Issues with Estate Planning in Woodstock

Many issues can arise during the Estate Planning process. The requirements to create an Estate Plan are not complex, but it is essential that whatever documents you use to create this plan are clear concerning your intent. An unclear plan can result in an Estate entering Probate under the state’s Intestacy laws, distributees fighting over property, or the improper payments of Estate debt.

Any of these outcomes could leave your heirs, Beneficiaries, and creditors unclear to their rights and significantly delay or necessitate additional Probate. Identifying some of the common issues with Estate Planning in Woodstock could help you to participate in more effective Estate Planning and provide you with greater peace of mind. Our experienced lawyers at Nelson Elder Care Law can help you identify many of these issues and ensure that they do not hamper your heirs’ ability to inherit.

Improperly Formed Estate Plan Documents

Anyone over the age of 14 and of sound mind are able to create a Will that speaks as to their desires after death. However, the written form of the Will must contain certain elements in order to be considered valid.

According to the Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 53-4-20, you must sign the Will personally or order another person to sign it on your behalf in your presence. Additionally, two other parties must witness the signing of the Will and sign the document themselves in your presence.

Similar rules concern the creation of Trusts. You must have the intent to create the documents. Additionally, you must sign the document in the presence of a notary, who will affix a seal to the document. Our well-practiced lawyers in Woodstock can help you create Wills and other testamentary documents that meet the legal requirements to avoid legal issues.

Why is it an Issue to Not Properly Name Beneficiaries?

Even before you drafts your Will or Trust document, it is vital to take stock of your assets and liabilities. This helps to both educate you as to your financial situation and to leave no detail unresolved when creating testamentary documents that distribute those assets.

This process is especially vital if a Probate court declares a Will to be invalid. When this occurs, the court will ask the executor of the Estate to attempt to prove the Will. In other words, your Estate Administrator must determine your intent through witness testimony or other writings.

Similar processes can result if parties contest the legality of a trust. Invalidations of any testamentary document can see an Estate rendered Intestate. This means that a Probate court will distribute property to heirs according to O.C.G.A. § 53-2-1. A failure to account for all assets and beneficiaries is a common issue with Estate Planning in Woodstock.

Allow Our Woodstock Attorneys to Prevent Issues with Estate Planning

Comprehensive Estate Planning requires you to understand the potential issues that may arise. These generally concern the proper creation of these documents. This includes both ensuring that Wills and Trusts take a proper form and working to create content that satisfies all your needs.

Working with our seasoned lawyers at Nelson Elder Care Law could help you to avoid these common issues with Estate Planning in Woodstock. Our attorneys can take the lead to identify potential problems and enact proactive steps that work to limit the potential impact of these issues. Call today.

Hear From Our Clients

“On the threshold of retirement, we finally decided to quit thinking we could self-prepare the requisite documents. We had previously had only a very simple will. We needed the necessary legal (including updated will) & health care docs but didn’t want to deal with the time & complication of legalese. Cindy made the process relatively painless. She took the time to explain and answer questions without trying to upsell services. We were done in 2 meetings plus the reading of emailed drafts. In addition to preparing the documents, Nelson Eldercare will be there when our adult children need advice on executing the plans we’ve put in place.So glad it’s behind us and would recommend Cindy and her helpful staff.”

- Bonnie

Cindy and her company treat their clients like family. Nelson’s offers clear, direct, and honest guidance in planning for your families security and future. No one wants to actively sit down and make these decisions, but Nelson’s makes this process seamless. I was so impressed with their willingness to answer all questions big or small. So glad I made the decision have them help my mom and dad and now me. You can’t go wrong with Nelson’s Elder Care Law.

- Hope

The very best elder law attorney and staff anyone could ever ask for! I have referred a number of clients to Cindy and she never disappoints. She is kind, caring, and extremely thorough in making sure everything is completed as it should be. I highly recommend Cindy for anyone needing lawyer services; she truly goes above and beyond for every client she helps and has had a huge impact in so many peoples’ lives. Thank you, Cindy and staff, for everything that you do- I’m so glad to know you!

- Kerri

I heard Cindy’s presentation at a Senior Luncheon at my church, and was very impressed. She helped my daughter and me understand many aspects of elder law. Josh has also been very helpful in my planning to enter an independent living situation . I have told many friends about them.

- Charlotte

Cindy and the Nelson Elder Care Law team are trustworthy and helpful. They are the experts in elder care law. At Leaf Cremation, we entrust our families to the care of the Nelson team when their services are needed.

- Pierce