Wills And Trusts Attorney In Marietta
Strategic Planning For Your Family And Assets
Wills and trusts are the backbone of a smart estate plan in Marietta. Whether you need a straightforward will, a revocable living trust to avoid probate, or specialized tools for a blended family or a child with special needs, the right documents can protect your home, guide guardianship, and keep decisions in the hands of the people you trust. Our team translates Georgia law into plain language, so you know exactly how your plan works and why it fits your goals.
At Reed Leeper, P.C., we design practical, Georgia-compliant plans that cover assets, healthcare directives, and business succession without unnecessary complexity. From safeguarding real estate and bank accounts to planning for digital assets and powers of attorney, we build clear, enforceable instructions that spare your family costly delays and guesswork.
Book your wills and trusts strategy session in Marietta today, or call (470) 837-6002 and put a solid plan in place with Reed Leeper, P.C..
Why Choose Our Estate Planning Team
Choosing the right firm for your will or trust is not only about forms, but it is also about trusting a team with important decisions about your future. At Reed Leeper, P.C., our attorneys regularly handle significant business and construction matters, and that experience informs how we approach estate planning. We understand how ownership interests, contracts, and real estate tie into a complete plan that serves you and your family.
We represent a wide range of clients, from individuals planning for a first home to contractors and large companies with complex asset structures. This broad client base shows that we are comfortable working with detailed financial pictures and layered family situations. Our litigation background also means we have seen how disputes arise, and we draft documents with clarity and structure that aim to reduce confusion later.
Our approach is straightforward. We listen closely to your concerns, explain the options available under Georgia law, and recommend strategies that align with your priorities and budget. If you are looking for a wills and trusts lawyer in Marietta who treats your planning as a serious long-term project, our team works to provide that level of focus and care.
Wills And Trusts Planning In Georgia
Many people in the Marietta area are not sure whether they need a will, a trust, or both. A will is a document that states who should receive your property after you die and who should serve as the personal representative, often called an executor. In Georgia, wills for residents of Marietta are typically submitted to Cobb County Probate Court for review, and the court oversees the process of gathering assets, paying valid debts, and distributing what remains.
A trust is a different tool. A revocable living trust, which many clients use, is a legal arrangement that can hold property for your benefit during your life and then for your beneficiaries after you die. Property that is titled in the name of the trust commonly avoids going through probate, which can help keep certain details more private and may reduce delays. Trusts can also be used to manage how and when beneficiaries receive assets, which is important if you have young children, family members with special needs, or beneficiaries who might not be ready to manage a large inheritance.
For many people in Georgia, the best solution is a combination of both. A will can cover any assets that are not placed in a trust and can name guardians for minor children. A trust can manage real estate, business interests, or investment accounts in a way that matches your long-term goals. As a wills and trusts attorney in Marietta, we help you compare these options in plain language so you can choose a structure that fits your life instead of guessing based on generic templates.
Online forms and one-size-fits-all documents often overlook critical issues, such as how your retirement accounts are titled or how your business is owned. Our attorneys review the full picture, including property in Georgia and any assets in other states, so that your plan works as a whole. We work to create documents that are consistent with your existing contracts and beneficiary designations, which helps reduce surprises for your family later.
Our Step-by-Step Planning Process
Estate planning feels more manageable when you know what to expect. We follow a clear, organized process so your will or trust is not just a stack of papers, it is a thoughtful plan. Our goal is to make each step understandable, from the first meeting to the final signing.
Here is how we typically guide clients through planning:
- Initial conversation, where we learn about your family, assets, and goals, and you learn how we work.
- Information gathering, which may include a list of property, business owners, insurance, and existing documents.
- Strategy discussion, where we outline options such as wills, trusts, and powers of attorney, and explain the pros and cons.
- Draft review, where you see the proposed documents, ask questions, and request adjustments as needed.
- Signing and implementation, where documents are signed with proper formalities, and we discuss next steps, such as retitling assets to a trust.
Throughout this process, we keep communication direct and clear. We explain legal terms in everyday language and encourage questions, so you are comfortable with each decision. If you are working with a wills and trusts lawyer in Marietta for the first time, we understand that this may be new, and we take the time needed to walk through key choices without unnecessary delays.
Cost is a common concern. While specific fees depend on the complexity of your situation, we focus on efficient, cost-conscious planning. By investing in a well-thought-out estate plan now, many clients reduce the risk of confusion, disputes, or additional court involvement later, particularly in Cobb County Probate Court.
Planning For Families And Business Owners
Families and business owners in Marietta often face distinct estate planning questions. Parents with young children want to know who will care for their kids and how to provide for them financially. Business owners are focused on how their company will continue operating, who will own it, and how to protect employees and co-owners if something happens to them.
For families, we help you think through guardianship choices, how to structure inheritances, and how to guide the people who will manage funds. A trust can hold assets for children until they reach chosen ages or milestones, while a will can name the guardians who will raise them. We also address practical matters such as life insurance, beneficiary designations, and how property in the Marietta area, including your home, fits into the overall plan.
For business owners, estate planning often needs to coordinate with operating agreements, buy-sell arrangements, and construction or service contracts. Our background in construction and business law allows us to look at your company’s structure and plan for ownership transitions that align with your wishes. Whether your business is based in Marietta or operates throughout Georgia, we consider how a change in ownership might affect partners, lenders, and key relationships.
Clients with multiple properties or investment interests in Cobb County and beyond also benefit from coordinated planning. We discuss how to hold real estate, whether in your name, a company, or a trust, and how those choices affect probate, control, and other legal considerations. When you work with a wills and trusts attorney in Marietta who understands both estate planning and business concerns, you gain a plan that is built to support the full scope of your life, not just one part of it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I Need A Will, A Trust, Or Both In Georgia?
You may need a will, a trust, or a combination, depending on your goals. A will directs property in probate and can name guardians for children. A trust can manage assets during life and after death. We compare options with you and recommend a structure that fits your situation.
How Much Time Will It Take To Set Up My Estate Plan?
Many clients complete planning in several weeks, although timing depends on complexity and how quickly information is gathered. We outline a clear timeline at the start, and our organized process helps keep your matter moving so you are not left wondering about the next step.
Can You Help With Planning For My Business If Something Happens To Me?
Yes, we work with business owners to coordinate estate planning and business arrangements. We review ownership structures, agreements, and key roles to design a plan for succession or transition. Our business and construction law background allows us to address both personal and company considerations in one strategy.
What Happens If I Already Have A Will That Is Out Of Date?
If you already have documents, we review them and identify where they no longer match your current life or goals. We then recommend updates or new documents as needed. Our aim is to preserve what still works while correcting gaps, so your plan reflects your present circumstances.
Will My Family Have To Go To Cobb County Probate Court?
Many estates for residents of Marietta are handled through Cobb County Probate Court, but good planning can influence how involved the court must be. We explain which assets may go through probate and how trusts and beneficiary designations might reduce that involvement. Your plan is tailored with these local procedures in mind.
Secure your will or trust in Marietta now
Every week you delay invites confusion, court costs, and risk to your family and assets. Put Georgia-tested documents in place that keep control in your hands and protect what you built in Marietta for the people who matter most.
Book your wills and trusts strategy session with Reed Leeper, P.C. today or call (470) 837-6002 now to lock in your plan.
Strategic Advocacy
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Results-Driven Team
We are dedicated to achieving successful outcomes, no matter how complex the case.
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Exceptional Experience
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