Losing someone you love is one of the toughest life experiences you’ll ever go through. Most people expect that a death in the family will be emotionally difficult, even if they aren’t prepared for the intensity of grief; what most people don’t expect is how legally complicated it can become if probate is involved. Probate is a Georgia court process that your deceased loved one’s estate may have to undergo before any of their assets (their house, their bank accounts, etc.) can be legally transferred to their beneficiaries. Even if your family member left behind a will, their estate still may have to go through probate.

The majority of Georgia residents have never even heard of probate until they are facing it, and don’t have any idea what it involves, but there are many steps, fees, and responsibilities associated with the process. You need to prepare an inventory of your loved one’s assets, and then have them appraised. You need to notify creditors and settle your loved one’s debts. You need to give written notice to the beneficiaries. You need to maintain their property. You need to pay and file taxes. If you miss any deadlines, or make any mistakes, you could incur additional fees or even risk a lawsuit forming – not to mention that all of this paperwork is the last thing you want to be dealing with when you’re mourning.