Welcome to Blaska Holm LLC: Your Trusted Partner in Estate Planning

At Blaska Holm LLC, our dedicated team of legal professionals specializes in Wills, Trusts, and Estates, providing top-tier estate planning services tailored to the Atlanta, GA community. We understand the profound importance of planning for the future to ensure peace of mind and security for you and your loved ones. Whether you are considering creating a will, setting up a trust, or need guidance through the complexities of probate, our expertise is here to guide you every step of the way.

Understanding Wills, Trusts, and Estates

Definition of Wills, Trusts, and Estates

  • Wills: A will is a legal document that outlines how your assets should be distributed upon your death. It allows you to specify beneficiaries, designate guardians for minor children, and appoint an executor to manage your estate.
  • Trusts: A trust is a fiduciary arrangement that allows a third party, or trustee, to hold assets on behalf of beneficiaries. Trusts can be structured in various ways and can specify exactly how and when the assets pass to the beneficiaries.
  • Estates: Your estate comprises everything you own—real estate, bank accounts, investments, personal property, and even digital assets. Estate planning ensures that your estate is managed and distributed according to your wishes after your death.

Importance of Estate Planning

Estate planning is not just for the wealthy; it’s a crucial step for anyone who wants to protect their assets and provide for their loved ones. Here are a few reasons why estate planning is essential:

  • Control Over Your Assets: Ensure your assets are distributed according to your wishes.
  • Protection for Loved Ones: Designate guardians for minor children and make provisions for family members with special needs.
  • Minimize Taxes and Fees: Reduce the impact of estate taxes and avoid costly probate procedures.
  • Avoid Family Disputes: Clearly outline your wishes to prevent misunderstandings and conflicts among heirs.

Services We Offer

Wills

At Blaska Holm LLC, our estate planning attorneys in Atlanta are adept at drafting and revising wills to suit your unique needs. We ensure that your will is comprehensive and legally sound, reflecting your specific desires and circumstances. Whether you are creating a will for the first time or need to update an existing one, our team is here to assist you.

Trusts

Trusts are powerful tools in estate planning, offering flexibility and control over how your assets are managed and distributed. We assist in setting up various types of trusts, including revocable trusts, irrevocable trusts, and special needs trusts. Our attorneys guide you through the entire process, from trust creation to ongoing management and administration.

Estate Planning

Our comprehensive estate planning services go beyond just wills and trusts. We help you create a holistic plan that includes tax planning (generally in partnership with your financial advisor if you have one), asset protection strategies, and healthcare directives. Our goal is to provide you with peace of mind, knowing that every aspect of your estate is covered.

Probate and Estate Administration

Navigating the probate process can be complex and overwhelming. As experienced probate lawyers in Atlanta, we provide guidance and support throughout the probate process, ensuring that your loved one’s estate is administered efficiently and in accordance with Georgia law. We handle all aspects of estate administration, from filing necessary documents to distributing assets.

Expertise and Experience

When it comes to estate planning, expertise and experience matter. Our team of attorneys at Blaska Holm has extensive knowledge of Georgia estate planning laws and a proven track record of successful outcomes for our clients. We stay up-to-date with the latest legal developments to provide you with the best possible advice and representation.

Client-Centered Approach

We pride ourselves on our client-centered approach. We take the time to understand your unique needs and tailor our services to meet them. From the initial consultation to the finalization of your estate plan, we prioritize your goals and work diligently to achieve them. Building long-term relationships with our clients is at the heart of what we do.

Proven Track Record

Our success stories speak for themselves. We have helped numerous clients in the Atlanta area secure their futures through effective estate planning. Our testimonials and case studies highlight our commitment to excellence and our ability to deliver results that exceed expectations.

Local Expertise

Our deep understanding of Georgia’s estate laws and regulations sets us apart. We are intimately familiar with the local court systems and procedures, ensuring that your estate plan is compliant and optimized for the best outcomes. As an Atlanta-based firm with Atlanta natives, we are deeply connected to the community and dedicated to serving its members.

Comprehensive Support

Blaska Holm LLC offers end-to-end estate planning services. From the initial consultation to the ongoing management of your estate, we provide comprehensive support every step of the way. Our services extend to related legal matters ensuring that all your needs are met under one roof.

How to Get Started

Initial Consultation

Getting started with Blaska Holm LLC is easy. Simply schedule an initial consultation with one of our experienced estate planning attorneys in Atlanta. During this consultation, we will discuss your goals, review your current estate plan (if applicable), and outline the steps needed to create a comprehensive plan tailored to your needs.

