HAPPY CLIENTS.
HAPPY LAWYERS.


  • What’s your Brightside?

    The bright side is something different to everyone. For some, it’s the peace of mind that comes with a comprehensive estate plan that protects their family and their legacy. For others, it’s the relief of resolving a complex probate, or the security of knowing a loved one with special needs will always be cared for. Whatever your story, we’re here to help you reach your Brightside.

  • My child with special needs has the support they need,
    now and in the future.

    For parents of children with special needs, the Brightside might be knowing their child will be safe, supported, and financially secure. With special needs trusts, public benefits planning, and long-term strategies, we help families build a future of stability and support.

  • My loved ones are provided for,
    no matter what comes next.

    A comprehensive estate plan is the foundation of every bright future. Your Brightside might be knowing your family won’t have to guess your wishes or navigate a legal maze on their own. It might be the confidence that your legacy will be preserved, your assets protected, and your loved ones supported – exactly as you intended. We help make that possible.

  • My elderly parents have the care they need,
    and I’m not doing it alone.

    For many families, the Brightside is finding a path through the overwhelm of aging, caregiving, and long-term care planning. It’s knowing Mom is safe, supported, and receiving the right care, without putting your life on hold. Whether it’s Medicaid planning, guardianship, or care coordination, we help families move from crisis to clarity.

“I couldn’t be happier that I decided to work with Trace! He patiently answered my questions and made me feel comfortable while discussing some uncomfortable topics. I recommend working with Trace to everyone.”

Estate Planning Client

“Thank you so much Ruthann for all your work on this. This is so overwhelming for me.”

Jodi

“Any time we have a question about our family’s estate planning, we give Trace a call. His advice has been invaluable as we help our parents through their estate planning, while also making plans of our own.”

Estate Planning Client

“Thank you Ruthann. My father & I really appreciate you.”

Leigh

“Trace was diligent and helpful. Truly one of the most personable, dedicated attorneys I’ve met. I felt like he really cared.”

Tax Dispute Client

“As a young family, we didn’t think we needed estate planning. Trace helped us understand the importance of planning early in life. We’re so glad we worked with Trace, and recommend him to all our friends!”

Estate Planning Client

“When a family member passed away unexpectedly, Trace was incredibly helpful in helping my family navigate something we never expected.”

Jennifer D.

“Trace is a pleasure to work with! Organization and communication are so vital. He has been very responsive and resourceful every step of the way.”

Kristina G.

“Trace is very communicative, kind, and compassionate about his work.”

Deanna P.

“Thank you so much, Ruthann! We are so grateful for your guidance!”

Tracey

“In my dispute with the IRS, Trace was extraordinary! He kept me informed and resolved my issues faster than I thought possible. Next time I need an attorney, I’ll call Trace.”

Joe P.

“When we were starting our small business, Trace helped us every step of the way. Now we turn to Trace any time we have legal questions. We couldn’t be happier to have his support.”

Keith B.

A will gives you the power to make sure your wishes are honored and your loved ones are cared for the way you intend. Without one, key decisions (like who inherits your assets, who manages your estate, and who cares for your minor children) are left to Georgia law instead of your directions. This can lead to unintended outcomes, delays, and added stress for your family.  

In Georgia, if you pass away without a will, your estate is distributed according to intestacy laws, which follow a set order: first to your spouse and children, then to extended family members. If no relatives are found, the state takes control (although this is rare). While these laws provide a basic structure, they don’t allow you to decide who receives what or how your legacy is handled.  

Having a will puts you in charge. It lets you clearly outline your wishes, which makes things easier for your loved ones during a difficult time. A well-crafted will can also help prevent disputes, protect your family’s financial future, and support an easier administration of your estate. At Brightside, we work with you to create a will that reflects your values and priorities, giving you the reassurance that everything is taken care of.

While you can create a basic estate plan on your own, working with an experienced estate planning attorney is the better option. You’ll be able to rest assured that the plan is legally sound, appropriate for your situation, and addresses everything that’s important to you.

At Brightside, we take the time to understand your goals and build a plan that gives you security and peace of mind. If you need a simple will, a trust for long-term planning, or guidance on tax strategies and asset protection, we’re here to help.

Probate is the legal process of settling an estate after someone passes away. In Georgia, it can be simple or complicated, depending on the estate and whether a clear plan is in place. During probate, the court oversees asset distribution, debt payments, and will validation (if one exists). Without a will, Georgia’s intestacy laws decide who inherits, which may not reflect the deceased’s wishes.  

In Georgia, probate typically takes anywhere from several months to a few years. An uncontested probate usually wraps up in nine to eighteen months. The estate’s Administrator (known as the Personal Representative or Executor, depending on whether a will exists) has a wide range of responsibilities that include:

  • Filing paperwork
  • Notifying heirs
  • Paying debts
  • Distributing assets. 

They must act in the estate’s best interest, and failure to do so can lead to removal or even legal action. In some cases, they may also need to post a bond and report to the court. This is why working with a probate attorney is so important: they provide guidance, help resolve disputes, and confirm that everything is handled according to Georgia law.  

A well-structured estate plan can make probate easier or even eliminate the need for it. For example:

  • Assets held in a trust bypass probate entirely, allowing for an easier and private transfer to beneficiaries. 
  • Properly designated beneficiary accounts, such as life insurance policies and retirement plans, as well as jointly owned property, pass outside of probate.  

At Brightside, we help clients create personalized plans that simplify probate, reduce costs, and protect privacy. If you want to minimize any probate issues or need help managing the process, our team is here to guide you.

A trust is a powerful way to manage and protect your assets both now and in the future. Unlike a will, which only takes effect after you pass, a trust is active immediately. It can provide strong protections in case of incapacity and help your estate avoid probate by allowing assets to transfer to your beneficiaries without court involvement. This can save time, reduce costs, and make things easier for your loved ones.  

There are many types of trusts, each designed for different purposes. You can use one to provide for minor children, protect assets for a loved one with special needs, or create a structured inheritance that supports beneficiaries over time. Some irrevocable trusts also offer tax advantages and shield assets from creditors while trusts in general can help with long-term planning for business or real estate holdings.  

At Brightside, we help you decide if an irrevocable or revocable trust is right for your estate plan and guide you in choosing the best options for your needs.

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We’re always open to new teammates who look on the bright side. Check out our open positions here.

Our Attorneys have Answers.

Estate planning is about more than securing assets; it’s about protecting your family’s future and making sure your wishes are honored at every stage of life. At Brightside, we recognize that every family’s needs are different, so we work with you to create and update a plan that grows and adapts with you over time. For more information about our legal services or to schedule a consultation.

Contact Brightside Estate and Elder Law today at (404) 492-9559. Let’s build a plan together that provides you with security, stability, and lasting peace of mind.