Woodstock Trusts and Estates Lawyer

Item: Nelson Elder Care Law
Rating: 5
Author: Ben M.

While many people may not consider what will happen to their personal assets after they pass away, it is important to put together a plan to avoid the state being responsible for your belongings. Constructing a comprehensive estate plan can ensure your surviving family members and beneficiaries, as well as state courts, are clear on how you want your affairs to be handled.

However, drafting a plan that is both thorough and legally valid can be tricky without help from a seasoned attorney. By retaining a qualified Woodstock trusts and estates lawyer, you could make this entire process much easier on you and your family, as well as ensure your plan covers everything you want it to while meeting all the legal requirements.

Drafting an Enforceable Will

State law imposes fairly few restrictions on what makes for a legally enforceable last will and testament. Wills are required to be in writing and signed by the person drafting it and two witnesses. While filling out a basic will template online may get the job done quickly, it may do nothing to prevent a testator from accidentally leaving out key instructions or ensuring a simple probate process for their loved ones.

It is usually a good idea to work with a Woodstock trusts and estates attorney when drafting a will, as their experience could come in handy when it comes to crafting a document that is both easy to execute upon and hard to misinterpret. Legal counsel could also help modify outdated wills through the drafting of codicils, as well as help write a new will to completely cancel out an old one.

Why is Professional Guidance Through the Probate Process Important?

Of course, even a well-written will generally has to go through probate before its directives can be enforced, and that process can be challenging. In the state of Georgia, probate can take from 6 to 9 months to get through the entire process, even if a decedent owns real property and has financial accounts in their name. This leaves the heirs and beneficiaries waiting while a court meddles in their loved one’s affairs. Guidance from a seasoned attorney can be essential to ensuring probate goes as smoothly as possible, or potentially even avoiding it altogether.

Forming Trusts in Woodstock

In many situations, putting certain assets into a trust can help shorten or eliminate the need for probate and simplify distribution to beneficiaries after a testator passes away. However, identifying what the right type of trust is for a particular situation can be hard for any individual to manage by themselves. A trusts and estates lawyer in Woodstock could help with both the formation and execution of revocable and irrevocable trusts, as well as with modifications should they become necessary.

Speak with a Woodstock Trusts and Estates Attorney Today

Unfortunately, very little about trusts and estates law is simple, and given how important your estate plan can be to your family’s future financial security, it is essential you retain reliable representation. A dedicated Woodstock trusts and estates lawyer could be your legal lifeline from start to finish of the estate planning process. To schedule your initial consultation, 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

Client Reviews

By: Ben M.

Title: Your Family Will be in Great Hands

Description: I was recommended to Nelson Elder Care Law by a colleague of mine who is in the senior living industry, safe to say he knows who the best in the business are since he works in this space day in and day out. I connected with them, set up a mutually convenient time and day to go deeper and since then have recommended others to consult with them. Their great reputation precedes them in the best way - your family will be in great hands.

Rating: ★★★★★ 5 / 5 stars