Georgia Wills: Records and Questions for a Planning Consultation

A will planning consultation is easier when you can explain what you own, whom you want to provide for and who could carry out your instructions. Our office can discuss the questions raised by your existing documents and family circumstances. Bring an earlier will even if you believe it needs to be replaced.

Prepare an asset and document list

List real estate, bank and investment accounts, business interests, vehicles and significant personal property. Note how each asset is titled and whether an account has a named beneficiary. Do not assume a will controls every asset; ownership arrangements and beneficiary designations need separate review. Bring available statements rather than guessing at account details.

Identify the people and responsibilities

Prepare the names of intended beneficiaries and the person you would like to serve as executor. If you have minor children, discuss a proposed guardian and the arrangements for managing property intended for them. Mention a prior marriage, dependents with disabilities or other circumstances that may require more careful planning. No document should promise a particular outcome without examining the relevant facts.

Ask about execution and later changes

Georgia requires a written will and proper signatures and witnesses. Notarization alone is not a substitute for the required execution formalities. Ask how signing should be arranged, how an existing document should be changed or revoked and where the original should be kept. Do not make handwritten changes to a signed will without first obtaining advice about their effect.

Distinguish a will from health care instructions

A will addresses matters after death. A Georgia Advance Directive for Health Care addresses health care decisions and preferences in the circumstances covered by that document. Bring any existing directive for a separate review. Georgia provides an official will preparation overview; the requirements for your particular plan still need attention.

Tell us about a recent marriage, divorce, birth or death when requesting a review. Use our contact page to arrange a discussion.

Call us today, at (770) 840-9098 to speak with an attorney.