Estate Planning in GeorgiaAttorney-Reviewed. 100% Online. Flat-Fee.
Georgia offers one of the most favorable estate planning environments in the Southeast — no state estate tax, no inheritance tax, and streamlined statutory forms for advance directives. Our GA-licensed attorneys make the process simple, fast, and affordable.
Georgia Estate Planning Laws You Need to Know
Georgia has a favorable tax environment — but you still need proper documents to protect your family and avoid probate.
No State Estate or Inheritance Tax
Georgia has no state estate tax and no inheritance tax. Your heirs only need to consider federal estate tax (applies to estates over $13.61M in 2024). This makes Georgia one of the best states for estate planning — but you still need the right documents.
Will Requirements
Georgia wills require 2 competent witnesses. Adding notarization creates a self-proving will, which eliminates the need for witness testimony during probate. Our attorneys ensure every will meets GA Probate Court standards.
Georgia Advance Directive for Health Care
Georgia has its own statutory Advance Directive for Health Care Act that provides an official state form. Our attorneys use the GA-specific form to ensure your healthcare wishes are legally enforceable.
Power of Attorney
Georgia's Financial Power of Attorney must comply with the Georgia Power of Attorney Act (OCGA § 10-6B). It must be signed, witnessed by one person, and notarized. Outdated POA forms may not be honored by Georgia financial institutions.
Georgia Probate Process
Probate in Georgia is handled through the Probate Court in each county. Georgia offers a simplified 'year's support' proceeding for surviving spouses. A living trust avoids probate entirely regardless of estate size.
Beneficiary Designations
In Georgia, assets with named beneficiaries (retirement accounts, life insurance, TOD accounts) pass directly — outside probate. Aligning your beneficiary designations with your overall estate plan is critical and often overlooked.
Estate Planning Services Available in Georgia
GA-compliant documents reviewed by licensed Georgia attorneys
Last Will & Testament
A valid GA will — 2 witnesses, optional self-proving notarization. Names guardians for your children and directs your assets exactly as you choose.
Revocable Living Trust
Bypass Georgia Probate Court entirely. Transfer assets to beneficiaries directly, privately, and without court involvement or delays.
Financial Power of Attorney
Compliant with Georgia's updated Power of Attorney Act. Names a trusted agent to manage your finances if you're unable to.
Georgia Advance Directive
Uses Georgia's official statutory form. Documents your healthcare wishes and names a healthcare agent who can act on your behalf.
HIPAA Authorization
Allows designated family members to access your medical information when it matters most.
Pour-Over Will
Works with your living trust to ensure all assets — including those not yet transferred to the trust — end up where you intended.
Georgia Estate Planning FAQ
Does Georgia have an estate tax or inheritance tax?
No — Georgia has neither a state estate tax nor an inheritance tax. Your heirs will only need to consider federal estate tax, which applies to estates over $13.61 million in 2024. This makes Georgia an excellent state for estate planning. However, you still need proper documents to protect your family and avoid probate.
What happens if I die without a will in Georgia?
Georgia's intestacy laws control your estate. If you have a spouse and children, your spouse and children share equally — your spouse gets no more than 1/3. This is often not what people want, especially in blended families. A will gives you complete control over who receives what.
Is probate in Georgia expensive?
Georgia probate is generally less burdensome than in some other states, but it still takes 6–12 months for straightforward estates, requires court filings, and is a matter of public record. A living trust avoids probate entirely, saving time and keeping your family's affairs private.
What is Georgia's Advance Directive for Health Care?
Georgia has its own statutory advance directive form under the Georgia Advance Directive for Health Care Act. This single document covers both your living will (specific medical instructions) and healthcare proxy (who makes decisions for you). Our attorneys use the official Georgia form to ensure it's honored by all GA healthcare facilities.
Do I need to update my power of attorney if I moved to Georgia?
Possibly. Georgia enacted the Georgia Power of Attorney Act (OCGA § 10-6B) which sets specific requirements for POAs. A POA from another state may not be recognized by Georgia financial institutions. If you've recently moved to Georgia, we strongly recommend having your POA reviewed and updated.
How much does estate planning cost in Georgia?
Georgia estate planning attorneys typically charge $1,500–$4,000 for a complete plan. Estate Done Right provides the same attorney-reviewed quality at flat-fee pricing — a fraction of traditional costs. See estatedoneright.ai/pricing for current packages.
Georgia Estate Planning Resources
Georgia Estate Planning Guide 2026
Complete guide to GA wills, trusts, probate, and advance directives.
Dying Without a Will in Georgia
How GA intestacy law distributes your estate — and why it may not match your wishes.
Free: Estate Planning Checklist
Download our free checklist — know exactly what your Georgia estate plan needs.
Protect Your Georgia Family Today
GA-licensed attorney review. No state taxes to worry about. Flat-fee pricing. Done in days.