Alpharetta Probate and Estate Administration

It is sometimes difficult to think about the future. But planning and documenting your wishes for loved ones is a gift. Determining your estate in advance sets your wishes in place and helps ensure that they are carried out as you want, reducing the possibility of family disputes.

The experienced probate and estate administration attorneys at Miles Hansford, can provide intelligent estate planning with your best interests in mind. Our knowledgeable, caring counsel handles all the details to ensure that your estate plan and probate process goes exactly as you want.

What is Probate?

Probate is the legal process through which a deceased person’s estate is administered and distributed. This process involves validating the deceased’s will, if one exists, appointing a personal representative (executor), settling debts and taxes, and distributing remaining assets to beneficiaries. The probate court oversees these steps to ensure compliance with state laws and the deceased’s wishes, providing a structured framework for managing the estate and offering protection and accountability throughout the process.

What if Someone Dies Without a Will?

When an individual passes away without a will, this is referred to as dying intestate. In such cases, state intestacy laws dictate how the deceased’s assets will be distributed. Typically, the estate will be allocated to surviving relatives, such as spouses, children, or parents, following a specific hierarchy established by state law. The probate court will appoint an administrator to manage the estate’s affairs, including settling debts and distributing assets.

Dying without a will can lead to unintended consequences, such as relatives receiving less than anticipated or assets being distributed in a manner that does not align with the deceased’s wishes. Therefore, it is crucial to engage in estate planning and prepare a will to ensure that one’s desires are clearly articulated and legally binding. A well-prepared estate plan not only helps to avoid confusion and disputes among heirs but also ensures that the deceased’s wishes are honored. For guidance on these matters, we are here to assist you in navigating the probate process and ensuring your estate is handled according to your wishes.

Skilled, Intelligent Estate Planning

Our highly skilled estate advocates can handle all the details of planning and administering an estate along with any issues regarding probate. Our areas of estate and probate work include:

• Drafting wills: Drafting all testamentary documents including simple, complex and ethical wills
• Documenting trusts and living trusts: Determining instructions and the details regarding income for trustees/heirs
• Appointing guardianship: Assistance naming a legal guardian who will manage a disabled or seriously ill loved one’s affairs
• Planning estates: Developing a comprehensive estate plan to avoid probate disputes and document your wishes including trustees, beneficiaries and heirs

Serving Alpharetta and Georgia, we help individuals and families plan ahead for smooth administration of their estates.