Marietta, GA Probate Lawyer

If you live in Marietta, Georgia and are suffering the loss of a loved one, we want to first extend our condolences. We want you to know that our Marietta probate lawyer is here to help you through this difficult time. If you’ve also been named as an executor and are concerned about the state of your family member’s affairs, we can offer you peace of mind. We understand you’re likely dealing with a wide range of emotions that are challenging to process when there are legal issues at hand. Unfortunately, if your family member didn’t have a proper estate plan in place before they passed on, their assets may need to go through Georgia’s probate process. Probate can be time-consuming, stressful, and expensive, which can make mourning your loved one at the same time especially hard. That’s why it is crucial to work with a seasoned Marietta probate lawyer who is familiar with Georgia’s estate planning and probate laws and can help you navigate the process. 

How The Probate Process Works

Probate begins after someone passes away and serves as a way of proving that their last will and testament is valid, and if there are heirs to their assets. If there isn’t a will, the court decides how the assets will be distributed. During this process, creditors and family members have the right to make a claim if they believe that the will doesn’t depict the wishes of the deceased. 

If you’re a beneficiary and you don’t believe that the will is accurate or that the executor is acting in good faith, we can protect your rights. If you’re the executor (the person responsible for carrying out the terms of a will) of your loved one’s will, we can ensure you’re staying legally compliant with the state’s probate laws and walk you through the steps of fulfilling what’s required of you. We can even complete legal tasks on your behalf if necessary. Some of the executor duties we can assist you with include: 

• Filing a petition with the appropriate court
• Notifying interested parties like heirs, beneficiaries, and creditors
• Taking inventory of assets, including real estate, bank accounts, personal belongings, investments, and more
• Appraisal of necessary assets
• Payment of outstanding taxes and debts
• Making decisions regarding minor children if needed
• Distributing assets
• Paying court fees
• And more!

These steps can become overwhelming to accomplish during a time of loss, so it’s  important to enlist the help of a seasoned probate lawyer so that costly mistakes can be avoided and you don’t end up with any personal liabilities. Our Marietta probate lawyer can keep you from making errors that could delay your case, cost you more in legal fees or result in a lawsuit. We can also defend you against possible creditor claims or handle any family disputes before they escalate. 

How Fouts Law Group Can Help You

Fouts Law Group is familiar with the ins and outs of the probate process in Georgia, so we can help you understand and carry out your required duties during probate. In addition to compassionate and personalized legal guidance, we’ll explain your legal options and address any questions or concerns you might have so that you can move forward with as much peace as possible. 

Our lead attorney, Jeff Fouts has nearly 30 years of experience helping grieving families through the probate process and he can do the same for you. Probate can be time-sensitive so it’s important that you contact an attorney shortly after your loved one passes. Call Fouts Law Group today to schedule a free consultation and learn your next steps.