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Do You Have to Hire the Attorney Who Drafted Your Estate Plan to Probate Your Will?
When a person passes away, and their loved ones are ready to probate the will and close the estate, they may wonder, “do I have to hire the same attorney who drafted the estate plan to then probate the will?” What Does an Estate Planning Attorney Do? An estate...
Protecting Veterans and their Families with VA Aid & Attendance Benefits
Veterans Day honors all those who have served in the US military. Originally known as Armistice Day, this federal holiday also marks the end of World War I on the 11th hour, of the 11th day, of the 11th month of 1918. At Brian M. Douglas & Associates, we greatly...
Challenging the Trustee or Executor of an Estate Plan
When a person chooses the trustee of their trust, or the executor of their will, they want that individual to be competent, responsible, and fair. Many times, people choose wisely – their family member or close friend will ensure that their final wishes are carried...
How to Protect Yourself While Solo Aging
For previous generations, when an older family member or loved one needed help with their daily activities, their other family members would take turns checking in on them, or they would move in with a younger relative. Unfortunately, these might not be realistic...
How Does the Foreclosure Process Work in Georgia?
Purchasing a home can be a substantial financial investment, so it’s pretty common for the homebuyer to take out a loan. The buyer signs a promissory note, promising to repay the loan, and a mortgage, which is a contract giving the lender the right to foreclose if the...
Estate Planning Awareness Week: October 18-24, 2021
National Estate Planning Awareness Week (October 18-24, 2021) is a public campaign designed to help us understand why an estate plan is essential to our financial wellness. Surprisingly, only 32% of the US population currently has a will (Source: Caring.com). That’s...
Types of Special Needs Trusts
If you have a family member or loved one with special needs, there are certain situations where they might require additional help and consideration. You want to make sure that they will always receive proper care, even if you’re no longer around to assist them. With...
Understanding Half-Siblings and Step-Children’s Rights to an Estate
If you are a parent or an adult child in a blended family, you may be wondering about inheritance rights for the different children involved. We’re discussing what Georgia law says regarding the rights of half-siblings and step-children. Half-Siblings While some...
How to Disinherit Someone in Georgia
As we age, our relationships and our needs change. We may have new friends and family members. We may purchase property or experience success in business. Just as our loved ones and assets evolve throughout the years, our wishes regarding our estate plan may also...
What Can and Can’t a Power of Attorney Do?
If you’re considering creating an estate plan, you may have heard about the importance of naming a Power of Attorney. A Power of Attorney can help manage finances, assist with legal transactions, and even help make decisions regarding your medical care. While this...
The Family Meeting: An Important Element of Your Estate Plan
You’ve met with your attorney and created a custom estate plan that protects your family and your legacy. You’ve signed the documents, filed the necessary paperwork, and stored your estate planning file in a safe place. You should be all done, right? No – not quite...
Should You Include a No Contest Clause in Your Estate Documents?
If you are drafting an estate plan and suspect that your beneficiaries may challenge your final wishes, you may consider adding a No Contest clause to your estate documents. But, is this the right decision for you and your loved ones? No Contest Clause: Explained A No...