Georgia: How to Prove You Are Your Father's Child for Inheritance When His Name Is Not on the Birth Certificate
Proving Parentage for Inheritance in Georgia: What to Do When the Father’s Name Isn’t on Your Birth Certificate Detailed Answer When a decedent’s name is not on a birth certificate, you can still establish that you are the decedent’s child for purposes of inheritance under Georgia law. The two common legal pathways are (1) establishing […]
Read article →Protecting an Inheritance in Georgia When a Family Member Contests an Estate
Protecting an Inheritance in Georgia When a Family Member Challenges an Estate Short answer: You can reduce the risk that a relative successfully contests an inheritance by using clear, properly executed estate documents, avoiding probate where appropriate, preserving evidence of the decedent’s intent and capacity, and acting quickly after the death. Because Georgia law and […]
Read article →How to Be Appointed Administrator of a Sibling’s Intestate Estate in Georgia
Detailed Answer Short overview: If your sister died without a will in Georgia, her estate is “intestate.” Someone must be appointed by the probate court to administer her estate (collect assets, pay debts, and distribute what remains to heirs). A close relative—such as a surviving spouse, adult child, parent, or sibling—can petition the probate court […]
Read article →Notifying Heirs and Creditors When Opening Probate in Georgia
Notifying Heirs When Opening Probate in Georgia: What Notices You Need to Send Disclaimer: This is general information only and not legal advice. I am not a lawyer. For advice about your particular situation, consult a licensed Georgia probate attorney or the local superior court clerk. Short answer When you open a probate estate in […]
Read article →Georgia: Finalizing Probate When a Will Is Outdated and Getting Authority to Sell Property
Finalizing Probate When a Will Is Outdated and Getting Authority to Sell Real Property in Georgia Purpose: This FAQ-style article explains, in plain language, how to complete probate administration in Georgia when the decedent left an outdated will and how to obtain clear authority to sell estate real property. Disclaimer: This is educational information only […]
Read article →Selling a Deceased Parent's House with a Reverse Mortgage in Georgia: What to Do When the Lender Asks for Renunciation Letters
How to proceed when a reverse mortgage lender asks for renunciation letters Short answer: The lender is trying to confirm who has legal authority to sell the home and be paid from the sale proceeds. You typically must either produce clear proof of authority (letters testamentary or letters of administration from probate court, a recorded […]
Read article →Georgia: Steps to Take if an Heir (Uncle) Refuses to Sign a Renunciation to Become Personal Representative
Detailed Answer Short answer: If an heir (here, your uncle) who has a priority right to serve as personal representative refuses to sign a renunciation, you still have options: talk with him and offer alternatives; obtain a written waiver or consent from other entitled persons; ask the probate court to appoint someone else based on […]
Read article →Georgia — First Step to Determine Who Legally Owns a Portion of Your Grandfather's Land
How to Begin Finding the Legal Owner of a Portion of Land in Georgia Detailed Answer — first steps and why they matter If you want to determine legal ownership of a portion of land that once belonged to your grandfather in Georgia, start with recorded public records. In Georgia, ownership is usually established by […]
Read article →Georgia: What Happens to Jointly Held Bank Accounts and Property When Someone Dies Intestate
Detailed Answer — How Georgia law treats jointly held bank accounts and property when someone dies without a will Short answer: In Georgia, whether money or real property passes automatically to the surviving co‑owner or becomes part of the deceased person’s estate depends on how the asset was titled. Some jointly held accounts and property […]
Read article →Georgia — Reimbursable Expenses for Maintaining Estate Property Before Sale
Detailed Answer: What estate‑related expenses can an executor or administrator track and get reimbursed for in Georgia? Short answer: An executor or administrator (the personal representative) may be reimbursed from estate funds for reasonable, necessary expenses incurred to preserve and prepare estate real property for sale. Typical reimbursable items include utilities, insurance, routine maintenance, emergency […]
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