Planning for the Future Starts Today

Understanding Wills and Trusts

Wills and trusts serve similar goals but in different ways, and both are often used together in a complete estate plan.

A will is a legal document that provides instructions for how you want your property distributed after death. It also names guardians for minors and appoints an executor to carry out your instructions.

Trusts are legal relationships in which a trustee manages assets on behalf of beneficiaries. Some types of trusts can take effect while you’re alive, offering privacy and flexibility, and may allow you to avoid probate. Trusts can be revocable or irrevocable depending on how much control you wish to retain. They are particularly useful for ensuring that assets are used in very specific ways, or when trying to manage taxes and legal exposure.

When used together, wills and trusts offer comprehensive coverage for your estate and your wishes.

Is It Time to Start Planning?

You don’t need to wait until retirement to plan your estate. Key life events or goals should prompt you to connect with a wills and trusts attorney in Marietta, GA. Consider starting your estate planning if:

- You’ve recently bought property or a home

- You’ve gotten married or divorced

- You’re expecting a child or already have children

- You want to appoint someone to manage your affairs if you're incapacitated

- You prefer to keep financial details out of probate court

- You have specific wishes regarding medical care or end-of-life treatment

Even seemingly minor changes such as opening a small business or receiving a family inheritance can spark the need to create or update your estate plan.

McGinn Law’s Personalized Approach

At McGinn Law, we don’t treat estate planning as a one-size-fits-all service. We take a thoughtful approach that considers each client’s family structure, lifestyle, and future goals. Our process includes asking the right questions and offering clear explanations so that you feel comfortable every step of the way.

We help you name trusted guardians, select responsible fiduciaries, and decide if a simple will or complex trust structure better suits your wishes. We review digital assets, jointly held property, and alternate scenarios that many clients overlook. In doing so, we build a plan that genuinely reflects what matters most to you.

Key Documents in an Estate Plan

A full estate plan includes more than just a will. Here are common documents that may be involved:

- Will: Specifies property distribution, names guardians, and appoints an executor

- Revocable Trust: Offers flexibility, avoids probate, and allows you to manage assets while living

- Irrevocable Trust: Used to move assets out of your estate or control how they are used after your passing

- Power of Attorney: Appoints someone to handle your financial decisions if you become unable to do so

- Health Care Directive: States your preferences for medical treatment and end-of-life care

Each of these plays a specific role, and your attorney can guide you in deciding what combination is most appropriate.

Why Local Legal Guidance Matters

Estate laws vary from state to state, and Georgia has its own guidelines for validity, probate, and asset management. A local wills and trusts attorney in Marietta, GA, will ensure your documents comply with Georgia laws, reducing the risk of complications or delays later.

It also helps to work with someone who knows the local court system and legal community. If anything needs to be filed or handled in court, you’ll benefit from an attorney familiar with Cobb County’s preferences and procedures.

Committed to Serving the Marietta Community


McGinn Law is proud to support families throughout Marietta with strategic, compassionate legal services. We keep our focus on practical advice, protection for your loved ones, and creating clarity in legal areas that often feel uncertain.

There is no need to rush decisions. We believe everyone deserves the time and support to build an estate plan that makes sense for their wishes, finances, and life changes.