Fayette County Elder Care Attorney
When it comes to such important matters as planning an estate, it's important to find a lawyer who will represent your best interests. At Goldberg & Associates, we care deeply about working together with our clients to determine the best plan. We know how challenging and trying these times are, and we are honored to help our clients when it matters the most. For all of your Fayette County estate planning needs, or, for elder law needs of any kind, Goldberg & Associates is here for you.
At Goldberg & Associates, we are proud to offer:
- Estate valuations
- Estate preparation
- Implementation of trusts as necessary
- Help with writing wills
- Hospice care plans
- Other end-of-life documents
- ...and much more
What Is Estate Planning?
Estate planning is the process of making arrangements and preparing documents to manage your estate in the event of your death. By creating an estate plan, you can designate beneficiaries to assume ownership of certain assets and decide how to handle estate taxes. You can also set up trusts and other accounts to limit your tax liability and help your family avoid the lengthy probate process.
Due to the term “estate,” you may believe that only wealthy people need to create an estate plan. However, this is not the case—every person needs one, even if they do not own a home or have millions of dollars in assets.
ASSISTANCE WITH MEDICAL PLANNING
EXPERIENCE & EXPERTISE
END-OF-LIFE PREPARATION
SERVING OUR CLIENTS
Robert M. Goldberg has enjoyed a number of professional distinctions throughout his career. Most recently, he was honored as a Lawyer of Distinction in 2019, an honor that speaks to his excellence in the practice of law.
What Are the Components of an Estate Plan?
An estate plan is made up of a series of important documents. Your lawyer will walk you through each of these components and help you create an estate plan that works in your best interests:
- The Will: The last will and testament is one of the most important documents in a Georgia estate plan and is often the first task that you complete. Your will outlines how you would like your property to be distributed upon your death. Additionally, this document identifies a personal representative who will pay your debts and distribute assets on your behalf.
- Trusts: Trusts are fiduciary relationships between a trustor, a trustee, and a beneficiary. The trustor establishes the trust and authorizes a trustee to hold assets on behalf of a beneficiary or beneficiaries. You can establish multiple types of trusts in your estate plan, which can help your family avoid probate and obtain assets faster.
- Power of Attorney: A power of attorney is a document that authorizes a person to act on your behalf. If you become sick, incapacitated, or are otherwise unable to make decisions, this document identifies a trusted person who can handle medical, financial, and legal matters for you.
- Healthcare Directives: You will also need to consider your future medical care in a Georgia estate plan. In these situations, you can add a healthcare directive to a power of attorney. This document names someone who can make medical decisions on your behalf and outlines your wishes for medical care in the event of a serious injury or illness.
- Beneficiary Designations: Your estate plan will also identify the people who are entitled to claim certain assets in the event of your death. You can identify beneficiaries for any real estate that you own, personal possessions or family heirlooms, and even retirement accounts.
Benefits of Hiring an Attorney for Your Estate Plan
Creating an estate plan can be a complex process, and doing it on your own can be stressful and risky. By hiring a lawyer from Goldberg & Associates to handle these important affairs, you can reduce this burden and gain several important benefits.
Your lawyer will ensure that your documents are up to date and legally valid, and can fully customize your documents so that they meet your needs. Your lawyer can provide legal advice and support throughout the process to guide your decisions. Most importantly, your attorney can serve as a resource for your loved ones in the event of your death, helping them navigate the complex process of probate and beyond.
Contact a Fayette County Estate Planning Attorney
We hope that we have answered some questions for you regarding estate planning law in greater Fayette County. We’d love to go over your plans with you and make sure your estate is all ready to go, anytime. Contact our office for a consultation today.