MARIETTA AND WOODSTOCK Wills and Trusts LAWYER

It’s helpful to view the estate planning process as an opportunity to ensure that your best interests remain protected as you age and your loved ones will enjoy a stable and bright future, no matter what it may hold. Sarah White, Attorney at Law, is committed to working closely with each client to understand their unique needs and goals for the future. As a Marietta estate planning attorney, my goal is to help you explore your options so you can put sound and effective strategies in place to safeguard the future for you and those you love. Although the estate planning process can involve a wide array of legal documents and strategies, two of the most critical components of any estate plan are wills and trusts. When I meet with you, I will take time to assess the details of your situation so we can develop a customized estate plan that addresses and supports your family’s needs.

Creating a Will in the Greater Atlanta Area

When people hear the term “estate plan,” they often assume that it refers to a last will and testament. While a will is the cornerstone of the estate plan, it is only one component of a more extensive set of documents and strategies that protect your best interests and safeguard your legacy. As you start to draft your will, it’s natural to wonder what elements to address and include in this important document. Although everyone has slightly different needs and circumstances, a will usually consists of the following components:

• A will clarifies what happens to your property upon your passing. The primary purpose of establishing a last will and testament is to provide clear instructions as to how you would like your property and assets to be handled or distributed upon your passing. Although most people decide to leave their property to family members, others may prefer to leave gifts to friends, charities, or even their pets.
• You can address your burial preferences in the will. You can also use your last will and testament to address your burial preferences. For example, some people want their bodies to be cremated, while others would prefer to be buried near other relatives who have passed away. You can even request that your loved ones sprinkle your ashes in a specific place that holds sentimental value for you. Information about your burial preferences is also contained in the Georgia Advance Directive for Healthcare.
• Use the will to appoint guardians for minor children. If you pass away unexpectedly, it’s critical that you leave behind your wishes about who will raise them. You can use your will to appoint a guardian who will raise your children in the event of your passing. Working with a dedicated and empathetic Marietta estate planning lawyer is the best way to ensure that those you love will enjoy a stable and secure future, no matter what challenges life may bring.

When you meet with me, we will discuss your circumstances and the legacy you wish to leave behind. From there, we will create a will that addresses and supports your specific goals.

Understanding the Benefits of Trusts

Some people would prefer that their beneficiaries not inherit everything at once. If you are interested in setting aside property for your beneficiaries to access slowly over time, you can set up a trust as part of your estate plan. Although trusts are most commonly included in the wills of parents of minor children, these tools can be used for a variety of purposes, including to benefit special needs children or adults, to care for pets, to protect money for beneficiaries who may not be responsible with money, to provide for the education of grandchildren, to protect money for the benefit of children from a previous marriage, and to address many other circumstances. In general, trusts are a strategic way of reducing taxes and ensuring that your financial assets are managed and distributed according to your wishes.