Contact Information

You can reach us by visiting our office in Atlanta, calling us at 770.998.1005, or emailing us at info@blaskholm.com. Alternatively, use our online contact form for quick inquiries. Our team is ready to assist you.

It’s Time To Take Action Today

Don’t wait to secure your future. Estate planning is an essential step that should not be delayed. Contact us today to schedule your consultation and start the process of protecting your assets and providing for your loved ones. We are here to help you navigate the complexities of estate planning with confidence and ease.

Why Choose Blaska Holm

Choosing Blaska Holm for your estate planning needs means choosing a firm that is dedicated to providing exceptional service to the Atlanta community. Our comprehensive approach, deep local expertise, and commitment to modernizing the user experience set us apart. We invite you to join our family of satisfied clients and experience the peace of mind that comes with a well-crafted estate plan. Contact us today and take the first step towards securing your future.

Additional Services and Expertise

  • Living Will: Ensuring your healthcare wishes are respected.
  • Advance Directive: Comprehensive healthcare instructions for your medical care.
  • Power of Attorney: Legal authority for a trusted person to manage your affairs.
  • Guardianship: Protection and care for minor children or incapacitated adults.
  • Asset Protection: Safeguarding your wealth against potential risks.
  • Trust Administration: Managing and overseeing trust funds and assets.
  • Estate Litigation: Handling disputes related to estate and trust matters.
  • Trusted Referral Network: Tax and financial planning experts who can help you protect your assets.

Community Focus

Serving the Atlanta community, including Alpharetta, Sandy Springs, Johns Creek, Dunwoody, and surrounding areas, we offer:

  • Atlanta estate planning attorney
  • Wills and trusts lawyer in Alpharetta
  • Probate attorney in Atlanta
  • Estate planning services in Atlanta
  • Local estate planning lawyer

By incorporating our extensive knowledge and experience, Blaska Holm LLC ensures that every aspect of your estate planning is handled with the utmost care and professionalism. Contact us today to secure your future with a firm that understands your needs and provides the personalized service you deserve.

Key Topics in Estate Planning

How to Create a Will

Creating a will is a vital step in ensuring your assets are distributed according to your wishes. These are the basic steps you will take when creating a will:

  1. Inventory Your Assets: List all your assets, including real estate, bank accounts, investments, and personal property.
  2. Choose Beneficiaries: Decide who will inherit your assets.
  3. Appoint an Executor: Select a trusted person to execute your will.
  4. Designate Guardians: If you have minor children, appoint guardians.
  5. Draft the Will: Work with an estate planning attorney to draft a legally sound document.
  6. Sign and Witness: Ensure the will is signed and witnessed according to state laws.
  7. Store Safely: Keep your will in a secure location and inform your executor of its whereabouts.

Benefits of a Living Trust

A living trust offers several advantages over a traditional will:

  • Avoid Probate: Assets in a living trust bypass the probate process, allowing for quicker distribution.
  • Privacy: Unlike a will, a trust is not public record, ensuring your affairs remain private.
  • Flexibility: A revocable trust allows you to amend or revoke the trust during your lifetime.
  • Control: Specify how and when beneficiaries receive their inheritance.
  • Incapacity Planning: Manage your assets if you become incapacitated without court intervention.

Estate Planning for Blended Families

Blended families face unique challenges in estate planning. Here are some strategies to consider:

  • Clear Communication: Discuss your plans openly with all family members.
  • Customized Wills and Trusts: Ensure your documents reflect your blended family’s needs.
  • Beneficiary Designations: Review and update beneficiary designations on retirement accounts and life insurance policies.
  • Trusts: Use trusts to provide for your spouse and ensure children from previous relationships receive their inheritance.
  • Stepchildren: Specify provisions for stepchildren, as they are not automatically included as heirs.

How to Avoid Probate

Avoiding probate can save time and money for your heirs. Consider these methods:

  • Living Trust: Transfer assets to a living trust.
  • Joint Ownership: Own property jointly with rights of survivorship.
  • Beneficiary Designations: Use payable-on-death (POD) or transfer-on-death (TOD) designations for bank accounts and securities.
  • Gifts: Give assets to heirs during your lifetime.
  • Small Estate Procedures: Utilize simplified probate procedures for small estates under state law thresholds.

What is a Revocable Living Trust?

A revocable living trust is a flexible estate planning tool that allows you to manage your assets during your lifetime and distribute them after your death without probate. You can alter or revoke the trust as circumstances change, providing control and adaptability.

