Aside from being an emotional process, the death of a loved one can carry legal ramifications as well. In Georgia, the collection and distribution of a decedent’s possessions and property (collectively known as their “estate”) falls under probate law. However, don’t hire a lawyer just yet – some situations allow you to navigate Georgia probate law yourself.
How to Bypass Georgia Probate
Certain property can bypass the Georgia probate process altogether. For example, jointly held property such as bank accounts, cars, or homes are exempt, while living trusts, IRAs, life insurance policies and other contract assetscan also bypass the Georgia probate system. This allows for quick distribution of assets known to be designated for a particular party without having to go through a lengthy court process.
Additional Georgia Probate Resources
Georgia Probate Courts Website
Georgia Probate Code(See Title 53: Wills, Trusts and Administration of Estates)
Also, see our article on Georgia Probate Procedure