You Don’t Have to
Figure This Out Alone.
Losing someone is hard enough. We walk you through probate step by step, so you can settle the estate without the chaos.
If You’re Feeling This, You’re Not Alone
- You’ve been named executor and don’t know the first step
- Your loved one passed without a will
- You’re getting letters from creditors or the court
- Family members disagree about what should happen
- You’re worried about making a costly mistake
- You’re grieving and the paperwork feels impossible
“The paperwork and the legal jargon just paralyze me. Where do I even start?”What we hear from families
How We Help
Getting Started
Clear first steps after a loss, so nothing important gets missed.
Opening the Estate
Filing with the probate court and getting the executor or administrator appointed.
Assets & Debts
Help gathering assets, handling creditors, and keeping records straight.
Estates Without a Will
Guidance when someone passes without a will and the court decides who inherits.
Family Communication
Keeping beneficiaries informed to reduce confusion and conflict.
Closing the Estate
Distributing assets and wrapping things up properly.
Part of One Clear Blueprint
The Strategic Legacy Blueprint Session
Going through probate often makes families want to spare their own children the same experience. When you’re ready, a Blueprint Session can help you build your own plan so the next generation has an easier path.
Common Questions
What should I do first when a loved one passes?
Take care of immediate needs first, locate the will and important papers if you can, and avoid moving or distributing assets until you know who has legal authority. Then talk with an attorney about whether probate is needed.
Does every estate have to go through probate?
Not always. Some assets pass directly to a named beneficiary or through a trust. Whether probate is needed depends on how the assets were owned and titled.
What if there is no will?
When someone passes without a will, Georgia law decides who inherits, and the probate court appoints an administrator. We can guide you through that process.
How long does probate take in Georgia?
It varies with the size of the estate, whether there’s a will, and whether anyone disagrees. Clear records and good communication usually help things move faster.
More questions about probate & estate administration (7)
What’s the difference between an executor and an administrator?
An executor is the person named in a will to handle the estate. When there is no will (or no executor is able to serve), the probate court appoints an administrator. Both have similar duties: gather assets, pay valid debts, and distribute what’s left.
Where do I file for probate in Georgia?
Generally in the probate court of the county where the person lived when they passed away — not where the executor lives or where the family meets. If the person lived in Gwinnett County, for example, the estate would usually be handled by the Gwinnett County probate court in Lawrenceville.
What is “year’s support” in Georgia?
Year’s support is a Georgia procedure that lets a surviving spouse and minor children ask the probate court to set aside property from the estate for their support for a year. It can take priority over many other debts, so it’s worth asking about early.
Am I personally responsible for my loved one’s debts?
Usually, no. Debts are generally paid from the estate, not from the family’s own money — unless you co-signed, shared the account, or are otherwise legally responsible. Don’t pay a creditor from your own funds before getting advice.
What assets don’t go through probate?
Assets held in a trust, accounts with a named beneficiary (like life insurance and retirement accounts), and property owned jointly with a right of survivorship usually pass outside probate. Property titled in the person’s name alone usually goes through probate.
Can an executor be paid in Georgia?
Yes. Georgia law allows personal representatives to be compensated for their work, and a will can also set the amount. Many family members choose not to take a fee — either way, it’s worth understanding before you begin.
What if someone contests the will?
Family members can challenge a will in probate court — for example, claiming it wasn’t signed properly or that the person was pressured. Contests are stressful and costly, which is why careful planning and clear documents matter so much.
Let Us Carry Some of the Weight.
Get clear next steps for settling your loved one’s estate.
Schedule Your Blueprint Session