Atlanta Estate Planning, Wills & Probate | Siedentopf Law

Make Life Easier for Your Loved Ones: Last Will & Testament for Georgia Residents

Who Needs a Will and Testament?

We all love to plan for the future, to make big plans for the goals and dreams we want to achieve. But no one enjoys making plans for the worst-case scenario. When we think about sitting down with an attorney to discuss in detail what we want done with our assets after we pass away, we chicken out. But, death is certain, and creating a legal document that outlines your wishes will make life much easier for your loved ones after you pass.
For Georgia Residents

What Should Be Included in Your Will?

We will advise you on all elements of setting up a last will & testament and will help ensure that your wishes are not only clearly outlined, but that potential disputes are addressed proactively.

Asset Management

Easily pass along specific assets to designated individuals or causes.

Decision Management

Designate specific individuals to manage your estate and affairs.

Guardianships

Designate specific guardians and create trusts for minor children.

Make Life Easier for You

Why Should I Start Will Planning Now?

Now is the best time to take this step. Even if you don’t have much to leave for your loved ones, a will can make the process easier and ensure that emotionally valuable things end up in the right hands. Even if you already have a trust in place, you should consider creating a Pour Over Will that designates child guardians and covers anything that may have inadvertently been left out of the trust.

Estate Planning

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Choosing a Will or Trust

Use Our Free Comparison Guide to Find Out Which is Right for You.

Decision Management

How to Choose a Will and Estate Planning Attorney

If you’re like most people, you probably don’t think much about your will or estate planning until it’s too late. But the truth is, will and estate planning is one of the most important things you can do for yourself and your loved ones. A will can help you protect your assets, minimize taxes, and ensure that your wishes are carried out after your death. And hiring an experienced estate planning lawyer can help you create a plan that meets your unique needs.

Don’t wait until it’s too late to start thinking about your estate plan. Contact an experienced estate planning attorney like Sarah Siedentopf today. With over 12 years of experience serving Georgia and the greater Atlanta community, we can help. Sarah is a published author on the subject of estate planning and has worked as an estate planning attorney in the Greater Atlanta area for over 12 years. Take a minute to schedule a consultation with Sarah and you will be glad you did.

Do You Need a Lawyer to Write a Will?

A common question we always hear – do you need a lawyer for your last will and testament? While you are not required to have a lawyer to create a will, there are several benefits to working with an experienced will and estate planning lawyer. An attorney can help you navigate the complex laws surrounding wills and estate planning, and they can also provide guidance on how to best distribute your assets. In addition, an attorney can ensure that your will is properly executed and witnessed. While there is no substitute for the peace of mind that comes with having a well-crafted will, working with a lawyer can give you the confidence that your final wishes will be carried out according to your specifications.

What are the legal requirements for a will in Georgia?

It is important to ensure that your will is legally binding. In order to do so, you must meet certain requirements to stay within Georgia law. First, you must be at least 14 years old. Second, you must be of sound mind and body, meaning that you are able to understand the nature of your property and who you want to inherit it. Your will must be in writing and signed by two witnesses and it must be signed by the testator. If you meet these requirements, your will be legally binding and will be given effect by a court after your death. The will should also have a notarized self-proving affidavit if possible.

What is a Living Will?

A living will (technically called an Advance Directive for Health Care in Georgia) is a legal document that outlines your wishes regarding medical treatment in the event that you become unable to communicate your decisions yourself. In your living will, you can specify what types of treatments you would or would not like to receive, and you can name a healthcare proxy – someone who will make decisions on your behalf if you are unable to do so yourself. A living will gives you peace of mind knowing that your wishes will be respected if you become seriously ill or injured, and it can help to avoid difficult conversations with your family and friends about your end-of-life care.

If you don’t have a living will, now is the time to create one. It’s an important step in ensuring that you get the care you want – and avoiding any unwanted medical treatments. Contact Siedentopf Law to schedule your consultation!

Decision Management

Do I need a Lawyer for a Living Will?

When it comes to making sure your wishes are carried out after you pass away, there is no substitute for having a legally binding document in place. Having a lawyer draft your living will can give you peace of mind of knowing that your wishes will be carried out according to the law. Without a living will, OR if your living will is not done in accordance with Georgia state law, your loved ones may have to make difficult decisions about your care without knowing what you would have wanted.

Decision Management

Power of Attorney vs Executor of a Will

When it comes to estate planning, there are two key roles that you may need to appoint: a power of attorney and an executor of your will. Both roles are important, but they have different responsibilities. A power of attorney is someone who you appoint to make financial decisions on your behalf if you become incapacitated. An executor, on the other hand, is responsible for carrying out your final wishes as outlined in your will.

If you become incapacitated, a power of attorney can step in and manage your finances for you. This includes paying your bills, managing your investments, and even making decisions about your medical care. Executors, on the other hand, only come into play after you die. Their job is to make sure that your final wishes are carried out, which can include distributing your assets according to your will, paying any outstanding debts, and dealing with any taxes owed.

 Appointing both a power of attorney and an executor is a smart way to protect yourself and your loved ones. By having someone in place to handle your finances if you become incapacitated, and someone else to carry out your final wishes when you die, you can rest assured that your affairs will be taken care of no matter what happens.

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Your Atlanta Will and Estate Planning Lawyer

If you live in Atlanta, and you are ready to start your estate planning journey, consider an experienced estate planning attorney like Sarah Siedentopf at Siedentopf Law. An estate planning attorney can help you create a comprehensive plan that includes provisions for your health care, finances, and property. Working with an experienced attorney can give you peace of mind knowing that your estate plan will be carried out according to your wishes. And in the event that something happens to you, your loved ones will be taken care of. Don’t wait until it’s too late. Contact Siedentopf Law today to get started on creating your will and estate plan.