Peach State Wills & Trusts

05/28/2026

It's Frankie's two-year work-erversary here at Peach State Wills & Trusts. We're celebrating her today and glad she's on our team!

05/27/2026

What’s the coolest career milestone you can think of?

For some writers, it might be making The NY Times bestsellers list, while for others, winning a Peabody or Pulitzer is a greater honor.

For a football player, it might be the Lombardi Trophy or the NFL MVP, but plenty of players will tell you that taking home the Walter Payton Man of the Year Award is just as meaningful an honor.

I know a lot of lawyers who will tell you that starting their own firm, becoming in-house counsel, or getting their name in the news the for the first time is a career-defining achievement, but for me, the coolest thing I can think of happened a few weeks ago.

I was recently sworn in to the Bar for the Supreme Court of the United States.

I am actually surprised by how much it means to be admitted to a place where I’ll, frankly, never even make an argument.

It was a memorable day: from conversations in an ornate private gathering room with other lawyers being admitted to the Bar to hearing a fellow lawyer make an oral motion to the Chief Justice to admit us to the Bar, calling us each by name.

The Clerk of the Court administered our oath as we stood with our right hands raised.

It was a very solemn and meaningful brief ceremony.

Then, we remained in the attorneys section of the Court to observe oral arguments in a case before the Court.

I sat in the section inside the bar of the court reserved for members of the Supreme Court Bar.

The emotional gravity of being eligible, being prepared, and being a part of a legacy, has been surprisingly moving to me. And I think I know why.

Beyond the personal weight of achievement, it’s kind of an estate lesson dressed up in quill pins and black robes.

Having a living trust is like this.

It speaks to who you are, what you care about, what your intentions are.

And there are parts of it you may never need.

But, in the event you do, you will be prepared.

I may not be a Pulitzer Prize winner or a Super Bowl MVP, but I was sworn in to the Bar for the US Supreme Court. And I don’t mind saying it’s quite an honor.

But I also don’t mind saying I would be equally honored to help you create a plan that matters to you. Because this job isn’t about accolades. At the end of the day, it’s about helping others protect what matters to them.

-Joel

P.S. Have questions about estate planning? Download a complementary guide at peachstatewills.com, set up a discovery call by calling 678-344-5342, or contact us online.

05/20/2026

Top Gun is 40! If you saw it in theaters, it's time to get your estate plan in order!

05/18/2026

I like to travel, but I don’t like the airport.

Everywhere you look, everyone is stressed.

Because everyone, no matter where they are headed, is in a rush to get to a line.

You have lines of traffic to get there, lines at TSA, a line for that much-needed coffee–even though you had the foresight to pre-order it in your app.

Sure, the destination on the other side of all that waiting is usually great.

But the airport experience itself? We’ve all been to ATL . . . it’s all hurry up & wait.

And, in recent months, the lines have been even longer. Much longer. Even your PreCheck or Global Entry can’t make up for delays.

The same waiting game happens in Georgia’s probate courts.

Maybe you know this. Maybe you say to yourself, “Hey, I’ve got a will, and things will go to probate, and that’s fine because my family will eventually get what they need even if they have to wait in a bit of a line. Plus I’ll be gone anyway, so I won’t mind.”

But what you may not know is just how bad the lines have gotten.

They are longer. Much longer. And they are riddled with delays.

We’re talking months before the process even begins . . . and that’s with a will.

From there you’re still looking at potential delays. All the while, everything you wanted your family to have access to is locked away and inaccessible.

When it’s time to clear important details and assets for your loved ones, the last thing we want is for anyone to be stuck in a legal line as slow as Spaghetti Junction or waiting for the Plane Train.

Talk with us about whether or not a revocable trust makes sense for you.

It’s like joining CLEAR at the airport; you can breeze right past the line altogether and get exactly where you need to be.

Even if you have a plan in place already, I’d still love to chat.

We can set up a time that works for you . . . so you don’t have to wait. ;)

-Joel

P.S. Have questions about estate planning? Download a complimentary guide here (https://www.peachstatewills.com/freeguide), set up a discovery call by calling 678-344-5342, or contact us online.

05/14/2026

The Georgia legislature has made major changes to Georgia's relatively new TOD Deed Act. These changes expand the usefulness of TOD Deeds by allowing contingent beneficiaries, change the claim process after the death of the owner, add new notice requirements for the executor/administrator of an estate, and more.

Get the scoop here: https://www.peachstatewills.com/georgia-updates-its-transfer-on-death-deed-rules-what-property-owners-and-beneficiaries-should-know

As an aside, this TOD Deed legislation continues the streak of a tortured road to passage, as the state senate took an agriculture bill dealing with protecting mobile sawmills, stripped that language out and inserted TOD Deed Act revisions, passed it, and sent it back to the house for final passage before approval by the Governor. Oddly enough, the original TOD Deed Act passed in 2024 had a similar path to becoming law.

