Former OCGA § 24-3-18 (now § 24-4-826) provides a hearsay exception for medical reports in civil cases without requiring the doctor to testify at trial. Bell v. Austin, 278 Ga. 844, 845 (1) (a) (607 SE2d 569) (2005). See Owensby v. Williams, 355 Ga. App. 695 (2020) (Stating in footnote 2 that former OCGA § […]
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After a loved one dies, it is sometimes necessary to open an estate to access accounts or other property owned by the deceased individual. If so, the first step is to determine whether the deceased person had a Will. Although Georgia does not require that you hire a lawyer to represent you, we strongly advise […]
Murchison v. Smith, 270 Ga. 169 (1998). Ms. Annie Bell Smith was diagnosed with terminal lung cancer in December 1994. On January 31, 1995, she executed a will leaving the bulk of her estate to her brother-in-law, Caesar Smith and his wife Lois Smith, who were assisting Ms. Smith and providing her with care. Ms. […]
In re Estate of Diaz, 271 Ga. 742 (1999). Leanora Diaz (Diaz) died on April 3, 1997. During the year leading up to her death, her estranged husband served divorce papers on her. Her children begged her to get medical help and, after she refused, they tried to have her involuntarily committed. Following a hospital […]
Ashford v. Van Horne, 276 Ga. 636 (2003). Dr. Alexander Ashford and his wife were estranged after marrying in 1968. Mrs. Ashford filed for divorce in 1999 after a lengthy separation. Dr. Ashford died in 2001 during the divorce proceedings. In 1988, Dr. Ashford’s sister drove him to see an attorney. There, Dr. Ashford produced […]
Probate heir has no property right in conservatorship estate (Ga.) ——————————- Opal Stewart was appointed as her father’s conservator. After her father died, she was also his personal representative. Under Georgia law, a conservatorship terminates upon the death of the ward, but the conservator must still petition for discharge. Where the conservator also serves as […]
After a loved one dies, there are certain things that need to be done. The following is a short checklist. 1. Burial/Funeral Arrangements. Obtain the decedent’s burial and/or funeral instructions, if any. It may be most appropriate to contact the family members or have a family meeting to determine the decedent’s burial wishes. Also, a […]
On April 23, 2021, the Tennessee Court of Appeals decided Estate of Shelton D. Ramey, Case No. E2020-00270-COA-R3-CV. The Court’s syllabus is as follows: This appeal concerns a residual beneficiary’s objection to an estate administrator receiving any fees based upon the latter’s alleged breach of fiduciary duty. David Ramey (“Ramey”) is a beneficiary under his […]
A forthcoming article was reviewed in WILLS, TRUSTS, & ESTATES LAW eJOURNAL, Sponsored by The American College of Trust and Estate Counsel (ACTEC) Foundation, Vol. 17, No. 10: Apr 29, 2021. The article recognizes that much in the field of Wills is obsessed with pre-determining the outcome of potential litigation. It centers on an empirical […]
(a) For purposes of this Code section, the term “property” includes any interest in property and any power over or right with respect to the property. (b) Any person to whom an interest in property is transferred or who succeeds to property by contract or by operation of law may renounce the property in whole […]
