Why Marietta Families Choose a Living Trust
A revocable living trust transfers your assets directly to your beneficiaries without going through the Cobb County Probate Court. Unlike a will, a living trust avoids probate entirely, keeps your estate private, distributes assets in days or weeks (not months or years), and can be updated at any time during your lifetime.
For Marietta families with real estate in Cobb County, retirement accounts, investment portfolios, or family businesses, a living trust is often the most efficient and protective option.
Georgia Living Trust Requirements
To be valid under Georgia law, a living trust must be in writing, signed by the grantor, witnessed by two witnesses, and notarized. The most critical step is funding — properly retitling your assets into the trust’s name. Without funding, your trust won’t work when your family needs it most. Smith Barid’s Marietta living trust attorneys handle the entire funding process with you, including recording new deeds with the Cobb County Clerk’s office.
Living Trust vs. Will: The Georgia Difference
- Will: Requires Cobb County Probate Court. Public record. Can take 6–18+ months. Court and attorney fees apply.
- Living Trust: No court required. Private. Distributes assets in weeks. Lower long-term cost for most families.
Many Marietta families use both — a living trust to handle the bulk of their estate and a pour-over will for any remaining assets and to name guardians for minor children.
Our Marietta Living Trust Planning Process
- Free Discovery Call — Learn how we work and share your goals. No pressure.
- Design Meeting — We design a customized plan for your family’s unique situation.
- Document Preparation — Your trust, pour-over will, powers of attorney, and advance directives professionally prepared.
- Signing Ceremony — We walk you through every document at our Marietta office.
- Funding Your Trust — We guide the retitling of assets and updating of beneficiary designations.
- Lifetime Legacy Continuum — Ongoing support to keep your plan current as life changes.
Most Marietta clients complete their living trust within 45 days.
Why Choose Smith Barid for Marietta Living Trust Planning
- Attorney Mike Smith — author of The Ultimate Gift, Georgia’s guide to living trust planning
- 2026 Georgia Super Lawyer (Mike Smith)
- 50+ combined years of Georgia estate planning experience
- Marietta office at 3750 Palladian Village Suite #500
- Fixed, transparent pricing — no hourly billing
- Guided process from start to finish
Serving Marietta and Metro Atlanta
Our Marietta office serves clients throughout Cobb County, Kennesaw, Smyrna, Acworth, Woodstock, Canton, Alpharetta, Roswell, Sandy Springs, and Metro Atlanta.
Frequently Asked Questions About Living Trusts in Marietta
How much does a living trust cost in Marietta?
Smith Barid offers fixed, transparent pricing. You’ll know your cost before we begin — no hourly billing, no surprises. Contact us for a quote tailored to your situation.
Does a living trust avoid probate in Georgia?
Yes. A properly funded living trust passes assets directly to your beneficiaries without going through the Cobb County Probate Court — saving time, money, and keeping your estate private.
Can I update my living trust after it’s created?
Yes. A revocable living trust can be amended or revoked at any time while you’re mentally competent. We recommend reviewing it every 3–5 years and after major life events.
What assets should go into my living trust?
Typically: real estate, bank accounts, investment accounts, business interests, and valuable personal property. Our attorneys will guide you through exactly what to fund and how.
Ready to protect your Marietta family’s future? Schedule your free discovery call with Smith Barid’s living trust attorneys today.
Smith Barid, LLC | 3750 Palladian Village Suite #500, Marietta, GA 30066 | Living Trust Attorneys