OUR SERVICES
Estate Planning
At Lisa Shippel Law, our experienced Estate Planning team is dedicated to helping individuals, families, and business owners prepare for the future with confidence. We take the time to understand your unique needs and provide knowledgeable legal guidance, ensuring you have the right plan in place and all the pieces of the puzzle fit together for peace of mind.
Why is Estate Planning important?
An Estate Plan is crucial to ensure your wishes are honored and your assets are distributed as intended after you pass. Our documents offer a clear plan that eases the burden on your loved ones during a challenging time. Documents are not one size fits all. We also look at each asset individually to help the client understand what happens even if unexpected circumstances occur. No two plans are exactly alike, but an effective Estate Plan includes several key components designed to protect your legacy and provide for your family. These elements may be included in a comprehensive Estate Plan:
Estate Planning – Protect What Matters Most
Even if you have a Revocable Trust, a Last Will and Testament ensures that any assets not properly transferred into the trust are distributed according to your wishes. This legally binding document outlines how your assets should be allocated after your passing, and appoints an executor who is responsible for carrying out your instructions.
Trusts are powerful estate planning tools that help protect assets, ensure a smooth transfer of wealth by avoidance of Probate and in some cases minimize taxes. Revocable Trusts allow the grantor to change or terminate terms during his or her lifetime. Upon passing, the trust becomes irrevocable and cannot change.
In Georgia, a decedent’s assets may be distributed through Probate or Estate Administration. Probate occurs when there is a Will. The Executor files a petition with the probate court, and once approved, the executor may collect and distribute assets according to the Will.
Estate Administration occurs when there is no Will. The Probate court appoints an Administrator, who follows Georgia’s intestacy laws to distribute assets. This process often involves more court oversight, costs, and complexities, especially if minor children are involved.
This document allows a trusted and designated person to communicate medical decisions if one becomes unable to make those decisions.
A Power of Attorney is a document that gives someone else the ability to perform financial and general tasks for a person. They can be limited for a specific purpose or general.
Official Code of Georgia Title 53 Chapter 3 allows for the surviving spouse and or minor children to elect a Year’s Support in lieu of other bequests. This is sometimes a very beneficial way for the minor children or surviving spouse to preserve estate assets.
A Transfer on Death (TOD) Deed passes real estate directly to a beneficiary without probate, simplifying estate planning while keeping the property owner in full control of their property during their lifetime.
Guiding You Every Step of the Way
Estate Planning Specialist:
Julie Sutton, Paralegal
Julie Sutton is our firm Estate Planning and Probate paralegal. Julie is a graduate of Georgia State University and the University of Georgia Paralegal Program. During her career she has spent many years working in the non-profit fundraising world. Julie assists our clients through the estate planning process.
Julie lives in Suwanee with her husband, Patrick, and her children, Sarah, and Jake.
Becoming a Client
Complete our Estate Planning Worksheet
Start by filling out and returning our worksheet.
Consult with Your Attorney
We discuss your needs and goals to determine the best plan for you.
Review Your Plan Fees
We’ll provide a clear outline of our process and a personalized fee estimate based on your needs.
Draft Your Documents
We draft your documents professionally, and prepare them for review.
Finalize & Execute
Once you’re ready, we will draft your documents, and the final execution will take place in our office.
Would you like a consultation?
To make the most of our time together, please review and complete the following documen as a first step in our Estate Planning process. This will help us better understand your needs and ensure a smooth, efficient process.
What You Will Receive
✔️ A customized estate plan that protects your family and your assets
✔️ A clear strategy for incapacity and legacy planning
✔️ Transparent pricing with no surprises
Why Choose Us?
- Direct attorney guidance
- Fair, competitive pricing with high-quality service
- A straightforward process designed for your peace of mind
Professional Service with a Personal Touch
Ready to take the first step? Contact Us.
