Experience And Skill In Estate Planning
Whether you are preparing for your future or looking for assistance carrying out your probate responsibilities, it is important to hire a knowledgeable lawyer who is willing to explain your options and patiently guide you as you make decisions.
At Lerman Law Associates, P.C., attorney Craig Lerman understands the emotional implications associated with estate planning and probate administration.
By providing you with dependable legal guidance, he can eliminate some of the stress and assist you in protecting your assets and overall well-being. With law offices in Kennesaw, Alpharetta and Atlanta, Georgia, attorney Craig Lerman proudly serves clients in Fulton County, Cobb County and throughout Atlanta’s metropolitan area.
How To Accurately Convey Your Wishes
Undergoing the estate planning process allows parents to develop a contingency plan in the event they are no longer able to care for their children. Estate planning also provides a way for people to transfer future legal responsibilities, dictate how their assets will be distributed and help to maintain a certain standard of living.
After discussing your goals and objectives, attorney Craig Lerman will convey your wishes by drafting some of the following documents on:
- Will preparation
- Trust creation
- Living wills
- Powers of attorney (specific, general)
He has experience handling estates of all sizes.
Probate Administration
The passing of a loved one is a difficult and emotionally charged time without the added stress of legal issues. Craig Lerman helps clients properly carry out their probate responsibilities.
Some issues he can assist you with include:
- Transfer of property
- Tax responsibilities
- Guardianships
- Will contests (representing either the estate or those contesting the estate)
Frequently Asked Questions About Estate Planning
Attorney Craig Lerman of Lerman Law Associates, P.C., is dedicated to helping you. He can answer any questions you may have about estate planning. Here are some questions he can help you with:
What is the difference between a will and a living will?
A will is a legal document that helps organize the distribution of assets after a person passes away. The person who writes the will can decide who should inherit from the estate, including property, vehicles, jewelry and savings. Siblings, children, parents and friends can be named beneficiaries of the estate through a will. An estate executor is also named in the will as the person responsible for fulfilling the deceased’s last wishes and ushering the estate through probate.
A living will is a legal document that helps specify a person’s medical care if they are unable to do so by themselves. Typically, this would happen if the person receiving medical care suffers a traumatic injury or medical condition that leaves them incapacitated. Doctors and nurses can be informed of a person’s medical preferences with a medical will. A living will can decide whether the person receiving medical care should, for example, go on life support, have feeding tubes or medication, be renewed or have their organs donated.
What is a revocable living trust?
A revocable living trust allows a grantor to retain full control over assets transferred over to a trust. The grantor can remove or add assets to the trust at any time. Furthermore, the grantor can revoke the terms of the trust. When the grantor passes away, assets in the revocable living trust are transferred according to the trust’s terms.
Can I have both a will and a trust in Georgia?
Yes. A will is necessary to have a trust. While a trust is not necessary to have alongside a will, this legal document can help protect assets from taxes, probate and disputes. You can talk to attorney Craig Lerman to discuss the benefits of having a trust.
What are beneficiary designations?
A designated beneficiary is someone who is named in a will or trust to inherit assets from the deceased’s estate. The person who drafts the will or trust can name anyone as a beneficiary, including their spouse, children, siblings, parents or friends.
Make An Appointment
To discuss your estate plan with attorney Craig Lerman, call 678-888-5773 or contact him online to schedule an appointment at our office in Kennesaw, Alpharetta or Atlanta, Georgia.