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Your Hometown Attorney

As Your Hometown Attorney, we strive to not only represent our community, but educate it.  We want to grow your legacy with you.  Your legacy truly is our passion! 

Kristen T. Shelton Kristen T. Shelton

UNDERSTANDING DIFFERENT TYPES OF WILLS: A Guide for Estate Planning

As an estate planning attorney, I often encounter clients who are unsure about the different types of wills available and which one might be best suited for their needs. Today, we'll explore three common types of wills: a Basic Last Will and Testament, Testamentary Trust Will, and Pour Over Will. We'll discuss their similarities, differences, and when you might choose one over the others…

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Kristen T. Shelton Kristen T. Shelton

GEORGIA WILL PROBATE: Common Form Versus Solemn Form

When it comes to probating a will in Georgia, there are two primary methods: probate in common form and probate in solemn form. Each method has its own set of characteristics, advantages, and disadvantages. Understanding these differences is crucial for anyone involved in the probate process in Georgia…

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Kristen T. Shelton Kristen T. Shelton

TOP 10 REASONS TO OBTAIN A TITLE INSURANCE POLICY

When purchasing real estate, obtaining a title insurance policy is a crucial step that many prospective buyers overlook. Oftentimes, they overlook the need because they don’t understand the value and protection that it provides to them. Here are the top 10 reasons why you should consider getting title insurance...

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Kristen T. Shelton Kristen T. Shelton

WHAT DO I NEED TO BRING TO MY PROBATE INFORMATIONAL AND PLANNING SESSION WITH YOUR HOMETOWN ATTORNEY?

As Your Hometown Attorney, we focus a large portion of our practice on probate and estate matters. While we certainly help with the planning in the Estate Planning portion of our practice, we also offer assistance to you and your loved ones when someone has departed this life. Today, we are offering this blog to help you prepare for your Probate Planning Session. Both to schedule your appointment as well as come to the meeting prepared to get the ball rolling.

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Kristen T. Shelton Kristen T. Shelton

THE DANGERS OF ADDING SOMEONE TO THE TITLE OF YOUR REAL ESTATE

Adding someone to the title of your real estate might seem like a straightforward decision, especially if it's for a loved one or a trusted friend. However, this action can have significant and often unforeseen consequences. While we are not offering you personal legal advice in this blog, here are some dangers we urge you to consider before making such a decision…

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Kristen T. Shelton Kristen T. Shelton

THE IMPORTANCE OF MOBILE HOME TITLES

In my role as a closing attorney, one of my primary responsibilities is to ensure the correct transfer of all property titles during a home sale. This task is of particular importance when dealing with mobile homes. In this post, I will delve into why this process is so crucial…

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Kristen T. Shelton Kristen T. Shelton

20 THINGS TO DO AFTER YOU CLOSE

The purchase of a new home is an exciting time full of expectation and change. There are a number of items that need to be completed post-closing to comply with various local, state, and federal requirements as well as ease the transition in your move...

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Kristen T. Shelton Kristen T. Shelton

UNDERSTANDING THE LEGAL REQUIREMENTS FOR A VALID WILL IN GEORGIA

In Georgia, the testator, or the person making the will, must be at least 14 years old. This is considerably younger than many other states, where the minimum age is 18. The testator must also be of sound mind, meaning they understand the nature and extent of their property and the identity of those who are to inherit it...

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Kristen T. Shelton Kristen T. Shelton

EVICTION SERVICES AT YOUR HOMETOWN ATTORNEY

If you happen to be a property owner in the beautiful state of Georgia and are currently seeking professional legal assistance regarding eviction proceedings from your residential rental properties, then it's absolutely crucial to gain a solid understanding of the basic principles of the eviction process. It's equally important to recognize how our dedicated law firm can offer an unparalleled level of service to you in this complex situation…..

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Kristen T. Shelton Kristen T. Shelton

REVOCABLE LIVING TRUSTS V. TESTAMENTARY TRUSTS: What’s the Difference?

Estate planning is a vital part of personal finance and asset management. Yet, it can often be complex and intimidating, especially for those unfamiliar with the legal intricacies involved. That's where we come in. Our job, and indeed our passion, is to make this process as simple, understandable, and beneficial for you as possible.

