Plan Your Estate With The Help Of Sexton & Moody, P.C.
An estate plan is an essential financial and legacy-focused building block for any thoughtful person or couple. This is especially true when someone is a business owner or has dependents. Someone with a blended family should be especially attentive to the terms of their will and other estate planning documents. If you die without a will altogether, you risk leaving the distribution of your life’s work to chance – or, more precisely, to standardized laws of the state of Georgia. Creating a will and using other legal tools is the only way to ensure that the fate of your estate will be personalized in line with your wishes.
Sexton & Moody, P.C., in McDonough, is a trusted name among law firms in the region. Best known for criminal defense, we also provide valuable services that many clients regularly ask for, including estate planning.
Let Us Help You Get Your Estate Plan In Order
An estate plan including the following can literally be worth its weight in gold for your next of kin, and provide peace of mind for you during your lifetime:
- A will
- Power of attorney
- An advance health care directive
- One or more trusts
When you turn to Sexton & Moody, P.C., we will start by discussing your goals and reviewing any existing estate planning documents that may need to be replaced or revised. We will also guide you through the process of settling someone else’s estate in probate court or through the administration of a trust.
When Is The Best Time To Update Your Will?
We advise people to get their will and other estate planning tools out every so often and see what parts should be revised. Our McDonough estate planning lawyers especially recommend reviewing – and possibly updating – estate plans, including wills, at the following times:
- After you have moved from one state to another
- After a marriage, divorce, death or birth in the family
- After you or your spouse starts a business or becomes invested and involved in a business
If estate planning is on your mind today, this is the perfect time to schedule a consultation and look forward to speaking with a trusted attorney about your hopes and dreams for your final legacy.
When Should You Create An Estate Plan?
It is never too early or too late to create your estate plan. Whether you just welcomed your first child or decided to retire early, having a sound estate plan can protect you and your future. Ideally, you should create an estate plan as soon as you reach adulthood and start accumulating your own assets. No matter where you are in life, our estate planning attorneys can help customize a plan that meets your needs and goals.
How Are Wills And Trusts Different?
While often used together in a comprehensive estate plan, wills and trusts serve different purposes. A will is a legal document that specifies who inherits certain assets and names guardians for any minor children. It can also specify wishes for final arrangements.
A trust is more complex and allows for the transfer of assets when someone is alive or after their death. It provides for more control and protection over specific assets. You can also use a trust to benefit a charity, preserve assets for minors until they become adults and minimize estate taxes.
What To Look For In A Guardian For Your Children?
No one wants to think about what happens to their children if they die or become incapacitated. However, appointing a guardian for your minor children is an essential step every parent should take in their estate planning process. When selecting a guardian, it is important to consider who will best take care of the children themselves and who will be able to manage their assets. You also want to consider the financial stability, the health of the guardian and shared values.
The Benefits Of Creating An Estate Plan With The Help Of An Attorney
When you research estate planning, you may see websites offering quick and easy do it yourself estate planning options. However, by not working with an experienced estate planning attorney, you open yourself up to risks and mistakes that can be detrimental to your future and legacy. At Sexton & Moody, P.C., we can help you ensure that all documents are valid under Georgia state law and meet the necessary requirements. You do not want to risk a court finding a will or trust to be invalid.
Working with an attorney also ensures that your estate plan will help you accomplish your goals and take care of your needs. Filling out a form online will not address your specific circumstances and may leave some important information or assets out of the plan entirely. We can help you create a plan that protects your assets and loved ones.
For Up-To-Date Advice On Estate Planning And Probate
We hope to hear from you soon if estate planning in 770-692-9495Georgia is on your mind. Call 770-692-9495 or send an email inquiry for your free consultation.