Kennesaw, GA Estate Planning Lawyer

Getting affairs in order is something people tend to procrastinate, but it’s one of the most helpful things you can do for your family! Our experienced Kennesaw estate planning lawyer will make the process as simple and stress-free as possible. At Fouts Law Group, we know the road ahead because we’ve been creating personalized estate plans for Georgia residents for decades. You can trust us to preserve your legacy and give you peace of mind! Call today to schedule a free consultation and learn more.

Why You Need An Estate Plan

No one is guaranteed tomorrow, and none of us know what the future may hold. If something happens to you – you get sued, you suffer an injury and become incapacitated, you have to enter a nursing home, or you pass away – and you don’t have the right legal tools in place, you could leave your family in a difficult situation. 

They may not know what you wanted to happen to you, to your medical care, to your possessions and money. They may fight amongst themselves about your wishes. They may not be able to access your assets until they’ve gone through a complex court process. These are the last things you want to happen to them, but they are most likely what will occur if you don’t plan ahead! 

An estate plan is a collection of legal tools that can clarify your wishes and protect your possessions so that, no matter what, you and your chosen family members stay in control – not the Georgia government. 

What Your Estate Plan Should Look Like

Just as every person’s life is different, every person’s estate plan should be unique – cookie cutter plans or templates found online won’t be personalized to your specific needs, and may not be able to help your family as effectively when the time comes to use them! However, your estate plan may include a customized version of the following documents: 

A will  – A will is a document that designates what should happen to your assets upon your death – essentially, who should get what. Wills only go into effect at the time of your death and still have to pass through probate (a Georgia court process) but will prevent Georgia’s intestate laws from deciding how your assets are distributed.

A trust – A trust is a legal and financial entity that owns assets within the entity itself, and outside of your name. This means assets that are placed in the trust are more secure! You can set the terms and arrange for the trust to be managed during your lifetime and distributed according to your wishes upon your death. Trusts do not have to go through probate. 

An advance directive – An advance directive is a type of legal document that directs medical care professionals to follow your clarified wishes in the event of an illness, injury, or incapacitation when you cannot express your wishes yourself. 

A healthcare proxy – A healthcare proxy is a person you designate to make critical medical decisions for you in the event that you are medically incapacitated and not able to express yourself. 

A power of attorney – A power of attorney is a person you designate to make financial and legal decisions on your behalf for your estate in the event that you are not able to express your wishes. 

Beneficiary designations – You can (and should) name beneficiaries on all of your different accounts (retirement, life insurance, etc.), but it’s important to note that beneficiary designations will override designations made in a will, so your will and beneficiary designations should match up. 

And more. 

Our knowledgeable Kennesaw estate planning lawyer can explain the benefits of each document, and will take the time to get to know your financial circumstances in order to recommend the right tools for your needs. 

Why Work With Our Kennesaw Estate Planning Lawyer?

Many people are tempted to try to save money on attorney fees by trying to “DIY” their estate plan using advice and templates they find online. However, it’s important to note that information on the internet isn’t always accurate. It may not be compliant with the most recent Georgia state laws, and it’s not personalized to your life – that’s why working with a licensed, experienced law firm is always the surest option if you want to truly safeguard everything that matters most to you. 

Call Fouts Law Group For A Free Consultation

Our lead Kennesaw estate planning lawyer, Jeff Fouts, has spent over 30 years helping clients think about and prepare for their futures in a radically different way – a way that guarantees a happy, secure life for themselves and those they love, despite unforeseen obstacles that may arise. Don’t wait until it’s too late to plan ahead. Call our law firm today to book your free consultation!