| Expert
Estate Planning Including Domestic & Business Partnerships |
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| New
for 2007. The Georgia General Assembly passed a new Advance Directive
for Health Care Act, which was signed by Gov. Sonny Perdue. House
Bill 24 is designed to provide for an advance directive for health
care, which combines provisions of a living will and a durable power
of attorney for health care. If you have a Durable Power of Attorney
for Health Care or a Georgia Living Will, these are still valid.
This new form clears up some of the confusing language of the former
documents. If you would like to see or desire to have the new Georgia
Advance Directive for Health Care, please contact my office at (912)
231.2000. |
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What
is estate planning? |
An
estate consists of all the property owned by an individual. It includes
real property, land or real estate and personal property, which
is basically everything else one possesses. Estate planning distributes
one?s estate (both real and personal property) to his or her heirs.
If someone dies without a will, their property will be distributed
by state statute to their legal next-of-kin. Estate planning is
the process by which an individual or family arranges the transfer
of assets in anticipation of death. An estate plan aims to preserve
the maximum amount of wealth possible for the intended beneficiaries
while providing flexibility for the individual prior to death.
While Wills and trusts are common ways in which individuals dispose
of their wealth, there are other tools that should be considered
such as advanced medical directives and financial powers of attorneys.
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| What
type of plan do I need? |
| There
are many different types of estate plans, and the type of estate
plan recommended will vary based upon your specific needs and life
circumstances. An estate plan may be as straightforward as a simple
Will or as elaborate as a series of testamentary trusts with various
powers of attorneys. Ernie takes the time to talk with you and to
gain an understanding of your needs and desires. |
| How
much does it cost? |
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The
cost of an estate plan will vary depending upon your particular
circumstances, the total value of your assets, your specific needs
or the needs of your family, and what you would like to achieve
with your plan. Ernie will meet with you to review your information
and discuss your goals. Before any work is done, he will give you
a written legal services agreement that outlines exactly what he
will do on your behalf and lists the anticipated cost. Only after
you agree to the estate plan and sign the written legal services
agreement establishing an attorney-client relationship, will the
work on your plan begin.
See the article titled Lawyers and Legal Fees by clicking here:
Lawyers and Legal Fees |
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Ernie
will be glad to meet with you to discuss your particular financial
and personal circumstances to determine your many estate planning
options. You can meet at this office, or if you are unable to come
to his office, he can come to your home.
The firm now takes Mastercard and Visa for payment of legal fees.
Please call 912.231.2000 for more information. |
| Click
here to read article titled "Who needs a Will" Click
on the icon to the left to read an article that discusses what
a Last Will and Testament is and why one is important to have
as part of your estate plan. It does not matter if you have a
large or small estate. A will is important and central part of
an estate plan. If you own a home, have children, or want to determine
what happens to your property at your death, you should consider
making a Last Will and Testament.
If
you do not already have a PDF reader,
you will need one to read this article.
Click to download a free copy. |
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