
Caring for aging parents alongside siblings can strain even the closest family relationships. Learn why these tensions arise and how proper planning now can prevent conflict when your own children face these decisions. Read more...
Think your family's White Elephant gift exchange gets competitive? Wait until there's no estate plan and they're fighting over Dad's classic car instead of a singing fish. Learn why your legacy shouldn't be left to chance (or family politics)...
The holidays are the perfect time to talk about death, money, and legacy, not with fear, but with love. Read more...
As lawyers, when we think about a case headed to mediation, the issues sometimes seem obvious, and we may even think, this case doesn't “need” to have a mediation position paper or mediation statement as they are sometimes called. I confess that I even had cases as a litigator where that was a te...
Mediation is a great opportunity to resolve disputes without the need for lengthy litigation or the uncertainty of the timing or even outcome at trial. When properly coordinated, all decision makers are available at mediation to resolve the dispute. For best results, the decision makers need to have all the information necessary to evaluate fully the case before the start of mediation...
3 Critical Principles for Successful Personal Injury Mediation - Are you preparing for a personal injury mediation? Success will be heavily influenced by these three components...
If you are a parent in Georgia, it's important to be aware of both the parental responsibility law and the family purpose doctrine. By understanding these legal theories and having adequate insurance coverage, you can help protect yourself and your family from potential liability.
Accidents are often traumatic and shocking experiences. It is easy to make a decision that can reduce your chances of recovering medical expenses, lost wages, and the costs for repairing or replacing your vehicle. Here are ten things that you should remember if you are ever in an accident in Geo...
Why is it important to “move over” when approaching a stopped emergency vehicle if you are not speeding or driving dangerously? Georgia is one of over 30 states that have “move over” laws.1 The statute dealing with Georgia's move over law is O.C.G.A. § 40-6-16. This statute states that drivers ...
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