Georgia amended its TOD Deed Act in the 2026 legislative session, and some changes are big. Georgia TOD Deeds remain useful, and are now more powerful and flexible, but the details matter.

05/06/2026

Like a lot of parents, I love a good Pixar movie.

But I have a confession: I didn’t watch Toy Story 4.

I know, I know. The reviews are mixed, so maybe you consider this some form of Pixar blasphemy.

Or maybe you totally understand where I’m coming from.

Because for me, Toy Story 3 is a perfect film.

It’s entertaining on its own, but it also gave us such a beautiful way to say goodbye to characters so many kids had grown up loving.

We saw the toys struggling to say goodbye, but finding peace even at the gravest of ends. Andy facing a new horizon. And as an estate planner, I have to say, it was touching when he designated a beneficiary, passed his beloved toys on, and gave them all a new life.

Did a tear well up in my eyes with Woody’s final “So long, partner”?

Maybe so.

And then Toy Story 4 came along and sort of…ruined it? I don’t know. It’s complicated.

But the toys are back in town now. We’re just weeks away from Toy Story 5 hitting theaters in June.

This time they’re tackling a topic I know is on the minds of plenty of parents and grandparents: how advancements in technology, AI, and all the screens that grab our attention are also shaping the lives of our children.

And, you know . . . I’m intrigued. Even though I absolutely feel the series had a perfect end with Toy Story 3 (so perfect I chose not to watch Toy Story 4 at all!), there’s a good chance I’ll catch this next one.

One absolute about life: it’s forever changing.

Just when you think you’ve written the perfect ending, circumstances, perspectives, technologies, and needs change.

Sometimes estate planning can feel overwhelming, or even burdensome, because you want to get it just right.

You might even think that a plan that needs to change should be left alone because, well, why ruin something everyone agreed was pretty much perfect?

But instead of thinking of it as your last word, or the final entry in a beloved trilogy, think of your estate plan as your next chapter—one you can revise as often as you need to. And a chance to show the people in your life what you really care about.

I can’t predict the future (though I can predict at least two more Toy Story films in our future), but I can say this with certainty: no matter what your circumstances, when it comes to estate planning, you’ve got a friend in me.

Are you planning to see Toy Story 5? Or do you have your own reservations? Reply to this post and let me know.

And if you want to talk about an estate plan that will ensure your wishes are honored through infinity and beyond (legally speaking, anyway), give us a call.

-Joel

P.S. Have questions about estate planning? Download a complimentary guide here: https://www.peachstatewills.com/freeguide (yes, we said it: no strings attached!), set up a discovery call by calling 678-344-5342 or contact us online.

Looking for estate planning advice in Georgia? Explore resources from Peach State Wills & Trusts to make informed decisions about wills, trusts, and more.

05/04/2026

Owning a home is a major milestone—but have you thought about what happens to it in your estate plan? 🏡

Transferring real estate into a living trust can help your property avoid probate, maintain privacy, and make things easier for your loved ones. But the process involves specific legal steps, from drafting the correct deed to recording it with the county.

Our latest blog breaks down how to transfer real estate into a living trust in Georgia, step by step so you can better understand the process and avoid commonOur latest blog breaks down how to transfer real estate into a living trust in Georgia, step by step so you can better understand the process and avoid common mistakes.

Learn more: https://www.peachstatewills.com/transfer-property-into-living-trust

Owning a home in Georgia comes with pride, and a few questions about what happens next. A living trust can keep your property moving to the right people without court delays, stress, or public paperwork. At Peach State Wills and Trusts®, we focus on clear, personal planning that fits your life an.....

04/30/2026

We are thankful for clients who share their experience working with our team. Helping families feel confident about their estate planning decisions is always our priority. 🫱🏼‍🫲🏻

From explaining available options to making paperwork convenient and organized, our goal is to guide clients through each step so they can complete their plan with clarity and peace of mind.

If you are ready to create or update your estate plan, contact Peach State Wills & Trusts today to schedule a consultation.

📞 (678) 730-2079
https://www.peachstatewills.com

04/27/2026

Is using an online form or a generic template really enough to protect your family’s future? ⚖️

Estate planning involves more than filling out a document. A well-prepared plan considers your assets, family dynamics, healthcare wishes, and long-term goals to ensure everything works together properly.

Working with an experienced attorney can help you avoid costly mistakes and ensure your plan truly reflects your intentions.

Contact us to create a thoughtful estate plans designed for your specific situation.

📞 (678) 730-2079
https://www.peachstatewills.com

04/23/2026

Estate administration in Georgia can take months or even years, depending on the size of the estate, creditor claims, and potential disputes. Personal representatives often must gather documents, notify creditors, manage assets, handle tax filings, and oversee probate court matters.

Having the right legal guidance can simplify this process and reduce stress during an already difficult time. ⚖️

Contact us today to get the support and clarity you need.

📞 (678) 730-2079
https://www.peachstatewills.com/estate-administration