estates, wills and probate litigation

Probate is the legal process of settling an estate after someone passes away. Even in the best of circumstances, the probate process is complex and time-consuming. However, when family dynamics come into play, the situation can become even more complicated. This can...

Dealing with the probate process can be an overwhelming experience, especially when it comes to managing the associated costs. Understanding what to expect financially is crucial for individuals tasked with overseeing the distribution of a loved one's estate. There...

The Judicial Council of Georgia reported 490,775 probate cases for 2021. These are likely to have been full cases where the court has to disburse and close out the estate matters of a deceased person. Sometimes, probate cases may require special steps. A good example...

Are you surprised to learn that Americans spend nearly $2 billion on probate every year? In fact, more than half of Americans have not written a will or built an estate plan, and this figure is significantly higher for African and Hispanic Americans (68% and 74%,...

Serving as the executor of an estate is an important duty that involves many administrative tasks. The executor is in charge of carrying out the will and distributing the property of someone who passed away. Understanding your responsibilities as an executor can help...

When a loved one dies, the last thing you want to deal with is the court. However, most estates must go through probate court. Probate is the process by which the court verifies a deceased person’s will and settles their debts. Probate court is often an emotionally...

At the age of 80, your widowed father is still healthy, and, though a long-time Georgia resident, he enjoys spending time in his Sarasota condo during the winter months. When he dies, you stand to inherit that property, but first, an ancillary probate proceeding must...

When a person dies with a will, it may need to go through probate. For loved ones, this may mean waiting a while before they inherit what the decedent wanted them to have. The probate process is something that many are not familiar with before having to become so....

After an individual dies, much of his or her property may have to pass through a series of legal steps before assets pass on to beneficiaries. Probate is the legal term for this process.  If the deceased had a will, the designated executor, or personal representative,...

If you agree to serve as an estate executor or administrator for a friend or family member, you must pay estate expenses and distribute property upon his or her death. Usually, this process goes smoothly, but you may experience challenges if a third party decides to...