How do I determine who is entitled to a share of my estate?

In Georgia, the laws of intestacy are what determine who is entitled to a share of an estate if the deceased person does not have a will. Intestacy is when a person dies without a valid will. In Georgia, an intestate estate is divided among the surviving spouse and children. If the deceased person had no spouse or children, the estate is passed to other family members, such as parents, siblings, and grandparents. If the deceased person did have a valid will, then the estate is distributed according to the terms set forth in the will. In general, a will must be signed by the testator, the person whose estate is being divided, and witnessed at the time of signing. The will should also be probated in court, where it can be determined that the will is valid and that its contents accurately reflect the wishes of the testator. Beyond the will, other estate planning documents, such as trusts, powers of attorney, and living wills, can also be used to determine who is entitled to a share of an estate. These documents can provide more detailed instructions about how the testator wants their assets to be distributed. It is important to remember that not all estate planning documents are the same, and the laws of intestacy and a valid will are not the only ways to determine who is entitled to a share of an estate. The best course of action is to contact an attorney who specializes in wills and probate law in Georgia for assistance in determining who is entitled to a share of your estate.

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