Many Georgia estates look substantial on paper but lack the cash needed to cover taxes, debts, and expenses. This situation — known as being asset-rich but cash-poor — is increasingly common in 2026 due to real estate appreciation, business ownership, and illiquid investments.
Without planning, heirs may be forced to sell valuable assets under pressure.
Common Causes of Cash-Poor Estates
An estate may be asset-rich but cash-poor when it includes:
- Real estate with little liquid savings
- Family businesses
- Investment property
- Land or farms
- Closely held companies
- Valuable personal property
While these assets hold value, they can’t easily be converted to cash when bills come due.
Expenses That Require Immediate Cash
After death, estates often face immediate costs such as:
- Funeral expenses
- Final medical bills
- Probate costs
- Attorney and executor fees
- Property taxes and insurance
- Federal estate taxes (for larger estates)
If there isn’t enough cash, executors may have no choice but to sell assets quickly.
Risks of Forced Asset Sales
Forced sales often result in:
- Below-market sale prices
- Loss of family homes or businesses
- Family conflict
- Delays in estate administration
- Reduced inheritance value
This is especially painful when heirs wanted to keep the asset long-term.
Planning Solutions That Create Liquidity
To prevent cash shortages, estate plans often include:
- Life insurance for liquidity
- Trust planning to control timing of sales
- Gifting strategies during life
- Business succession planning
- Staggered distributions
- Realistic valuation and expense forecasting
Liquidity planning is a critical but often overlooked part of estate planning.
Learn more about asset protection strategies at our Estate Planning Services page.
Final Thoughts
An estate doesn’t need to be small to be vulnerable. When valuable assets lack supporting cash, heirs can face difficult decisions and unnecessary losses.
With proper planning, asset-rich estates can remain intact and pass smoothly to the next generation. Hurban Law helps Georgia families plan for liquidity so their legacy isn’t lost to rushed decisions or avoidable sales.
