Probate & Administration

Q&A with Loraine: My father passed, and his estate went to my mother. Now my mother has passed. Who receives the estate now?

July 25, 2023

Question: My father passed, and his estate went to my mother. Now my mother has passed. Who receives the estate now? Loraine’s Answer: If your ...

Q&A with Loraine: I would like to leave my estate to close friends. How do I prepare my Will with my friends in mind?

July 21, 2023

Question: As a single woman who has never been married and has no children, I would like to leave my assets to close friends when ...

Q&A with Loraine: My Sister Was Adopted by my Dad. Are Her Biological Father’s Children Entitled to Her Estate?

June 20, 2023

Question: My sister, whom my late father adopted, passed recently. She had no living spouse and no children or grandchildren. Her biological dad, who is ...

Q&A with Loraine: If I change a sentence in my Will and get it notarized, will it still be legal in Georgia?

June 9, 2023

Question: My Will currently states that my daughter may continue to live in one of my houses until she moves out or dies, at which ...

Q&A with Loraine: Does a testamentary trust go into effect during or after probate?

April 25, 2023

Question: Does a testamentary trust go into effect during or after probate? Do the responsibilities of a testamentary trust’s trustee begin after the will is ...

Q&A with Loraine: What is my legal name after marriage?

February 14, 2023

Question: I am getting married soon and intend to change my name. How do I make the change legal? Loraine’s Answer: I’ve seen some misconceptions ...

Q&A with Loraine: If a person only has a few thousand dollars in the bank and no other assets, should you still file probate if they have a Will?

December 19, 2022

Question: If a person only has a few thousand dollars in the bank and no other assets, should you still file probate if they have ...

Q&A with Loraine: What legal form do I need to remove four deceased siblings from a family deed, while three siblings remain?

December 15, 2022

Question: What legal form do I need to complete to remove four deceased siblings from the family deed, yet leave my three remaining siblings? Loraine’s ...