Anyone over the age of 18 needs a will. As we get older, have children, and accumulate assets, it becomes even more important to create a will. Your will helps protect your wishes and gives your family and the courts clear directions to follow when you pass away.
Even a simple will can make a big difference, especially if you have loved ones who depend on you or you want to avoid future disputes. Drafting a will is a smart move once you become an adult.
Our Marietta estate planning lawyers have helped thousands of families with their elder law concerns. We can assist you in creating your will and other important documents. Call today to set up your Legacy Planning Meeting and discuss your challenges.
Can an Elder Law Attorney Help Me Make a Will?
Yes, an elder law attorney can help you create a will that’s tailored to your needs and fully compliant with Georgia law. We’ll take the time to understand your unique circumstances, answer your questions, and ensure your will reflects your wishes.
By planning, you can reduce the risk of confusion, conflict, or legal complications down the road. Whether you’re planning for your family, your property, or future care needs, you don’t have to figure it out alone. Getting legal support now can give you peace of mind later.
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What Are the Benefits of Having a Will?A will gives you control over what happens to your property, money, and personal items after you pass away. Your will can perform various functions, such as:
- Naming who receives your property and belongings
- Naming an executor to handle your estate
- Naming guardians for your minor children
- Preventing family disputes and confusion
- Reducing delays and legal costs during probate
- Leaving gifts to friends, charities, or causes you care about
- Protecting loved ones and giving guidance by making your wishes clear
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Do I Need a Will Even if I’m Not Wealthy?
Yes, you need a will if you are over 18, even if you don’t consider yourself wealthy. A will is about more than just money. Even if you don’t have a large bank account, you likely have personal items such as a car, sentimental belongings, or family heirlooms that matter to you.
A will gives you the power to decide who should receive those things and who you trust to manage your affairs. If you have children, a will also allows you to name a guardian to care for them. Without one, those important decisions are left to the courts.
When Should I Update My Will?
It’s important to update your will after major life events such as marriage, divorce, the birth of a child, or the loss of a loved one. Significant changes in your finances, a move to another state, or shifts in important relationships can also mean it’s time to revisit your estate plan.
Even if your circumstances haven’t changed much, reviewing your will every few years is a smart habit. A brief check-in with our attorneys can let you know if any updates are needed.
Can an Elder Law Attorney Help Me Change My Will?
Yes, our team can help you update your will the right way. Whether you need to add or remove someone, change your executor, or make other adjustments, we’ll walk you through each legal step to make sure updates are done properly.
Under Georgia law, changes to your will must be made through a formal codicil or by creating a new will. Directly editing your existing will can lead to confusion or even make it invalid.
How Does My Will Impact Probate?
Having a valid will can make the Georgia probate process smoother and more efficient. Probate is the legal process of settling your estate after death, such as paying debts, handling taxes, and distributing your assets.
When you leave a legally valid will that names an executor, the court can follow your instructions.
Georgia’s probate process can take up to a year to complete, even with a valid will. To avoid probate, should consider an Absolute Protection Trust™.
What Happens if I Pass Away Without a Will in Georgia?
If you die without a will in Georgia, the state decides how your property is divided according to Georgia’s intestacy laws. This usually means your assets go to your closest relatives, starting with your spouse and children.
If you don’t have a close family, the court will look for more distant relatives. This process doesn’t consider your personal wishes or relationships outside of your legal family, and avoiding it is a good reason to create a will early in life.
Get Help With Your Will and Estate Planning
At what age you need a will depends on your financial and family situation, but all adults would benefit from drafting one. Your will outlines your wishes, determines what happens with your assets, and establishes a plan for minor children upon your passing.
Your will is just one important document of the many that go into smart estate planning. At the same time you draft your will, consider creating powers of attorney and an advance directive.
Our team at Nelson Elder Care Law can address your questions and provide guidance. Call today to set up your Legacy Planning Meeting.
