What Is a Living Trust and Why Does Your Savannah Family Need One?
A revocable living trust is a legal document that holds your assets during your lifetime and transfers them directly to your beneficiaries after death — without going through the Chatham County Probate Court. Unlike a will, a living trust avoids probate entirely, keeps your estate private, transfers assets in days or weeks (not months or years), and can be updated or revoked at any time during your lifetime.
For most Savannah families with real estate, retirement accounts, or significant savings, a living trust is far more protective than a will alone.
Georgia Living Trust Requirements
To be enforceable under Georgia law, a revocable 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. At Smith Barid, our Savannah living trust attorneys handle the funding process with you, ensuring your home, bank accounts, and other assets are properly transferred.
Living Trust vs. Will: Which Is Right for Your Savannah Family?
- A will takes effect at death, must go through Chatham County Probate Court, becomes public record, and can take 6 months to 2+ years to complete.
- A living trust takes effect immediately, avoids probate entirely, stays private, and can distribute assets within days of death.
For Savannah families who own real estate, have significant assets, or want to protect a surviving spouse or children, a living trust is almost always the more protective choice. Attorney Mike Smith literally wrote the book on this — The Ultimate Gift.
Our Savannah Living Trust Planning Process
- Free Discovery Call — We learn about your family and goals. No pressure, no surprises.
- Design Meeting — We create a customized plan tailored to your specific situation.
- Document Preparation — Your living trust, pour-over will, powers of attorney, and advance directives are professionally drafted.
- Signing Ceremony — We walk you through every document and ensure proper execution.
- Funding Your Trust — We guide you through retitling assets and updating beneficiary designations.
- Lifetime Legacy Continuum — Ongoing support to keep your trust current as life changes.
Most clients complete their living trust within 45 days.
Why Savannah Families Choose Smith Barid for Living Trust Planning
- Attorney Mike Smith — author of The Ultimate Gift, Georgia’s leading guide to living trust planning
- 2026 Georgia Super Lawyer — fewer than 5% of Georgia attorneys earn this distinction
- 50+ years of combined experience between Mike Smith and Richard Barid
- Fixed, transparent pricing — no hourly billing surprises
- Savannah office at 7393 Hodgson Memorial Dr #202
- Guided process from start to finish — not just documents
Frequently Asked Questions About Living Trusts in Savannah
How much does a living trust cost in Savannah?
We offer fixed, transparent pricing — you’ll know your cost before we begin. No hourly billing. Call us for a quote specific to your situation.
Do I still need a will if I have a living trust?
Yes. A “pour-over will” catches any assets not yet in your trust and also names guardians for minor children. Most clients have both.
Can I change my living trust after it’s created?
Yes. A revocable 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.
How is a living trust funded in Georgia?
Funding means retitling assets from your name into the trust’s name — including recording a new deed with the Chatham County Clerk’s office for real estate. Our attorneys guide you through every step.
Ready to protect your family’s future with a living trust? Schedule your free discovery call with Smith Barid’s Savannah living trust attorneys today.
Smith Barid, LLC | 7393 Hodgson Memorial Dr #202, Savannah, GA 31406 | Living Trust Attorneys