Estate Planning

Trusts

There are several different types of trusts that may benefit your family when making your estate plan. The most common type of trust is a revocable trust that allows for the avoidance of probate and provides privacy. Irrevocable trusts are often used for asset protection, Medicaid planning and estate tax planning. Special needs trusts are another type of trust that are extremely beneficial when you need to plan for a loved one that is disabled. We can assist your family with all these types of trusts and more. Call us today to schedule your free consultation to determine which estate plan option is best for your family.

Last Will and Testament

When someone says estate plan the most common document that people think of is a Last Will and Testament or commonly referred to as a Will. Wills are the most utilized estate planning document to ensure that your final wishes are carried out. Wills are a legal tool that outlines how and to whom your possessions should be distributed after your passing. Without a Will, the probate court will determine how your estate is distributed to your heirs. If you want to maintain control and protect your family’s financial future call us today and together, we will help you create a plan that will ensure your final wishes are carried out.

Power of Attorney

A Power of Attorney (POA) is the most useful estate planning document during your lifetime in the event you become incapacitated. Even if you are young, happy and healthy it is always important to prepare for the unthinkable. Growing older is unfortunately a matter of time and you can help protect your finances and family by executing a Power of Attorney. A Power of Attorney is the legal document that allows another person that you have selected to manage your personal financial decisions in the event you are unable to manage them for yourself.

Before you create a Power of Attorney, it is important to consult an experienced attorney to ensure the document is drafted and executed properly. One small mistake in execution could cost your family thousands of dollars. At Harden Law Firm, one of our experienced estate planning attorneys can explain this legal document to help you secure your future.

Probate

Estate Administration

When you or a loved one passes away property and assets must go through a court supervised process known as Probate. The process can either be done according to a person’s last will and testament or if there is no Will it follows Georgia law for how assets should be distributed. The Court will appoint an Executor is there is a Will or an Administrator if there is no Will to oversee the payment of debts and transfer of assets to the beneficiaries or heirs.

Unfortunately, the probate process has many downsides to it that include money and time. It also tends to lead to disagreements among families that can leave lasting impacting on families. To help alleviate some of this stress it is important to work with an experience probate attorney. Our attorneys can assist and guide you through this complicated process to ensure the transfer of assets is smooth and easy as possible.

Estate Disputes and Litigation

Often times after a loved one has passed away there are disagreements among the heirs and/or beneficiaries of an estate. This can often lead to disputes that need to be resolved through the court system. There are numerous types of issues that can arise during the process of transferring assets to the heirs and beneficiaries. One of the most common issues that arise is who will be appointed to manage the estate. This person is called the Executor or Administrator. This is an important position to hold, and it is necessary to ensure the right person is in this position, so assets are protected and distributed properly. Another issue that can occur is when the Executor or Administrator has done something wrong that has caused harm to the estate, heirs or beneficiaries. If any of these issues have arisen having legal counsel can ensure you know your legal rights to achieve the best possible outcome. At Harden Law Firm our approach is to assist clients achieve the best possible outcome while understanding all the complexity that can be involved with estate disputes that arises among family members.

Real Estate Closings

Residential and Commercial Closing

We built our residential and commercial real estate practice with the main goal of providing efficient and superior service. We utilize the latest in real estate technology every day in our practice. We are committed to offering enhanced security and efficiency through the closing process by utilizing the best software and security measures to protect all parties involved in the real estate transaction.