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Georgia Probate Questions & Answers
2 Answers | Asked in Estate Planning and Probate for Georgia on
Q: My deceased mother is named as a beneficiary in my grandfather's will. They are three other siblings named as well.

Who gets my mother's part

James Clifton
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James Clifton
answered on Jun 19, 2023

It depends on the specific language contained in the will. If your grandfather's will states that his children receive the inheritance per stirpes, then the children of your mother would receive her share in equal parts. If the language in your grandfather's will states that his children... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Estate Planning and Probate for Georgia on
Q: Two months after my husband died, his will was destroyed in a house fire. The house was in my husbands name. What is the

easiest way to transfer the deed.The house is paid for.There are no other heirs.

James Clifton
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James Clifton
answered on Jun 18, 2023

First, check to see if the deed was held as joint tenants with right of survivorship. If it was, the property passes to you outside of probate. You will need to file an affidavit showing that your husband has passed away and title to the property vests in you. If the deed was not joint tenancy with... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Elder Law, Probate and Estate Planning for Georgia on
Q: How do I prove an executor is stealing from the estate?

I requested an accounting of my aunts estate from exec. I got a vague list of transactions and no inventory of the estate. Executor failed to provide inventory or estate value. Executor diverted estate funds to offshore acct in Canada Also withdrew estate funds 300k for 7 days stating that bank... View More

James Clifton
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James Clifton
answered on May 14, 2023

You will need to file a formal Petition for Inventory and Accounting. If you are dissatisfied with what is produced, you can challenge the accuracy of the inventory and accounting provided in the pending probate case. You can also request that a new executor be appointed if there is evidence that... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Estate Planning and Probate for Georgia on
Q: My father died in a Knoxville nursing home Aug. 2021. He owned no assets and a Will. Can I file Small Estate Affidavit?

Clerk told me since I have his Will and I'm named as Executor that I have to file for full Probate Administration. I have researched TCA 30-4-103, and in my opinion, a Small Estate should suffice. I am a lawyer, but not licensed. I have an appointment with Chancery Court to file next Monday... View More

Anthony M. Avery
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Anthony M. Avery pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on May 11, 2023

Small Estate Affidavits are for $50K or less of personal property. If no assets, why file Probate, especially in Knox County? If any other County has jurisdiction, go there if the Estate must be Probated. With Knox County, you will not want to Probate unless it is necessary. And if the... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Probate for Georgia on
Q: What can I do if the executor of the will has turned off my power, I have kids!! He hasn't probate yet. Idk what to do.
James Clifton
PREMIUM
James Clifton
answered on May 8, 2023

Until the will is filed, there is no executor. If there is no will, the heir of the deceased will need to file for administration of the estate. If you are a tenant, the estate has the same responsibilities as a landlord and cannot wilfully disrupt your utilities. If you were responsible for paying... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Real Estate Law, Banking and Probate for Georgia on
Q: What legal obligation would a widow have when mortgage was aquirred before marriage?

Legal way to transfer land ownership after husband dies without a will in GA.

Mortgage before marriage. Land aquirred during the marriage.

James Clifton
PREMIUM
James Clifton
answered on Apr 29, 2023

If the husband died without a will, the wife would need to file for administration of the deceased husband's estate. If there are children from the marriage or if the husband had children from a previous marriage, the wife would share in the inheritance of the land with the children. Any... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Estate Planning and Probate for Georgia on
Q: My husband's cousin died by suicide. She lived in Atlanta,, GA. Her beneficiaries on her life insurance policy were her

My husband's cousin died by suicide. She lived in Atlanta,, GA. Her beneficiaries on her life insurance policy were her mom and his mom. Both are deceased. Her mom died a little over a year ago. Does my husband have any claim to the policy because he's his mother heir? Thank you.

James Clifton
PREMIUM
James Clifton
answered on Apr 28, 2023

If the cousin's mother and your husband's mother both died prior to the cousin's death, then the insurance would pass to the cousin's estate either by will or to her heirs if she had no will. If the cousin's mom or your husband's mom were alive at the time of the... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Probate for Georgia on
Q: My mother just passed and did not want to be cremated.my Uncle made the decision to cremate and there is enough insuranc

Enough insurance to cover a burial and a funeral but won't change their minds even though I told them her wishes what do I do to fight it

James Clifton
PREMIUM
James Clifton
answered on Apr 23, 2023

If your mother did not leave a will or medical directive stating her final wishes, it would have to be litigated if there was disagreement among the family. You would need to file an injunction to prevent your uncle from completing the cremation and then have the probate court make a final... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Probate for Georgia on
Q: Hello- I am listed as a buyer on a vehicle loan, along with a co-buyer (NOT co-signer). The cosigner has died, without a

Cosigner has no will, and family does not intend to file probate as he had no assets. Am I able to sell the vehicle with his name still on the title? Or what do I need to do to be able to get his name off the title? Or does the car now belong to me?

Robert W. Hughes Jr.
PREMIUM
Robert W. Hughes Jr.
answered on Apr 8, 2023

It depends on whether your name is on the title. If so, you can probably take the title and a death certificate to tag office and get the car placed in your name.

