Why Having a Will Isn’t Enough: What You Need to Know About Probate, Trusts, and Protecting Your Legacy

By: Monée Williams

While a will is a good foundation for a person’s legacy, it's not nearly enough to protect all of your assets after you're gone. A will is only one piece of the puzzle, and what other options are available, your loved ones could be faced with costly, stressful legal processes. In this episode of One Minute with Monée, Attorney Dana Allen returns for another conversation with host Monée Williams to break down the realities of probate, trusts, and the steps every family should take to plan wisely. 

Probate is the legal process that takes place after someone dies. It involves validating a will and  appointing someone to manage the estate, debts, and asset distribution. Dana explains that even with a will, a person’s estate still can go through probate – unless steps are taken to avoid it. Probate comes with court fees, delays, and public scrutiny.  Dana explained that in Georgia, and most other states, this process is unavoidable. However with estate planning tools like a trust or transfer-on-death deed, evasion is possible.

According to Dana, about 15% of wills are contested. Things such as disagreements, outdated documents, or concerns can all spark legal battles. Dana delves into a few ways that people can prevent their wills being contested. She also overviews Transfer on Death deeds, which are now allowed in Georgia. These deeds allow people to directly name beneficiaries for their assets, which can be a powerful option to consider. 

It’s never too early to start planning ahead; tune into Episode 14: Wills, estates & Probate...Oh My! today to learn how to secure your legacy. Don’t forget to subscribe to the One Minute with Monée podcast on your favorite platform and YouTube today, for more insightful information that will help you best provide for you and your family.



Monée Williams is the insightful host of the "One Minute with Monee" podcast and the dynamic owner of Time Managed LLC. Her passion lies in empowering busy adults to achieve balance and harmony in their lives. Tune into her podcast on Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, Spotify, and YouTube for weekly doses of wisdom. For those seeking to streamline their lives with expert concierge and personal assistant services, reach out to Time Managed, LLC at hello@timemanagedllc.com or schedule a personalized consultation at https://calendly.com/timemanaged/30-minute-consultation.