It can feel like embarking on a new profession when a loved one dies. To to put it mildly, it’s a lot. You have to manage all of your loved one’s assets, read and sign many documents and agreements that you begin to feel like an estate attorney.
How Does Probate Work In Georgia?
Probate is the formal, court-supervised process of carrying out one’s last wishes by validating their last will & testament (if they have one set-up), resolving any outstanding debts or taxes, and distributing any remaining assets to rightful heirs.
The process starts with contacting the court and is completed with the payment of all estate taxes, the filing of death certificates, and the official distribution of assets to legitimate heirs and surviving family members.
Probate is a legal process with rules and court procedures that vary regionally based on local laws, applicable forms & other established practices. This can vary between states in the United States or other countries.
Probate Process In 15 Steps
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- Filing a petition for probate to the court of probate in the deceased person’s country
- Deciding if there are any probate assets
- Managing and locating these assets
- Valuing and appraising the estate’s assets
- Receiving payments and paying taxes on behalf of the estate
- Setting up an estate checking account and EIN
- Interpreting the will
- Communicating and working with heirs/beneficiaries
- If there is no will, then distributing assets according to local law
- Valuing and appraising the estate’s assets
- Officially notifying creditors
- Following all legal deadlines
- Paying funeral bills
- Filing estate tax returns
- Submitting death certificate
- Submitting distribution receipts and officially closing the estate
When Does A Person Need To Go On A Probate?
The quick answer is commonly, but not always. The chance that you must go through probate increases with the size of your estate, especially if you own property in Georgia.
Get Help Today & Contact Our Office To Consult With An Estate Planning Attorney
From drafting estate planning tools for you and required administration or the ability to financially secure your assets, and business. We will offer you the support and guidance you need at Hurban Law.