If that doesn't work, you can foreclose on the car since deceased person will not be making payments. There is a statutory...
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1 Answer | Asked in Estate Planning and Probate for Georgia on
Q: How do I ask the courts to impose an emergency freeze on an estate I'm a named beneficial in?
Seth Meyerson
Seth Meyerson
answered on Apr 3, 2023

If your issue is the bank accounts of the decedent, then let the relevant banks know the decedent has died. Do this in writing as well as in person or on the phone. This should freeze these accounts. If you need to get someone accountable for managing the estate, probate the estate yourself, seek... View More

3 Answers | Asked in Estate Planning and Probate for Georgia on
Q: Will an attorney defer payment while they petition for the removal of an executor and be paid from the estate afterwards
Robert W. Hughes Jr.
PREMIUM
Robert W. Hughes Jr.
answered on Apr 2, 2023

It is possible. Every attorney charges different fees. Some collect fees before beginning work. Others collect at the end. Some charge contingency fees. Others bill hourly and dome charge a flat fee.

It will depend on the size and liquidity of an estate. For instance, if the estate is s...
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1 Answer | Asked in Family Law, Estate Planning and Probate for Georgia on
Q: Is my nephew entitled to any of his biological father’s estate if he was adopted by his stepfather?

My nephew’s biological father passed away recently. His name was never on the birth certificate. My nephew was adopted by his stepfather at about the age of three. Does my nephew have any legal rights to any of his biological father’s estate. Also, is he responsible for any financial... View More

Seth Meyerson
Seth Meyerson
answered on Mar 24, 2023

In Georgia, adoption generally terminates the legal relationship between a child and their biological parents, including any rights to an inheritance from the biological parents' estates.

This means that if your nephew was legally adopted by his stepfather, he likely would not be...
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1 Answer | Asked in Real Estate Law and Probate for Georgia on
Q: My sister had my mom to put her house in my sister husband name so I don't have a right to my mom house she died with no
Seth Meyerson
Seth Meyerson
answered on Mar 24, 2023

I'm sorry to hear about your situation. If your sister's husband's name is on the title to your mother's house, it is possible that he may have a legal right to the property.

However, it is important to note that just because your sister's husband's name is on...
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1 Answer | Asked in Family Law and Probate for Georgia on
Q: My husband list his life in a police shootout. The police department said that I must show that I'm executor of estate

How do I or do I legally have to have executor of estate being his spouse and having his grown children verify

Seth Meyerson
Seth Meyerson
answered on Mar 24, 2023

If he did not have a will, then Georgia law provides a specific order of priority for who can serve as the administrator of the estate. Typically, the surviving spouse has the first right to serve as the administrator, followed by any adult children.

To begin the process of being appointed...
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1 Answer | Asked in Probate for Georgia on
Q: My married son died. Then I found out they had been separated for 6 months. In Georgia can I contest property

This is in Georgia. I think she had a live in boyfriend

Seth Meyerson
Seth Meyerson
answered on Mar 24, 2023

I'm sorry for your loss. Regarding your question, it may be possible to contest the distribution of property depending on the specific circumstances of your son's estate and the laws of Georgia.

In Georgia, when a person dies without a will (intestate), their property is...
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2 Answers | Asked in Family Law, Probate and Estate Planning for Georgia on
Q: My son's father, my ex husband died unexpectedly 1 week ago, he was married again and she has refused to inform my son o

Of any life insurance, will, etc. she has forbidden my son any contact with her and didn't include his opinion on funeral planning. My son is 31, does he have rights to anything.

Seth Meyerson
Seth Meyerson
answered on Mar 24, 2023

I'm sorry to hear about your situation. In order to determine your son's rights in this situation, it would be best to consult with an attorney who is knowledgeable about probate law and estate planning in the state of Georgia.

Generally speaking, if your ex-husband had a valid...
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1 Answer | Asked in Personal Injury, Probate and Wrongful Death for Georgia on
Q: My daughter was killed in a car accident and I've been totally left out of the complete situation can I sue also

Her father and I don't get along and he's not including me in on her estate, she has no children and never married along with no will

Seth Meyerson
Seth Meyerson
answered on Mar 16, 2023

I'm so sorry to hear about your loss. Losing a child in a car accident can be a traumatic and devastating experience, and I understand your desire to be involved in the situation.

In terms of your legal rights, it depends on the specific circumstances of the case. If your daughter died...
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1 Answer | Asked in Probate for Georgia on
Q: Which county do I need to file subsequent petition

I'm co-Guardian and conservator for disabled brother with sister who recently died. I want to add younger family member with me now. My brother has moved to New county, same state. Do I file original county where order was issued or new residency county

Seth Meyerson
Seth Meyerson
answered on Mar 14, 2023

In Georgia, you typically file a petition in the county where the ward (your disabled brother) resides. Since your brother has moved to a new county within the state, you should file the subsequent petition in the probate court of the county where your brother currently resides.

According...
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1 Answer | Asked in Probate for Georgia on
Q: Does a conservatirship have to be domesticated from county to county in Georgia

Ward of order has moved from one county to another in Georgia

Seth Meyerson
Seth Meyerson
answered on Mar 13, 2023

If a conservatorship has already been established in one Georgia county and the ward is later moved to another county within the state, it may be necessary to domesticate the conservatorship in the new county.

Under Georgia law, the conservator of a protected person's estate may file a...
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1 Answer | Asked in Family Law and Probate for Georgia on
Q: Can a person continue to file caveats until all the heirs die out?

Should my lawyer be fighting the caveat since the family member filing has not been seen or a part of our family for 30 years? They are claiming they have proof that my moms will was done under duress which is false. Can they continue to geting the caveat delayed or postpone until all the heirs... View More

Seth Meyerson
Seth Meyerson
answered on Mar 3, 2023

Most wills are upheld against caveats. I'm sure they claim a lot of stuff in their caveat. I always do. A caveat will lead to a trial if the issue is not settled before. No reason this should take longer than a year or so and may be handed much faster. Deciding whether the issue is worth... View More

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