Blog
In the Headlines: Zillow Closing its House-Flipping Operation
Zillow first launched about 15 years ago as a company that connected real estate agents with potential clients. It’s primarily known for publishing online real estate listings and “Zestimate” home price estimates. In 2019, Zillow introduced Offers, a high-tech...
What If Your Beneficiaries Are Under the Age of 18?
During the estate planning process, while you’re figuring out who you want to inherit your estate, you may also need to determine when and how. Minors (those who are under 18 years old) cannot legally own property, so you’ll need to make careful arrangements for them....
Holiday Party Liability in the Workplace
It’s the holiday season! Time for family gatherings and other festive events. Some companies may be planning on throwing a holiday party for their employees this year. An office party is a great opportunity to relax and mingle with coworkers. But these parties can...
What Homeowners Associations Can’t Enforce on their Homeowners
If you live in Metro Atlanta, chances are, your home is part of a homeowner’s association – also known as an HOA. Homeowner’s Associations are the governing bodies of communities such as apartment complexes, condominium buildings, or gated neighborhoods. The HOA is...
Do You Have to Hire the Attorney Who Drafted Your Estate Plan to Probate Your Will?
When a person passes away, and their loved ones are ready to probate the will and close the estate, they may wonder, “do I have to hire the same attorney who drafted the estate plan to then probate the will?” What Does an Estate Planning Attorney Do? An estate...
Protecting Veterans and their Families with VA Aid & Attendance Benefits
Veterans Day honors all those who have served in the US military. Originally known as Armistice Day, this federal holiday also marks the end of World War I on the 11th hour, of the 11th day, of the 11th month of 1918. At Brian M. Douglas & Associates, we greatly...
Challenging the Trustee or Executor of an Estate Plan
When a person chooses the trustee of their trust, or the executor of their will, they want that individual to be competent, responsible, and fair. Many times, people choose wisely – their family member or close friend will ensure that their final wishes are carried...
How to Protect Yourself While Solo Aging
For previous generations, when an older family member or loved one needed help with their daily activities, their other family members would take turns checking in on them, or they would move in with a younger relative. Unfortunately, these might not be realistic...
How Does the Foreclosure Process Work in Georgia?
Purchasing a home can be a substantial financial investment, so it’s pretty common for the homebuyer to take out a loan. The buyer signs a promissory note, promising to repay the loan, and a mortgage, which is a contract giving the lender the right to foreclose if the...
Estate Planning Awareness Week: October 18-24, 2021
National Estate Planning Awareness Week (October 18-24, 2021) is a public campaign designed to help us understand why an estate plan is essential to our financial wellness. Surprisingly, only 32% of the US population currently has a will (Source: Caring.com). That’s...
Types of Special Needs Trusts
If you have a family member or loved one with special needs, there are certain situations where they might require additional help and consideration. You want to make sure that they will always receive proper care, even if you’re no longer around to assist them. With...
Understanding Half-Siblings and Step-Children’s Rights to an Estate
If you are a parent or an adult child in a blended family, you may be wondering about inheritance rights for the different children involved. We’re discussing what Georgia law says regarding the rights of half-siblings and step-children. Half-Siblings While some...