What should I do if an heir refuses to return estate property and the estate is still open? (GA)
What to do if an heir refuses to return estate property while the estate is still open — Georgia Short answer: Act quickly and formally. Document the property, send a written demand, involve the personal representative and the probate court, and be prepared to ask the court for turnover or to pursue a replevin or […]
Read article →Can I become the personal representative of my sister's estate? (GA)
Detailed Answer — Can I become the personal representative of my sister's estate under Georgia law? Short answer: Yes — you can become the personal representative (sometimes called an executor or administrator) of your sister’s estate in Georgia, but whether the probate court will appoint you depends on a few factors: whether your sister left […]
Read article →What options do heirs have when an estate administrator becomes unresponsive or refuses to distribute assets? (GA)
What to do if an estate administrator in Georgia becomes unresponsive or refuses to distribute assets Short answer: Heirs in Georgia can request an accounting, file petitions in probate court to compel distribution, move to remove or surcharge the administrator, request appointment of a special administrator, and pursue contempt or breach-of-fiduciary-duty remedies. These options generally […]
Read article →How do I apply to be appointed as the personal representative of a deceased relative’s estate? (GA)
FAQ: How to apply to be appointed as the personal representative of a deceased relative’s estate in Georgia Short answer To be appointed as a personal representative (often called an executor or administrator) in Georgia you generally must: locate the decedent’s will (if any), file the correct petition in the probate court of the county […]
Read article →How Can Heirs Petition the Court to Reopen a Closed Estate in Georgia to Claim Unclaimed Assets?
Detailed Answer When an estate closes in Georgia, the court issues a final distribution order and discharges the personal representative. However, if heirs later discover unclaimed assets—such as overlooked bank accounts, life insurance proceeds or real property—they can ask the court to reopen the estate. Georgia law provides for reopening under O.C.G.A. § 53-12-290, which […]
Read article →What is the Process for Inventorying and Distributing Estate Assets Among Multiple Heirs in Georgia?
Detailed Answer: Inventorying and Distributing Estate Assets in Georgia When a person dies owning assets in Georgia, the probate court oversees the collection, valuation, and distribution of those assets. Whether there is a valid will or not, the administrator (or executor) must follow the steps mandated by O.C.G.A. Title 53, Chapter 2. 1. Appointment of […]
Read article →How do heirs locate and claim unclaimed property of a deceased relative in Georgia?
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes and does not constitute legal advice. Detailed Answer Unclaimed property refers to financial assets or personal property that businesses and government agencies hold when the owner becomes inactive for a set period. In Georgia, the Department of Revenue (DOR) administers unclaimed property under O.C.G.A. § 44-12-202. If a […]
Read article →What factors influence the timeline for completing the probate process in Georgia?
Disclaimer This article is for educational purposes and does not constitute legal advice. Consult a qualified Georgia attorney for guidance on your specific situation. Factors Influencing the Probate Timeline in Georgia Probate in Georgia typically spans several months to over a year. Various elements can speed up or slow down the process. Understanding these factors […]
Read article →How do I confirm if workers’ compensation payments were applied to my medical bills in Georgia?
Disclaimer This article does not provide legal advice. It is for informational purposes only. Detailed Answer Under Georgia law, workers’ compensation covers reasonable and necessary medical treatment for work-related injuries. To confirm whether payments were applied to your medical bills, follow these steps: Obtain Explanation of Benefits (EOB). Your insurer or claims administrator must send […]
Read article →What Are the Risks of Probating My Father’s Estate Without an Attorney in GA?
Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Detailed Answer Probating your father’s estate without an attorney in Georgia can expose you to significant risks. Probate is the legal process of validating a will, settling debts, and distributing assets under O.C.G.A. Title 53. As executor or administrator, you must […]
Read article →