I want to change my will.

Planning for the what happens to your property (your real estate, your money and your stuff) is a pretty important part of handling your estate. Making sure your Will really says what you want it to is key, especially in Georgia. Just like in many other places, there are some legal hoops you need to jump through to tweak your Will and keep it legit.

In Georgia, your Will is a instruction manual for giving away your property after you're gone. Changing it up involves following the state's legal checklist. A valid Will in Georgia needs to be written down, signed by you, and seen by two people who won't be getting anything from it. Also, these signatures should all be notarized by a property commissioned notary public. This whole process is set up to make sure your wishes are crystal clear and to avoid any drama when it comes to sorting things out.

When you're thinking about tweaking your Will, going through the formal process is usually a good call. Scribbling changes might sound easier, but it can bring in confusion and maybe even legal battles among those who stand to inherit. To keep it all on the up-and-up, it's recommended to use a codicil (a fancy document that adds or changes stuff in your existing will) or just whip up a brand-new will. At Atlanta Wills and Trusts Law Group, we STRONGLY prefer you get a new Will versus just having a codicil.

The state's laws are about protecting you, to honor what you want and keep everything smooth during the probate process. Not following the rules might lead to issues and challenges that could mess with your final wishes.

If you're feeling a bit lost in the world of estate planning in Georgia, talking to a lawyer who knows their stuff is a smart move. They'll help you grasp the impact of your changes, making sure your Will checks all the legal boxes.

In short, changing Will in Georgia means sticking to the legal checklist to make sure everything holds up. Whether you're thinking about a codicil or a whole new Will, (again, we strongly encourage a new Will) following the state's rules is key. Getting advice from a Wills and Trusts attorney can give you the know-how to navigate Georgia's estate planning scene and make choices that match your goals. Doing all this not only secures how your things get passed on but also gives you some peace of mind about your legacy.