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Kristen T. Shelton Kristen T. Shelton

UNDERSTANDING QUITCLAIM DEEDS IN GEORGIA

When it comes to real estate transactions and transfers in Georgia, one common type of deed that is often used is the Quitclaim Deed. But what exactly is a Quitclaim Deed and how does it work?

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Kristen T. Shelton Kristen T. Shelton

THE GEORGIA HOMESTEAD EXEMPTION

Are you a homeowner in Georgia? If so, the Homestead Exemption could potentially save you a significant amount on your property taxes. In this blog post, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about registering for the Homestead Exemption in Georgia.

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Kristen T. Shelton Kristen T. Shelton

THE IMPORTANCE OF TITLE INSURANCE: Why an Attorney Opinion Letter Doesn't Cut It

Recently there have been proposals and recommendations to various Lenders and Buyers advising them to forego title insurance and to, instead, utilize an Attorney Opinion Letter. The news even made it into major news publications. In today’s blog, we’re going to discuss why this may not be the best advice or course of action for lenders or buyers…

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Rachel Furtick Rachel Furtick

MISCONCEPTIONS ABOUT THE PROBATE PROCESS

Top 5 Common Misconceptions About the Probate Process (Generally)

Probate can be a complex and often misunderstood legal process. This post (and our mission) aims to debunk some of the most common misconceptions surrounding probate. Clearing up these misunderstandings will not only help individuals navigate the probate process more effectively but also shed light on the expertise provided by Your Hometown Attorney, a local and experienced Probate Attorney.

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Kristen T. Shelton Kristen T. Shelton

YEAR’S SUPPORT IN GEORGIA

Year’s Support is a petition entered into probate courts in Georgia that are a very unique case in and of themselves. We often have questions about this type of filing and wanted to address our Top 10 Most Frequently Asked Questions about this type of probate case.

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Kristen T. Shelton Kristen T. Shelton

WHAT HAPPENS IF I DIE WITHOUT A WILL IN GEORGIA?

Losing a loved one is an emotionally challenging time, and dealing with legal matters only add to the stress. One important legal document that helps distribute a person's assets after their death is a will. However, not everyone takes the time to create a will before passing away. In this blog post, we will explore the implications of dying without a will in the state of Georgia.

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Kristen T. Shelton Kristen T. Shelton

TOP 10 REASONS TO HAVE YOR POWERS OF ATTORNEY OR WILL REVIEWED

Having powers of attorney and will are an important part of estate planning. However, simply creating these legal documents is not enough. It is equally important to regularly review and update them to ensure they accurately reflect your wishes and protect your interests. In this blog post, we will discuss the top 10 reasons why it is crucial to have your powers of attorney and will reviewed by a knowledgeable and experienced Estate Planning Attorney, like Your Hometown Attorney.

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Kristen T. Shelton Kristen T. Shelton

WHY DID MY MORTGAGE PAYMENT CHANGE?

You’re sitting at the closing table.  You go over countless pages and documents detailing your loan (or mortgage) information.  You receive a summary of that loan information in your closing disclosure (or settlement statement).  It explains you will pay this much per month.  You sign. You walk away, happy it’s over. The first year or so goes by, and BOOM! You’re hit with Payment Change Notice.  Your payment has gone up!  But WHY?

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Kristen T. Shelton Kristen T. Shelton

PROPERTY CONVEYANCE FRAUD ON THE RISE : How To Know If It Happens & How To Stop It

Real Estate Attorneys Are Receiving Alerts - Title insurance agencies and real estate attorneys across the state are sounding the alarm and sharing their “war stories” of finding fraudulent conveyances of real property - both residential and commercial. People are creating, filing, and recording fraudulent deeds to transfer property into their business or individual names.  They then convey the property through a sale to an unsuspecting buyer.  All the while, the real owners have no idea their property has been sold to someone else.

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Have Questions?

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to visit our social media sites for short videos on some of the topics contained herein, continue to watch our blog for more detailed posts, or contact us directly.