AV Preeminent Peer Rated Attorneys
Douglas Residents, consider several factors when selecting a lawyer including their experience, expertise, and reputation. AV Rated Attorneys represent a distinguished group of lawyers who have received top ratings from their peers for their exceptional ethical standards and an A grade (4.5 or higher).
AV Preeminent Peer Rated Attorneys
Douglas Residents, consider several factors when selecting a lawyer ... Learn More
AV Preeminent Peer Rated Attorneys
Douglas Residents, consider several factors when selecting a lawyer including their experience, expertise, and reputation. AV Rated Attorneys represent a distinguished group of lawyers who have received top ratings from their peers for their exceptional ethical standards and an A grade (4.5 or higher).

Jared Roberts Attorney at Law LLC

  • 212 N. Madison Ave., Douglas, GA 31533

Cottingham & Porter, P.C.

  • 319 East Ashley Street, Douglas, GA 31533

Lawyers At This Firm

Preston & Preston

  • Douglas, GA 31534

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Looking for Estate Planning Lawyers in Douglas?

Estate planning attorneys help individuals prepare for the management and distribution of their assets after death or incapacitation. They create legal documents such as wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and healthcare directives. Their work ensures a client’s wishes are honored, minimizes potential taxes, and simplifies the process for their loved ones.

About our Estate Planning Lawyers Ratings

The average lawyer rating is created by peers based on legal expertise, ethical standards, quality of service, and relationship skills. Recommendations are made by real clients.

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4.7

5 Peer Reviews

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Commonly Asked Estate Planning Questions From Users Near You

This information is not legal advice and is not guaranteed to be correct, complete or up-to-date. It is provided for general informational purposes only. If you need legal advice you should consult a licensed attorney in your area.

Is my attorney over charging me

Robert W. Hughes
Answered by attorney Robert W. Hughes (Unclaimed Profile)
Estate Planning lawyer at Robert W. Hughes & Associates, P.C.
It is difficult to say what is high, or low, or the right price.  Attorneys have an ethical duty not to charge too much to their clients.  However, what is too much cannot be defined until after a case concludes.  It sounds like your attorney is proposing to work on a contingency fee.  In that case, a 1/3 fee is not necessarily high.  On the other hand, if you pay for the services up front and pay an hourly fee, then $8,000 seems high to establish an estate.  However, there is a lot that goes into creating and administering and estate, and I cannot tell what the complexities might be in this matter, what other assets might exist, what bills must be paid, etc.  Therefore, your best way to determine what a fair price is will be to interview two or three lawyers who specialize in probate work and see which lawyer you like and which lawyer charges you what you perceive to be a fair price.
It is difficult to say what is high, or low, or the right price.  Attorneys have an ethical duty not to charge too much to their clients.  However, what is too much cannot be defined until after a case concludes.  It sounds like your attorney is proposing to work on a contingency fee.  In that case, a 1/3 fee is not necessarily high.  On the other hand, if you pay for the services up front and pay an hourly fee, then $8,000 seems high to establish an estate.  However, there is a lot that goes into creating and administering and estate, and I cannot tell what the complexities might be in this matter, what other assets might exist, what bills must be paid, etc.  Therefore, your best way to determine what a fair price is will be to interview two or three lawyers who specialize in probate work and see which lawyer you like and which lawyer charges you what you perceive to be a fair price.
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Am I still be considered as the beneficiary of my ex wife’s will though, we were already divorced?

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Answered by attorney Mark Schaefer (Unclaimed Profile)
Estate Planning lawyer at Elder Law Office of Mark Schaefer PC
If these are the only portions of your decree that pertain to the annuity, then yes, you do still have a claim. Ownership of the policy stayed with her, which includes the ability to change the beneficiary. If she did not choose to change the beneficiary designation, then it is still valid. Unless you somewhere agreed not to accept any benefits from that policy, you should be able to receive and keep the death benefit. If the insurance company receives any conflicting claims, they may decide to pay the proceeds into court, and let a judge decide. That would probably be done in SC, if that is where she died. You should file a claim and see how the insurance company responds.
If these are the only portions of your decree that pertain to the annuity, then yes, you do still have a claim. Ownership of the policy stayed with her, which includes the ability to change the beneficiary. If she did not choose to change the beneficiary designation, then it is still valid. Unless you somewhere agreed not to accept any benefits from that policy, you should be able to receive and keep the death benefit. If the insurance company receives any conflicting claims, they may decide to pay the proceeds into court, and let a judge decide. That would probably be done in SC, if that is where she died. You should file a claim and see how the insurance company responds.
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Step son still lives at home

Loraine M. DiSalvo
Answered by attorney Loraine M. DiSalvo
Estate Planning lawyer at Morgan & DiSalvo, P.C.
If anyone who does not receive an interest in your home is living there at the time of your death, then the Executor of the estate or the beneficiaries of the home will eventually be able (and likely willing) to make that person move out, whether he's your stepson or someone else. If you don't want this to happen, and if you want to provide some protection for your stepson after your death, then you should address those wishes in your estate planning. There are options. Contact an experienced estate planning attorney to discuss them.   Best wishes to you.  
If anyone who does not receive an interest in your home is living there at the time of your death, then the Executor of the estate or the beneficiaries of the home will eventually be able (and likely willing) to make that person move out, whether he's your stepson or someone else. If you don't want this to happen, and if you want to provide some protection for your stepson after your death, then you should address those wishes in your estate planning. There are options. Contact an experienced estate planning attorney to discuss them.   Best wishes to you.  
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