Probate Attorney in Savannah, GA

Protecting your family’s future starts with a plan — and it starts with the right attorney. At Smith Barid, LLC, our Savannah estate planning attorneys have helped hundreds of Georgia families create living trusts, wills, and comprehensive estate plans that provide real peace of mind, not just paperwork.

With 50+ years of combined experience and an office at 7393 Hodgson Memorial Dr #202 in Savannah, Richard Barid and Mike Smith are Chatham County’s trusted probate attorneys.

  • Probate Administration
  • Trust Administration
  • Will Filing & Validation
  • Executor Guidance
  • Intestate Estates
  • Contested Probate & Disputes
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Why Savannah Families Choose Smith Barid for Probate

When a loved one passes, the Chatham County Probate Court process begins. Our office at 7393 Hodgson Memorial Dr #202 serves families throughout Savannah, Pooler, Richmond Hill, Bryan County, Statesboro, Hinesville, Bluffton, Hilton Head Island, and the broader Lowcountry.

Probate & Estate Administration Services in Savannah

Smith Barid handles every aspect of Georgia probate and trust administration for Chatham County families:

  • Probate Administration — We manage the full process from filing the will to final distribution of assets, handling all Chatham County Probate Court requirements.
  • Trust Administration — Successor trustee guidance to administer a loved one’s trust properly and efficiently after their passing.
  • Intestate Estates — When there is no will, we navigate Georgia’s intestate succession laws to protect your family’s rightful inheritance.
  • Executor Guidance — Step-by-step support for executors fulfilling their legal duties to creditors, heirs, and the court.
  • Will Contests & Disputes — We represent families in contested probate matters including will challenges, heir disputes, and creditor claims.
  • Estate Planning to Avoid Probate — The best probate is the one you never have to go through. We help families create living trusts that bypass probate entirely.

Why Georgia Probate Takes So Long

Georgia probate can take 6 months to 3+ years. Delays happen when:

  • The will is unclear or being contested by heirs
  • The estate has significant debt or tax obligations
  • Real estate must be appraised and transferred
  • Beneficiaries are difficult to locate
  • Court scheduling backlogs in Chatham County

Smith Barid’s probate attorneys know how to move the process forward efficiently — and how to avoid unnecessary delays at every stage.

  • 50+ years of combined experience in Georgia estate planning
  • Named a 2026 Georgia Super Lawyer — fewer than 5% of Georgia attorneys earn this distinction
  • Author of The Ultimate Gift — Mike Smith's guide to living trusts
  • Fixed, transparent pricing — no hourly billing surprises
  • Guided process from start to finish, not just documents
  • Lifetime support through our Legacy Continuum program

Have questions about probate in Savannah? Our team has answers.

Frequently Asked Questions About Probate in Savannah, GA

about estate planning attorneys richard barid and michael smith

Frequently Asked Questions About Probate in Savannah, GA

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How long does probate take in Chatham County?

Simple estates with a clear will and cooperative heirs can often be completed in 6–12 months. Contested estates or those with complex assets can take 2–3 years or longer. Having an experienced Savannah probate attorney ensures the process moves as efficiently as possible.

focused business team working on long term care planning

What's the difference between a will and a living trust in Georgia?

When someone dies without a will (intestate), Georgia law determines who inherits. The spouse and children typically share the estate under a specific formula. The Chatham County Probate Court appoints an administrator to oversee the process. Intestate estates often take longer and involve more court oversight — a skilled probate attorney is especially important in these situations.

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How much does probate cost in Georgia?

Probate costs vary based on estate size and complexity, but typically include court filing fees, attorney fees, executor compensation, and appraisal fees. For a $500,000 estate, total costs often run $15,000–$50,000 or more. Many families are surprised to learn how much probate costs — and how a living trust would have avoided it entirely. At Smith Barid, we offer fixed, transparent pricing. No hourly billing surprises.

When should I call a probate attorney? The best time is now. Life changes fast — marriages, children, business interests, inheritances, and health events all affect your plan. We recommend reviewing your estate plan every 3–5 years, or after any major life event. If you do not have a plan yet, today is the right day to start.

Can probate be avoided in Georgia? Yes. Our Savannah probate attorneys guide families through the Chatham County probate process with care and efficiency — from opening the estate and notifying creditors to managing court filings and distributing assets to beneficiaries.

What areas around Savannah does Smith Barid serve? We serve families throughout coastal Georgia and the Lowcountry, including Chatham County, Pooler, Richmond Hill, Statesboro, Hinesville, Bluffton, and Hilton Head Island, SC.

More Questions About Estate Planning

When should I call a probate attorney?

As soon as possible after a loved one passes. There are legal deadlines for filing with the Chatham County Probate Court, notifying creditors, and other obligations. Early guidance prevents costly mistakes.

Can probate be avoided in Georgia?

Yes. Assets in a living trust, accounts with named beneficiaries, and jointly held property typically avoid probate. A well-designed estate plan can dramatically reduce your family's probate exposure. We can help with both probate now and planning to avoid it in the future.

Ready to Navigate Probate with Confidence?

Schedule a free discovery call with our Savannah probate team. We'll listen, explain your options, and guide you through every step.

What our clients have to say . . .

Very thorough throughout entire process. My banker commented that my Living Trust was one of the best she had seen.

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Rated 5 out of 5

Charlie Blaine

All of the staff were so helpful and knowledgeable. Everything from start to finish was easy and I felt really good about the finished product.

happy female estate planning client
Rated 5 out of 5

Laura McKay

My wife and I were very happy with both the process and results at Smith Barid. The estate plan is what we were trying to achieve, an organized way to protect our assets and convey our wishes. I would highly recommend Smith Barid for estate planning.
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Rated 5 out of 5

Calman Ambrosy

How are we different?

With Us

  • A carefully honed and well-defined process to ensure your legacy is protected for you and your family.
  • Your documents are prepared and executed in 45 days or less.
  • Mike Smith literally wrote the book on living trusts (The Ultimate Gift) and he and Richard have over 50 years of combined experience.
  • Fixed upfront pricing
  • Peace of mind that your legacy and your family are protected

With Them

  • A blank-slate approach that starts from ground 0 with every client
  • You may wait months or years to complete your planning.
  • A lawyer who’s juggling a million different practice areas from DUI to divorce to estate planning on the side.
  • Hourly billing potentially leaving you with a nasty surprise when your estate planning is finished
  • That uncertain feeling that something might have been left out

Watch: What Is Probate?

Watch: Will vs. Living Trust

Watch: What Is Probate?

Watch: Will vs. Living Trust

Ready to Navigate Probate with Confidence?

Probate Administration

Customized trusts and wills that protect your assets and your loved ones.

Trust Administration

Protect your ability to make decisions and ensure someone you trust can step in if needed.

Will Filing & Validation

Navigate complex Medicaid rules and protect your assets from long-term care costs.

Executor Guidance

We guide families through the Georgia probate process with care and efficiency.

Intestate Estates

Protect loved ones with disabilities without jeopardizing their government benefits.

Contested Probate & Disputes

Strategies to shield your wealth from creditors, lawsuits, and unexpected life events.

Schedule a free discovery call with our Savannah probate team. We’ll listen, explain your options, and guide you through every step.

Schedule My Free Discovery Call