Blog
Modern Memorials: An Individualistic Approach
For thousands of years, memorials have served as status symbols and expressions of grief. From the pyramids in Egypt, to the mausoleums in Paris, to the elaborate headstones in Victorian England – our culture has long found importance in having a place to memorialize...
Can an HOA Force Its Residents to Get the COVID-19 Vaccine?
As the COVID-19 vaccine is becoming more readily available in Georgia, homeowners’ associations and homeowners alike are beginning to wonder about how this will impact their local communities. With the vaccine available to the general public this spring – just as more...
Can I Claim My Home Office Expenses on My 2020 Taxes?
Over the past year, millions of people have transitioned from working in their usual office building to working from home. They set up their home workspace, purchased new office furniture and equipment, upgraded their internet, and bought other needed supplies. Some...
Estate Planning Essentials: What You Cannot Do with a Will
A Last Will and Testament is an essential estate planning document. With a will, a person can leave instructions about the distribution of their personal property and other assets. They can place finances into a trust. A person can also use their will to identify a...
From the Headlines: Understanding the Britney Spears Conservatorship
Pop star Britney Spears is back in the news, following the release of the new documentary Framing Britney Spears and a series of highly-publicized court appearances. At issue is Spears’ conservatorship, leading many viewers and fans to ask, “What exactly is a...
Are Electronic Wills Valid in Georgia?
Technology is revolutionizing the world as we know it, with innovations to almost every industry – including the legal field. Over the past few years, technology has reshaped how legal professionals communicate with clients and operate within the court system. With so...
Including a Legacy Letter in Your Estate Plan
A legacy letter, or a final letter, is a document used to share stories and to communicate a person’s values and hopes with future generations. It is not a legal or official document, but it can be an integral part of your estate plan. What Does a Legacy Letter...
Estate Planning for Different Stages of a Relationship
With Valentine’s Day right around the corner, many of us have been thinking about love, relationships, and the important people in our lives. At Brian M. Douglas & Associates, your loved ones are also a priority to us. Estate plans are meant to protect an...
Can You Have Co-Estate Executors?
When you are drafting your Last Will and Testament, one of the decisions you will have to make is naming an executor – the person responsible for administering your estate. Some may want to name two executors in their will. There are benefits to this approach, as well...
Will the Stimulus Checks Affect My Tax Return?
Since the CARES Act was signed into law last March, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has sent out tens of millions of stimulus payments. These checks, a direct transfer from the federal government to households, are designed to stimulate the economy and help those...
What if You Can’t Pay Your HOA Fees Due to Financial Hardship?
A large percentage of homes in the Metro Atlanta area are part of a homeowner’s association – commonly referred to as an HOA. Homeowner’s associations are the governing bodies of residential communities such as gated neighborhoods, apartment complexes, or condo...
Avoiding Probate in Georgia: Common Probate Issues, Helpful Estate Planning Tools
The probate process is a structured and regulated means of closing a loved one’s estate. While Georgia probate law and the Probate Court can help guide the distribution of assets and property, this process can also be burdensome for family members who are already...