Georgia’s intestacy laws decide who inherits. That may not match your wishes.

Most comprehensive plans include:

- Last Will and Testament

- Revocable Living Trust (if appropriate)

- Durable Financial Power of Attorney

- Advance Directive for Health Care (Georgia form)

- HIPAA Authorization

- Guardianship designations for minor children

If someone is selling you “just a will,” that’s incomplete planning.

Will

- Goes through probate

- Public record

- Effective at death

Revocable Living Trust

- Avoids probate (if properly funded)

- Private

- Can manage assets during incapacity

Not everyone needs a trust. But many Georgia families benefit from one.

Yes — if assets are properly titled in the trust.

If you create a trust but never transfer assets into it, probate still happens.
Execution matters.

Choose someone:

- Organized

- Financially responsible

- Emotionally steady

- Willing to serve

Don’t just pick the oldest child out of tradition. Pick the most capable.

Yes.

Marriage does not:

- Avoid probate

- Protect minor children from court involvement

- Automatically grant long-term disability decision authority

Planning protects your spouse from unnecessary court involvement.