Wills
For Georgia individuals and families, it is necessary to have a will to be prepared for the future. A will allows you to determine what happens to your assets, money, and possessions, when you pass away. Rather than allow your assets to be distributed by the state of Georgia, it is important to have a will so that your assets can go to exactly whom you want them to. If you die without a will, your assets may go to someone you did not envision or intend.
Probate
After a loved one passes away in Georgia, the next step is often to go through the probate process. Preparing ahead of time, with a will, and with the help of an estate planning lawyer, you can best plan so you can navigate the process with the fewest complications. If you recently lost a loved one in Georgia, going through the necessary steps to probate a will can be very difficult. Whether or not your loved one who passed away left a will, McLeod Law Firm can advise you on the best course of action.
Trusts
Trusts in Georgia exist to help individuals and families plan for their financial future. A trust can help avoid the probate process after a loved one dies. Trusts can also help set aside funds for pets or relatives with special needs to ensure they are taken care of. There are several different types of trusts, and not every one is appropriate for every situation. An experienced Georgia trusts and estates lawyer can help you navigate setting up and executing your trusts.
Power of Attorney
Power of attorney allows you to give permission to others to make financial decisions on your behalf. This can be in either a wide or narrow scope, or short or long duration of time. Power of attorney is flexible. Power of attorney can also be conditional based on the occurrence of a particular event. Because of the different ways powers of attorney can be used, you should speak with a Georgia power of attorney law firm to learn about your options.
Guardianships and Conservatorships
A guardianship or conservatorship helps to allow another person to make decisions on behalf of either yourself or a loved one if needed. Guardianships are often used for minor children. Conservatorships are often used for disabled adults. The guardian or conservator is one charged with acting in the best interests of their ward. But, if a court determines that the guardian is not, their guardianship can be removed. To learn more about guardianships and conservatorships, contact the Braselton and Gainesville law offices of McLeod Law Firm.
Advance Directive for Health Care
Advance directives for health care address what should happen if you become ill and cannot make decisions for yourself. The advance directive does things like giving power to another person, an agent, to make decisions for you. It also can mention your treatment preferences, such as if you have a terminal condition or become permanently unconscious. To learn about what goes into an advance directive and get assistance setting yours up, McLeod Law Firm, with offices in Braselton and Gainesville, can help.