Blog
Including a Legacy Letter in Your Estate Plan
A legacy letter, or a final letter, is a document used to share stories and to communicate a person’s values and hopes with future generations. It is not a legal or official document, but it can be an integral part of your estate plan. What Does a Legacy Letter...
Estate Planning for Different Stages of a Relationship
With Valentine’s Day right around the corner, many of us have been thinking about love, relationships, and the important people in our lives. At Brian M. Douglas & Associates, your loved ones are also a priority to us. Estate plans are meant to protect an...
Can You Have Co-Estate Executors?
When you are drafting your Last Will and Testament, one of the decisions you will have to make is naming an executor – the person responsible for administering your estate. Some may want to name two executors in their will. There are benefits to this approach, as well...
Will the Stimulus Checks Affect My Tax Return?
Since the CARES Act was signed into law last March, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has sent out tens of millions of stimulus payments. These checks, a direct transfer from the federal government to households, are designed to stimulate the economy and help those...
What if You Can’t Pay Your HOA Fees Due to Financial Hardship?
A large percentage of homes in the Metro Atlanta area are part of a homeowner’s association – commonly referred to as an HOA. Homeowner’s associations are the governing bodies of residential communities such as gated neighborhoods, apartment complexes, or condo...
Avoiding Probate in Georgia: Common Probate Issues, Helpful Estate Planning Tools
The probate process is a structured and regulated means of closing a loved one’s estate. While Georgia probate law and the Probate Court can help guide the distribution of assets and property, this process can also be burdensome for family members who are already...
2021: A Look Ahead at Georgia Estate Planning
2020, a year full of uncertainty, is finally behind us. For months, many aspects of our lives have been interrupted and reconfigured. However, with the New Year comes a new opportunity to reflect on our needs and plan for the future. Today, we’re taking a look at...
A 2020 Perspective: The Bright Spots of This Challenging Year
About a year ago, in late December 2019, everyone was all abuzz for the new year. It was about to be a new decade! We made plans for our health, our families, our friends, and our careers. So many exciting opportunities and new projects. And then…. 2020 happened. With...
Ways to Remember a Lost Loved One During the Holidays
For those who are grieving the loss of a loved one, the holiday season can be a particularly difficult time of year. It seems like we feel their absence most strongly during holidays because of the memories and holiday traditions that they used to be apart of. To...
Holiday Traditions: Simple Ways to Make the Holiday Season Even More Special
“Home for the Holidays” is taking on a new meaning this year, as many of us are adjusting our usual holiday meet-ups and family traditions. While this December is going to look and feel a little different, there are still plenty of opportunities for family fun and...
Holiday Gift Ideas for Those Staying at Home
The holiday season is officially upon us. This year is going to look a little different for all us, but that doesn’t mean there’s any less to celebrate. We just have to be a little more creative with our holiday traditions and gift-giving. We’re sharing some gift...
Celebrating the Holidays Safely: ‘Tis the Season for a Little Creativity
This holiday season is definitely going to look a little different, with many of Metro Atlanta’s annual events being cancelled or going virtual. But don’t despair! You and your loved ones can still have a fun and safe holiday season. You may even create your own new...