Wills, Trusts and Estates

McConnell & Sneed, LLC provides estate planning with the preparation of wills, formation of trusts, living wills, powers of attorney and advance directives for healthcare within an ever-changing legal environment in order to preserve individual's assets and minimize estate taxes. If you desire, the firm can undertake the duties of trustee and/or executor, probate estates and distribute property.

• Wills and Trusts: One of the best ways to protect your family and your assets is to have a will in place. Without this, you risk having others make those decisions for you after your death. You should also know that Georgia law dictates that marriage, divorce or the birth or adoption of a child can revoke or affect the terms of your will. We can economically prepare any document to fit your exact needs and desires. These documents can provide for appointing guardians for minor or disabled children, distributing property to family or friends, providing for the financial well being of your spouse and family. We can prepare life insurance trusts, credit shelter trusts, or any other type of trust to minimize or eliminate estate taxes. The laws are changing regarding estate taxes and we would be happy to discuss your specific situation. You have worked hard to acquire your assets. A will or trust is the best way to guarantee the future disposition of your assets.
• Living Wills: Living Wills are the legal way to express your desires on continuation of life support if you should fall into a coma, vegetative state or have a terminal condition. We can help you put your wishes into a document so that your family knows your intention. As recent cases have shown, having a living will in place can help avoid costly and time-consuming litigation of these end-of-life issues.
• Powers of Attorney: Powers of attorney empower another individual with the right to make decisions for you. We can draft powers of attorney so that a spouse or family member can make financial or healthcare decisions should you become temporarily or permanently unable to make them for yourself. Spouses should consider have powers of attorney in place for each other should a major or minor emergency arise. Other situations that call for powers of attorney are when minor children are in the care of others or for elderly individuals in the care of their family.

Advance Directives for Healthcare: The Georgia Legislature recently enacted a new law concerning advance directives for healthcare, whereby you can appoint an agent to act on your behalf in making medical decisions if you are unable to make them yourself. These new directives also allow you to indicate your desires on such things as organ donation, burial and the level of healthcare treatment you are to receive. These new directives are more comprehensive than those provided under previous legislation. We can draft and help you document your advance directives for healthcare

If you believe we may be of assistance to you and you wish to discuss your situation with an experienced attorney without any charge or obligation, contact our office.