Spalding County Estate & Elder Law Attorney

A Superb Experience in Estate And Elder Law

Our Spalding County Elder Attorneys Are Here For You

At Goldberg & Associates, we know that you’re looking for a lawyer who will represent your best interests in estate and elder law. In choosing our firm to represent you, we are certain that you will be nothing less than thoroughly satisfied by your experience. We work hard to serve our clients through some of the most challenging and trying times in their lives, and we are honored that we get to be here for you when it matters the most. We work to achieve justice for all of our clients. For all of your Spalding County estate and elder law needs, choose Goldberg & Associates.

At Goldberg & Associates, our services include:

  • Estate valuations
  • Writing a living will
  • Implementation of trusts as necessary
  • Preparation of your estate
  • Hospice care plans
  • Other end-of-life documents
  • and much more
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What Is an Estate Plan, and Do I Need One?

Estate planning is the process of making arrangements for your property in the event of your death. In addition to dividing your assets among your heirs and beneficiaries, an estate plan can include instructions for many other important considerations. These may include how to care for your young children or pets, manage your taxes, and make decisions about your health care.

While making an estate plan can feel daunting, it is very important to ensure that your final wishes are protected. By making an estate plan prior to your passing, you can save your family time, stress, and even money. A Spalding County estate planning lawyer from Goldberg & Associates can walk you through the components and help you make a comprehensive plan for the future.

What Are the Main Elements of an Estate Plan?

Estate planning is beneficial for everyone, regardless of the amount of assets that you may have. There are several documents that may be included in your estate plan, including the last will and testament, power of attorney, and trusts.

Last Will and Testament

The last will and testament is a legal document that states where you want your property to go after your death. Your property may include land, money, personal possessions, and any other assets that are part of your estate.

In Georgia, a will must meet several requirements to be valid. The document must be in writing and signed by the person making the will, also known as the testator. Two witnesses must sign the will as well. Without a valid will, your property will be distributed according to Georgia intestacy laws, not by your final wishes.

Trusts

Trusts are fiduciary relationships where a trustor designates a trustee to hold assets for the benefit of certain beneficiaries. These instruments can be used to reduce the value of your estate so that your family can reduce the amount of estate taxes that they have to pay following your death. Additionally, your family can access the benefits of a trust without having to go through probate.

There are many different types of trusts, each with their own benefits. These may include:

  • Living revocable trusts
  • Irrevocable trusts
  • Testamentary trusts
  • Charitable trusts

Durable Power of Attorney

A durable power of attorney designates an agent who can make financial and legal decisions on your behalf when you are unable to do so. Having a power of attorney in place is very important, especially if you become sick, disabled, or otherwise unable to make critical decisions.

In a durable power of attorney, you will determine what powers and responsibilities the agent will have. You can revoke the document at any time of your choosing.

Medical Power of Attorney

A medical power of attorney is a special document that designates an agent who can make healthcare decisions for you. In the event of your incapacity, this agent can help you handle these important matters in the event that you become incapacitated.

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SERVING OUR CLIENTS

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ASSISTANCE WITH ESTATE PREPARATION

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END-OF-LIFE PREPARATION

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EXPERIENCE & EXPERTISE

Benefits of Hiring an Estate Planning Lawyer

DIY is the way to go for a lot of things these days: you can teach yourself a new skill and possibly save some money for yourself. DIY has no place in estate and elder law, however. If your wishes aren’t clear in your end-of-life documents, and they have to be a very specific kind of clear to satisfy the courts, they might be thrown out in court. Then, it’s the court that determines what happens to your possessions. This is called probate, and estate planning attorneys do their best to create legal documentation for what you would like to have happen to your estate so that your estate doesn’t end up in probate. There’s a lot of push to “do-it-yourself” these days, but estate and elder law is not one of the areas you want to try to DIY. Leave it to trusted and knowledgeable attorneys such as Goldberg & Associates to plan your estate, will, and other end-of-life documents. This way, you can be sure that your Spalding County estate and elder care lawyer has your best interests in mind.

Amongst the many distinctions awarded to Robert M. Goldberg in his professional career, his 2019 award as a Lawyer of Distinction is one of which he is especially proud. The Lawyer of Distinction award is given to attorneys who demonstrate exceptional excellence in their practice.

We hope that we have answered some questions for you regarding estate and elder law in greater Spalding County. Let's review your estate plan together and make sure your affairs are properly in order. Contact our office for a consultation today.

CONTACT US TODAY TO GET STARTED!