According to Financial Sense, only 32% of Americans had an estate plan in 2024, a shocking 6% decline from the previous year.

Hiring an estate planning lawyer plays a crucial role in protecting your assets and ensuring that your possessions are distributed to the right people. Although it’s important, many of us procrastinate writing our will or do it ourselves, which often causes more problems.

If you’re on the fence, you’ve come to the right place. Here are five reasons you need to hire an estate planning lawyer in Augusta, GA.

1. Get Tailored Solutions for Your Needs

No two estates are the same, so regardless of how much research you do, you likely won’t find the answers in previous cases.

Most non-lawyers struggle to understand legal terminology as they don’t have the experience. But when you hire an Augusta estate planning lawyer, they will translate your plan into simple language that you’ll understand.

An estate planning attorney understands your situation is different and will create a tailored plan to meet your specific needs. This covers everything from handling complex family dynamics to choosing the right type of trust for your loved one, so all bases are covered. A bonus is that your estate is dealt with objectively to ease emotions and keep everyone in the loop.

2. Knowledge of Local and Federal Laws

A major reason to hire lawyers in Augusta is because these professionals understand local and federal laws inside out.

Thanks to their experience, lawyers know to regularly check for updates in the law and tweak your estate plan to accommodate this. For instance, if there are any changes in tax legislation in Georgia, Augusta lawyers will tell you and figure out how to legally avoid paying unnecessary taxes.

3. Avoid Common Mistakes

Regardless of how thorough your estate planning checklist is, it’s possible to make mistakes without help from an estate planning lawyer.

As it’s such an important document, you can’t risk any errors as it could put your assets at risk and increase the chances of probate. Common pitfalls include using vague language in wills, incorrectly titling assets, or not updating documents after a major life event, such as a divorce.

Luckily, mistakes can be avoided by hiring an estate planning lawyer in Augusta. These professionals know how to set up the document properly and carefully check for mistakes that could impact you and your loved ones. 

4. Understand Tax Rules

Taxes are complicated, but you must consider any tax implications in your estate plan; otherwise, your heirs will suffer the burden. A reputable attorney will untangle the complex web of taxes to ensure that your estate is tax-efficient. If, for example, you’re gifting a slice of your funds, an estate planning lawyer can figure out how to structure your gifts with minimal tax.

Further, certain inherited assets come with their own tax implications. Your heirs must pay capital gains tax, for instance, if your property appreciates. This can be a stressful time for families, but with a lawyer’s help, they can soften the blow by changing how they structure their estate plan.

5. Avoid Probate

In a worst-case scenario, your estate will go into probate. This happens if there is an incomplete will, there may be an ongoing legal case against the deceased or disagreements about property ownership. Probate can be problematic for many families because it is a slow and costly process.

The best way to avoid probate is to work with a lawyer to gift a portion of your assets and add a spouse or child as a joint owner of your bank accounts and property. Another way to avoid probate is to hold assets in a trust, which a lawyer can do on your behalf.

This is a reminder to constantly make adjustments to your estate plan, such as a birth or death in the family and changes regarding your assets. When this data is up-to-date, an estate planning lawyer can protect your family and assets in the future.

Finally, and arguably the biggest reason to hire an estate planning lawyer is for peace of mind. You’ve worked hard your entire life to own what you have and you don’t want it to go to waste because of the wrong documentation or legal jargon. Knowing that a lawyer has your affairs in order, you can then focus on enjoying life rather than getting bogged down with anxiety.

Tips for Choosing the Right Estate Planning Attorney

Nearly 43% of Americans blame procrastination for not creating a will, but this is more devastating than you might think. Not creating a will could cost your family financially and put their peace of mind at risk, which is why hiring an estate planning lawyer is a must.

With so many great lawyers to choose from, it can be difficult to know what to look for. Ideally, hire a lawyer in your local area so they understand local laws and check that they have the right credentials. Choose an estate lawyer with years of experience under their belt because they have likely seen every situation imaginable.

Another useful tip is reading through client testimonials. Only choose an attorney who has an extensive list of positive reviews about estate planning. These comments should give you an insight into the lawyer’s track record and how happy families were after hiring their services.

Aside from their website and social media channels, look at legal directories for a more thorough analysis of their services.

Hire an Estate Planning Lawyer Today

Now that you’re ready to hire an estate planning lawyer, it’s time to start your search. The key is to keep it local and schedule a consultation where you can give the lawyer an overview of your situation.

At Rhodes Law Firm, PC, our team of attorneys has 40 years of experience working with clients in Georgia and South Carolina. If you’re looking for an estate planning lawyer, we’d love to hear about you and your case.

Interested? Then, don’t hesitate to reach out to us and talk to a representative.