PROBATE ATTORNEY IN LITHONIA, GEORGIA
During our many years of practicing family law in Georgia, clients often come to us after a loved one has died with questions about probate, a term that many individuals are familiar with but may not fully understand. If you have been named as the personal representative or a beneficiary in a will, E.N. Banks-Ware Law Firm, LLC can provide you with crucial advice and guidance.
What Is Probate?
Probate is a court-supervised proceeding for managing a deceased person’s estate and distributing the assets to the beneficiaries. Although this may seem straightforward, probate can be a complicated and confusing legal proceeding depending on the estate.
Being named a personal representative (often referred to as an executor) is a serious responsibility. In this role, you are considered a fiduciary and can be held liable for any mistakes or misdeeds. Moreover, managing a loved one’s estate can become more complex if the validity of the will is questioned. This is why it is critically important to have proper legal representation.
Is Probate Necessary in Georgia?
Generally, when a person dies with a will in place, his or her estate may need to go through a probate proceeding, however certain property is excluded from the process including:
Property in which title was held jointly with right of survivorship
Property held in a revocable living trust
Retirement accounts and life insurance policies with a named beneficiary
Savings and investment accounts with “pay on death” (POD) designations
If there is no will, and the value of the estate is less than $10,000 (the small estate threshold) however, any heir can petition the court for an order stating that no administration is necessary. The court will grant the request if all the heirs agree on how to divide the assets, and there are no debts, or creditors raising objections.
Overview of the Probate Process in Dekalb County, Georgia
Probate proceedings are handled by the probate court of the county in which the decedent lived. The individual named as the personal representative is responsible for carrying out the instructions of the will and distributing the estate assets to the beneficiaries.
The first step is to ask the probate court to be appointed. A hearing will be held at which the personal representative will take an oath. The court will then issue “Letters Testamentary” a legal document that authorizes the personal representative to carry his or her duties. These duties include:
Notifying beneficiaries and heirs named in the will
Inventorying and appraising estate assets
Paying the decedent’s debts to creditors
Filing the decedent’s final income taxes
Paying any applicable estate taxes
Distributing the remaining assets to the heirs
If there is no will in place, the person is said to have died “intestate.” If the estate exceeds the small estate threshold, one of the heirs must ask the court to be appointed the estate administrator. The court will issue Letters of Administration and open the proceeding. The duties of an estate administrator are similar to a personal representative’s duties, however, the estate assets must be managed and distributed according to the intestacy laws of Georgia, which generally gives priority to spouses, children, and parents.
How Long Does a Probate Proceeding Take? How Much Does it Cost?
The cost and duration of a probate proceeding depend on factors such as the size of the estate and the nature of the estate assets. Generally, probating a will in Georgia can take between 8 months and 1 year, unless the estate includes real estate that must be sold, which can prolong the process. In addition, the expenses associated with probate include executor fees, attorney and court fees, surety bonds, and appraisal costs.
What is a Will Contest?
At Times, Disputes May Arise Among the Beneficiaries or The Validity of The Will May Be Questioned. Either of These Disputes Can Result in Estate Litigation, Often Referred to As a Will Contest. Because a Will Contest Can Become a Protracted Legal Battle, It Is Often Better for The Parties to Reach a Negotiated Settlement.
Contact Our Lithonia Probate and Estate Administration Attorney
Taking on the role of a personal representative is a serious responsibility that can be difficult to take on while grieving the loss of a loved one. Moreover, administering an estate when there is no will can also pose challenges. Attorney Banks-Ware can help to lift those burdens by patiently guiding you through the probate process.
Well-versed on the state’s probate laws and the rules of procedure in the probate courts, she will take the time to explain the process, assist you with administering the estate, and make sure your interests are protected. Attorney Banks-Ware also works with beneficiaries and heirs to protect their inheritance rights.
Knowing that many individuals have never encountered the legal system, she will stand by you every step of the way, offering you the knowledge, compassion, and practical advice you need. Please contact the office today to discuss your situation.