How to Choose a Power of Attorney

Choosing a power of attorney is crucial for managing your affairs if you become incapacitated. Consider the following:

  • Trustworthiness: Choose someone reliable and trustworthy.
  • Understanding of Duties: Ensure they understand the responsibilities involved.
  • Willingness: Confirm they are willing to serve in this role.
  • Proximity: Consider someone nearby who can handle matters promptly.
  • Professional Assistance: Consult an attorney to draft a durable power of attorney document.

Estate Planning for Small Business Owners

Small business owners must integrate their business interests into their estate planning:

  • Succession Planning: Create a plan for who will run the business if you are unable to.
  • Business Structure: Ensure your business structure supports your estate plan (e.g., LLC, corporation).
  • Buy-Sell Agreements: Establish agreements to manage ownership transitions.
  • Valuation: Regularly value your business to inform estate tax planning.
  • Insurance: Use life insurance to provide liquidity for estate taxes and other expenses.

Contact us today to discuss how to create solid estate plans for small business owners to ensure nothing slips through the cracks.

Estate Planning for Digital Assets

In today’s digital age, it’s crucial to include digital assets in your estate plan:

  • Inventory: List all digital assets, including online accounts, social media, and digital currencies.
  • Access Information: Provide access information for your executor or trustee.
  • Instructions: Leave clear instructions on how you want digital assets managed or distributed.
  • Legal Authorization: Ensure your documents give legal authority to manage your digital assets.

How to Appoint an Executor

Appointing an executor is a significant decision in your estate plan:

  • Choose Wisely: Select someone trustworthy, organized, and capable of handling complex tasks.
  • Consider Proximity: Choose someone who lives nearby for convenience if possible.
  • Discuss Duties: Ensure they understand and are willing to take on the role.
  • Professional Help: Consider a professional executor for complex estates.
  • Backup Executor: Appoint an alternate in case the primary executor cannot serve.

What Happens During Probate

The probate process involves several steps to settle an estate:

  1. Filing: The will is filed with the probate court.
  2. Notification: Heirs, beneficiaries, and creditors are notified.
  3. Inventory: The executor inventories and appraises the estate’s assets.
  4. Debt Settlement: Debts and taxes are paid from the estate.
  5. Distribution: Remaining assets are distributed to beneficiaries.
  6. Closure: The court reviews and closes the estate.

How to Update a Will or Trust

Updating your will or trust is essential to ensure it reflects your current wishes:

  • Review Regularly: Review your documents every few years or after major life changes.
  • Amendments: Use codicils to make minor changes to a will or amendments for a trust.
  • Replacement: Draft a new document for significant changes.
  • Professional Assistance: Work with an estate planning attorney to ensure updates are legally sound.

Tax Implications of Estate Planning

Estate planning can have significant tax implications:

  • Estate Tax: Plan to minimize estate taxes through gifts, trusts, and other strategies.
  • Gift Tax: Understand annual and lifetime gift tax exemptions.
  • Income Tax: Consider the income tax implications for your heirs.
  • Charitable Giving: Use charitable trusts to reduce estate taxes while benefiting causes you care about.
  • State Taxes: Be aware of state-specific estate and inheritance taxes.

How to Set Up a Trust Fund

Setting up a trust fund involves several steps:

  1. Determine Purpose: Decide the purpose of the trust, such as education or special needs.
  2. Choose a Trustee: Select a reliable trustee to manage the trust.
  3. Draft the Trust Agreement: Work with an attorney to create the trust document.
  4. Fund the Trust: Transfer assets into the trust.
  5. Manage and Monitor: Ensure ongoing management and compliance with trust terms.

Estate Planning Checklist

An estate planning checklist helps ensure all critical aspects are covered:

  1. Create a Will: Outline how your assets should be distributed.
  2. Set Up Trusts: Establish trusts for asset management and protection.
  3. Designate Beneficiaries: Ensure all accounts have up-to-date beneficiary designations.
  4. Power of Attorney: Appoint someone to manage your affairs if incapacitated.
  5. Advance Directives: Create living wills and healthcare proxies.
  6. Guardianship: Designate guardians for minor children.
  7. Asset Inventory: Maintain a detailed list of your assets.
  8. Tax Planning: Develop strategies to minimize estate and gift taxes.
  9. Review Regularly: Update your plan to reflect changes in your life and laws.

Contact Us Today

At Blaska Holm LLC, we are committed to providing exceptional estate planning services tailored to your needs. Whether you’re planning for yourself, your family, or your business, or you need a wills and trust attorney near me, our experienced attorneys are here to help.

With our comprehensive services and deep local expertise, we are well-equipped to help you navigate the complexities of wills, trusts, and estates, ensuring peace of mind and security for you and your loved ones.

Contact us today to schedule your consultation and take the first step towards securing your future.