Q: My father died unexpectedly last December 9th and I am his only child. What type of attorney should I search for and

A: I’m very sorry to hear about your father. I similarly lost my mother last December, as an only child, and I know it is not easy to go through by yourself. You will want a probate lawyer, who will be able to at least make that aspect of the process easier for you.

A: In Georgia, handling the estate of a deceased parent, especially transferring property deeds, requires specific legal steps. You should look for an attorney experienced in probate and estate planning. This type of attorney will guide you through the process of administering your father's estate, which is likely to involve probate court.

The first step is to determine if your father had a will. If he did, the will dictates how his assets are to be distributed. If not, Georgia's laws of intestate succession will apply, which usually favor the closest relatives, like children.

Your attorney will help you file a petition with the probate court to either execute the will or administer the estate according to intestacy laws. This process includes identifying and valuing assets, paying debts and taxes, and finally transferring assets, like property deeds, to the rightful heirs.

Gather all important documents related to your father's assets, including property deeds, bank statements, and any existing will. This information will be crucial in the probate process.

Remember, handling an estate can be complex, especially when it involves transferring property. Legal guidance is key to ensuring the process goes smoothly and according to the law.