What Is A Letter of Testamentary in Georgia?

You need a Letter of Testamentary when there is a will.

You’ll learn about:

What Is A Letter Of Testamentary?

A Letter of Testamentary appoints an executor of the estate.

You need one when someone dies with a will to manage and distribute the estate.

Without this document, you cannot manage the estate.

In Georgia, it involves:

The executor handles:

You get the Letters of Testamentary at the probate courts in the deceased’s county.

Here is how to get them:

File a Petition: Submit a petition to the probate court in the county where the deceased resided. Include the death certificate, the will, and details of the estate.
Court Review: The court examines the petition to ensure it is complete and valid.
Notify Heirs: Notify all heirs and beneficiaries about the probate process.
Probate Hearing: Attend a court hearing where the judge reviews the petition and any objections.
Issuance: If approved, the court issues the Letters of Testamentary.

The Letters of Testamentary give you the authority to manage the estate.

You cannot get Letters of Testamentary without probating the will.

You will need these Letters to:

Schedule an appointment to get help from our probate lawyers.

It usually takes 3 – 6 months to get Letters of Testamentary, appointing you as executor.

The executor’s responsibilities are:

Asset Management: Identify and secure all assets of the deceased.
Debt and Tax Settlement: Pay outstanding debts and taxes and sell assets if needed.
Estate Management: Oversee properties, investments, and legal matters during probate.
Distribution of Assets: Ensure beneficiaries receive their inheritance per the will.
Legal Compliance: File necessary court documents (i.e., inventory and accounting).
Communication: Keep beneficiaries informed about the probate process.
Fiduciary Duty: Act in the estate’s and beneficiaries’ best interests, managing assets prudently.
Professional Assistance: Hire a lawyer when necessary to navigate complex probate processes.

Common challenges our probate lawyers help with are:

Handling conflicts over asset distribution.
Managing large or complicated estates.
Navigating legal requirements and financial complexities, including creditors, taxes, and debts.
Balancing the extensive time commitment required with personal responsibilities.
Coping with personal grief while managing the estate.
Needing to understand probate laws and financial management.
Risk of being held personally liable for mistakes or mismanagement.

Sometimes, we see siblings disagreeing about the contents of the will.

Are you overwhelmed by the Georgia probate process?

Our Georgia probate attorneys handle everything for you.

We specialize in taking as much as possible off your plate so that you are not:

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