Wills and Trusts: Securing Your Legacy in Georgia
Make the Right Choices for Your Family’s Future
Wills and trusts are the foundation of any strong estate plan. Whether you need to name guardians for children, protect your assets, or avoid probate headaches, Grantham Law makes creating a will and trust in Georgia easy and understandable. We’ll help you decide what’s best for your situation and make the process simple from start to finish.
What a Will Does—and Why Everyone Should Have One
A will allows you to:
Decide who inherits your property, money, and belongings
Appoint guardians for minor children
Specify final wishes, including funeral preferences
Ensure your voice is heard—so the state doesn’t decide for you
Georgia law requires that wills be properly signed and witnessed. Without a valid will, intestate succession laws apply—meaning state law, not you, determines who gets what. Virtually every adult should have a will; it’s about control, clarity, and protecting your loved ones.
What Is a Trust—and Who Needs One?
A trust is a legal entity you create to hold assets for someone else’s benefit, managed by a trustee you select. Trusts can help:
Avoid probate, allowing assets to transfer quickly and privately
Manage money for children or loved ones over time (like not giving a young adult full inheritance at once)
Set up care for a loved one with special needs, without losing government benefits
Provide for property in multiple states or unique family situations
Common trusts Grantham Law sets up include:
Revocable Living Trusts: Avoid probate and provide control during life and after.
Testamentary Trusts: Created by your will to manage an inheritance for children or others.
Special Needs Trusts: Protect benefits for a disabled beneficiary.
Compare Your Options
Most people benefit from having both. Here’s a quick comparison:
| Feature | Will | Trust |
|---|---|---|
| Controls asset transfer | After your death (probate) | Can be during life and after death |
| Avoids probate? | No | Yes, if properly funded |
| Names guardians? | Yes (for children) | No, only manages assets |
| Privacy | Public record (probate) | Private document |
| Manages incapacity | No, only after death | Yes, if you become incapacitated |
Grantham Law will recommend the right fit based on your life stage, assets, and goals—never one-size-fits-all.
Our Easy, Personalized Approach
Consultation: We talk about your family, assets, and wishes—no pressure, just guidance.
Recommendations:
We’ll explain if a will, trust, or both best meet your needs.
Drafting:
Your documents are written in plain English, reviewed together, and fine-tuned for accuracy.
Signing:
We handle all legal formalities, so your plan is valid and ready.
Future Changes:
Life changes? We’ll help update your plan any time.
Wills & Trusts Questions, Answered
Q: Do I need a trust or is a will enough?
A: It depends—most people should have a will; some benefit from a trust (e.g., for privacy, avoiding probate, or special family needs). We’ll explain what’s best for you.
Q: How do I set up a will in Georgia?
A: Work with a lawyer to ensure your will is properly signed and witnessed. We make it easy and compliant with Georgia law.
Q: What’s the difference between a will and a living trust?
A: A will directs asset transfer after death (through probate). A living trust holds assets during life, avoids probate, and allows for easier management if you’re incapacitated.
Q: Who should I name as executor or trustee?
A: Someone responsible and trustworthy—family, friend, or professional. We’ll help you weigh the options.
Q: Can I update my will or trust later?
A: Yes. You should update documents after major life changes; we can help with amendments or rewrites.
Q: Do online DIY wills or trusts work?
A: Sometimes, but they’re often too generic or miss key Georgia requirements. A lawyer customizes your plan and ensures legal validity.
Peace of Mind from Local Experience
For over 30 years, Grantham Law has crafted wills and trusts for young families, new homeowners, retirees, and people with complex estates.
Planning Today Brings Peace Tomorrow—Let’s Start
Not sure whether you need a will, a trust, or both? Schedule a free consultation. We’ll answer your questions and help you make the right choice to protect your legacy.
