If you’ve ever had to deal with probate after a loved one passed away, you probably already know why so many Georgia families want to avoid it.
Probate is the court process that handles someone’s estate after they die. It’s public, time-consuming, and can tie up your loved one’s assets for months, sometimes longer. The good news? With the right planning, you can avoid most (if not all) of it.
At Smith Barid, LLC, we help families in Savannah, Marietta, and across Georgia use smart legal tools to keep their affairs private and easy to manage. Here’s how you can do the same.
Use a Living Trust
The #1 way to avoid probate in Georgia is by using a revocable living trust. When you put your assets in a trust, they’re no longer considered part of your “probate estate.” That means when you pass away, the person you named as trustee can step in immediately and distribute your assets according to your instructions with no court involved.
It’s fast, private, and often more cost-effective than probate.
Make Sure Beneficiary Designations Are Up to Date
Some assets like life insurance, retirement accounts, and certain bank accounts can pass directly to your chosen beneficiaries without going through probate. But here’s the catch: you have to name those beneficiaries properly, and keep them updated.
Outdated or missing beneficiary designations are a common reason families end up in probate unnecessarily.
Own Property Jointly (But Be Careful)
Joint ownership with rights of survivorship means the asset passes automatically to the surviving owner. This can work for married couples, but it’s not always a good fit for other situations — especially when it comes to taxes, creditor risks, or blended families. It’s best to talk this through with a knowledgeable estate planning attorney before making changes.
Why Avoiding Probate Matters
Probate isn’t just slow. It’s public meaning anyone can look up what your estate is worth and who got what. It can also be costly, especially if the process gets contested or delayed.
Avoiding probate gives your family peace of mind, privacy, and a smoother path forward during a difficult time.
Let’s Build a Plan That Skips the Headaches
Avoiding probate is absolutely legal, and incredibly smart when done correctly. At Smith Barid, we’ll help you create a plan that makes life easier for the people you care about most.
Call us today at 912-352-3999 or click here to schedule your discovery meeting. With offices in Savannah and Marietta, we’re proud to serve families across Georgia with clarity and care.
