
HAPPY CLIENTS.
HAPPY
LAWYERS.
About Brightside Trusted and Experienced Estate Planning Attorneys
At Brightside, we help individuals and families across Georgia protect their assets and build financial security with estate plans tailored to their needs. Our law firm simplifies the estate planning process, so you can focus on what matters most.
From wills and trusts to probate guidance and Medicaid planning, we create solutions that protect your legacy and prevent legal issues while providing peace of mind. Discover the bright side of estate planning: call Brightside today.
Call Brightside at (404) 492-4559 today or use our contact form to
schedule your consultation.






-
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.
Practice Areas

Estate Planning

Business Succession

Elder Law

Special Needs Planning

Probate
Real People.
Real Satisfaction.

Brightside Attorneys Discuss Estate Planning
Most people think of estate planning as something to accomplish only when they have reached an advanced stage in their lives. As we age, there are many things that pull our attention away from planning for the future. It is important, however, to understand that maximizing the benefits of estate planning involves having a well-made estate plan that changes as you go through the different milestones in your life.
At Brightside, our principles are aligned with the goal of helping individuals and their families protect their assets and build wealth by creating tailored estate plans with their personal needs in mind.
Why is it important to have a will?
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.
Do I need a lawyer for estate planning?
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.
How does probate affect a Georgia estate plan?
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.
How can a trust benefit my estate?
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.
Our Latest Posts
- Are Wills Public Record?Wills are essential documents in estate planning, outlining how a person’s assets should be distributed after their passing. However, many individuals are unsure… Read more: Are Wills Public Record?
- Does a New Will Override an Old Will?A will serves as a critical document that outlines how an individual’s assets and wishes are to be handled after their passing. However,… Read more: Does a New Will Override an Old Will?
- What is a Transfer on Death Deed in Georgia?A Transfer on Death (TOD) deed is an increasingly popular tool in estate planning that simplifies the transfer of real estate to a… Read more: What is a Transfer on Death Deed in Georgia?

The Benefits
of Estate Planning
Comprehensive estate planning is one of the most meaningful ways to protect what matters most. It gives you the power to make thoughtful decisions now, so that your wishes are honored and your family is cared for no matter what life brings.
With the right plan in place, you decide:
- How your assets are managed
- Who will handle important matters on your behalf and;
- How to provide for your loved ones
If you have minor children or a family member with special needs, estate planning helps you set up guardianships and financial protections for their long-term well-being. For blended families, clear instructions help prevent confusion, eliminate stress, and improve relationships by including everyone in the way you intend.
In addition:
- Estate planning protects your financial future. It can reduce taxes, protect assets, and, for business owners, create a smooth transition plan for the next generation.
- You can set up medical directives and powers of attorney to ensure that your healthcare and financial decisions are handled according to your wishes.
At Brightside, we see estate planning as an opportunity to take charge of your future. Whether you’re starting fresh or updating an existing plan, we make the process simple and tailored to your needs. Contact us today to get started.

Atlanta Estate
Planning Attorneys
Planning for the future is one of the best things you can do for yourself and the people you care about. A well-thought-out estate plan helps ensure that your wishes are honored, your loved ones are supported, and everything is handled just the way you want, both now and in the years ahead. For business owners, it’s also a chance to shape the future of your company: whether you plan to pass it on to family, transition to employees, or sell, a clear strategy helps protect what you’ve built.
At Brightside Estate and Elder Law, we help you make informed decisions about your future and that of your estate. With decades of experience in Georgia estate planning, we create plans that grow with you. Led by Atlanta estate planning attorney Trace Brooks, our team is here to help you protect what matters most, today and for years to come.
Book an Introductory Call
Join the Brightside
We’re always open to new teammates who look on the bright side. Check out our open positions here.
You have Questions.
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.