It's been about five years since Georgia's law prohibiting drivers from handheld cellphone use. The law made it a ticketable offense to hold a phone in your hand for virtually any purpose, including to read or write text messages, make phone calls or watch videos. The...
Property division is often one of the most contentious, emotional, and overwhelming issues in divorce. During the marriage, you and your spouse may have acquired a substantial amount of property — and each of you might have different ideas regarding how it should be distributed. But before you make any claims to the family home or your spouse’s retirement account,…
Due to the size of a truck or tractor-trailer, any collisions in which a truck is involved can be catastrophic. With some trucks weighing as much as 80,000 pounds, the chances of fatality are tragically much higher in an accident involving a truck than in a typical car crash, especially for those occupying smaller passenger vehicles. Losing a loved one…
(Hint, the same person may not fit each role.) Loving someone and trusting someone are two different acts. Often a client will be concerned with being “fair” or hurting an adult child’s feelings when choosing a fiduciary (i.e. person who is required to act for the benefit of another person and/or exercise a high standard of care in managing another’s…
More and more, The McGarity Group, LLC sees cases that require a conservator for a child who receives money or property. A conservator may need to be appointed when a child receives money or property by way of inheritance, life insurance, gift or a legal settlement or award. Some legal actions that require the appointment of a conservator for a…
As a new parent, you’re focused on your bundle of joy and with so many things to do, estate planning for new parents is easy to dismiss. You may have already charted the course of your child’s life. But, have you considered what could happen if you can’t be there for your child? New parents may feel uncomfortable at the…
A trust can play an essential part in your estate plan and give you flexibility in your decision-making about your future. What are the benefits of a trust? Because trusts are so important, it’s good to understand more about them and how they may help you and those you love. Generally speaking, a trust is a three-party contract. It outlines…
The thought of estate planning – and even dying someday — can make some of us feel uncomfortable. Why Do I Need to Plan for My Estate? Estate planning may seem like a burden, but the process of facing the issues involved and outlining your plans can actually help you resolve everything and feel more at ease. Estate planning is…
Being in an auto crash is unnerving, and usually leaves one feeling disoriented. Although there are important action steps to take immediately following a crash, it may be difficult to think of them on the spot. Therefore, it is important to plan in advance for the possibility of an accident ― which is what we hope this post will help…
A University of South Florida student was abducted and shot in the head three times during a carjacking at her apartment complex. After finding that inadequate security at the complex allowed the criminals to enter the property, the jury awarded her $15.7 million. Nationwide, property owners who fail to provide adequate security are being held accountable and large settlements are…