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  • What is a Survivorship Deed?
    January 6, 2025
    What is a Survivorship Deed?
    A deed is the legal document that outlines the exact description and location of a property. It also clearly names the owner of the property. There are different types of deeds but today we will be discussing a Survivorship Deed. Survivorship Deeds A Survivorship Deed is also commonly known as a Joint Tenant With Right of Survivorship Deed, oftentimes abbreviated to JTWROS. This type of deed allows a
  • Avoiding Probate in Georgia
    June 13, 2024
    Avoiding Probate in Georgia
    Avoiding probate in Georgia is a major concern for many today. Some want to avoid it to cut fees and costs, while others understand the stress and time suck that the probate process can be to their loved ones. Today we’re taking a closer look at a few of my favorite ways to avoid probate. If you know me, you’re familiar with how much I love trusts. Avoiding probate is one
  • What Happens to My Investments When I Die?
    May 22, 2023
    What Happens to My Investments When I Die?
    What happens to my investments when I die? You may have written a Will or set up a trust, but what happens to those when you pass? Many people do not realize the effect that decisions, or non-decisions, made while you are alive have wide-ranging impacts on the people you leave behind. You may have written a Will or set up a trust, but how you hold your
  • What Happens If You Don’t File The Will For Probate?
    May 14, 2023
    What Happens If You Don’t File The Will For Probate?
    A will is a common estate planning tool that enables people to list their wishes about how their assets should be distributed after death. The will provides the probate court with guidance on overseeing the estate and how to handle any disputes over the will itself. When a person creates a will, he or she typically names a person to serve as their executor or personal representative. The executor is
  • Probate Explained – and How to Avoid It!
    March 8, 2023
    Probate Explained – and How to Avoid It!
    Probate is a court process that occurs after someone dies and involves the court overseeing the distribution of the deceased’s assets to their heirs or beneficiaries. In this article, we’ll explain the probate process and discuss alternatives to probate to help protect your heirs and assets. The Probate Process Probate typically includes the following steps: Filing the Petition: The first step in the probate process is to file
  • 5 Things An Estate Attorney Can Do, That DIY Estate Planning Services Can’t
    November 4, 2020
    5 Things An Estate Attorney Can Do, That DIY Estate Planning Services Can’t
    Summary: While D.I.Y. estate planning websites offer low-cost, computer-generated forms, potential customers should proceed with caution. The sites cannot provide guidance or legal advice, and any mistakes made can have a significant impact on your estate and your beneficiaries. Estate planning attorneys can address any concerns, help spot potential issues, guide you through the different options, and make sure that your paperwork is accurate and adheres to any
  • Don’t Mess Up Your Estate Plan! Five Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them 
    September 2, 2020
    Don’t Mess Up Your Estate Plan! Five Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them 
    Summary: When you're creating your estate plan, even a minor mistake can lead to major future problems. We're looking at five common estate planning errors and how to avoid them: 1) failing to create an estate plan, 2) failing to protect yourself while you're alive, 3) failing to update your beneficiaries, 4) failing to maintain records, and 5) failing to communicate your wishes. Having a complete and up-to-date
  • Why Proper Estate Planning Is So Important
    July 1, 2020
    Why Proper Estate Planning Is So Important
    Summary: An estate plan is a legal tool that enables you to protect yourself, your family, and your assets. While it may seem awkward or stressful to begin working on your estate plan, remember: this is your opportunity to take care of your loved ones and protect your life’s work.  Why Proper Estate Planning Is So Important An estate plan is a legal tool that enables you to
  • Preparing for Your First Probate Meeting
    December 17, 2019
    Preparing for Your First Probate Meeting
    Fulfilling a loved one’s estate planning requests can be confusing and difficult. The probate process involves navigating the court system, understanding Georgia’s legal requirements, and wrapping up final tax filings and other administrative duties. But Siedentopf Law is here to help. As a probate firm, we help our clients monitor and manage the probate process. We also advise clients on a number of legal issues related to probate
  • Does a will help you avoid probate?
    October 24, 2019
    Does a will help you avoid probate?
    One of the questions we commonly hear at Siedentopf Law is “If I have a will, does that mean I can avoid the probate process?” The short answer is no. However, having a will in place can make the probate process easier for everyone involved. What is a will? A Last Will and Testament is a legal document in which a person provides instructions for the distribution of