Atlanta’s concentration of high-net-worth individuals in finance, technology, real estate development, and the entertainment industry creates robust demand for sophisticated estate planning services that go well beyond basic will drafting. Georgia’s probate law requires court involvement for most estate administrations, and navigating the Fulton or DeKalb County Probate Courts can be time-consuming and costly without proper advance planning through trusts and beneficiary designations. The city’s significant population of small business owners — from Buckhead financial professionals to Westside creative entrepreneurs — also generates demand for business succession planning that integrates with personal estate plans. Georgia does not impose a state estate tax, but federal estate tax considerations remain relevant for estates above the federal exemption threshold, and proper planning can significantly affect the wealth transferred to heirs.
When choosing an estate planning attorney in Atlanta, look for someone who takes the time to understand your complete financial picture, family dynamics, and long-term goals rather than simply offering a standard package of documents. Verify that the attorney is familiar with Georgia’s specific probate procedures and the requirements for valid will execution, which in Georgia requires two witnesses and a self-proving affidavit to avoid complications at probate. For more complex situations involving business interests, special needs beneficiaries, or blended families, seek attorneys with experience in irrevocable trusts, special needs trusts, and dynasty trust structures. Red flags include attorneys who offer generic document packages without personalizing documents to your specific family structure and state law, those who do not discuss the importance of coordinating beneficiary designations on retirement accounts and life insurance with your overall plan, and firms that cannot explain how your plan would work in practice if you became incapacitated before death.
Top Estate Planning Attorney Companies in Atlanta
1. Estate Attorneys of Atlanta
Address: 236 Auburn Ave NE, Suite 207, Atlanta, GA 30303
Phone: (404) 584-5555
Website: https://www.atlantaestateattorneys.com
Services:
- Estate planning
- Will drafting
- Trust creation and administration
- Probate administration
- Guardianship and conservatorship
- Powers of attorney
- Healthcare directives
About: Estate Attorneys of Atlanta has established itself as one of the Atlanta metro area’s most trusted firms for estate planning and probate matters, with over 20 years of experience serving clients across Fulton, DeKalb, and surrounding counties. The firm’s Auburn Avenue location in downtown Atlanta places them at the center of the city’s legal community and close to the Fulton County Probate Court. Their practice covers the full lifecycle of estate matters from initial planning through probate administration and trust settlement. Their depth in guardianship and conservatorship proceedings is particularly valuable for families dealing with incapacity situations that require court intervention.
2. Siedentopf Law
Leadership: Sarah Siedentopf
Website: https://www.estatelawatlanta.com
Services:
- Wills and trust drafting
- Revocable living trusts
- Powers of attorney
- Healthcare directives and living wills
- Probate
- Trust administration
- Estate planning for young families
About: Sarah Siedentopf is an Atlanta estate planning attorney and active member of the Atlanta Bar Association who focuses her practice on helping Georgia clients create practical, personalized estate plans that reflect their specific family circumstances and goals. Her practice serves a broad range of clients including young families establishing first plans, individuals with blended family situations, and those with more complex asset structures requiring trust planning. Siedentopf Law’s emphasis on accessibility and clear communication makes estate planning understandable for clients who are engaging with these legal issues for the first time. The firm handles both planning and the subsequent administration of estates and trusts.
3. Walker Estate Planning
Website: https://www.walkerestateplanning.com
Services:
- Wills and trusts
- Estate administration
- Probate
- Business succession planning
- Asset protection planning
- Charitable planning
About: Walker Estate Planning is an Atlanta firm specializing in estate planning, estate administration, probate, and business succession planning, with an emphasis on bespoke planning that minimizes estate taxes, reduces risk of asset loss, and helps prevent family disputes over inheritance. Their business succession planning practice serves Atlanta small business owners who need to integrate their exit strategy with their personal estate plan to ensure continuity for employees and value transfer to heirs. The firm’s emphasis on tailored planning rather than template documents reflects an understanding that each family’s situation requires individualized legal architecture. They serve clients across the Atlanta metro area.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: When should I create an estate plan in Atlanta?
A: Estate planning is not solely for the wealthy or elderly — any adult with dependents, real estate, retirement accounts, or a small business in Atlanta should have at minimum a will, durable power of attorney, and healthcare directive. If you have minor children, a will is the only document that allows you to nominate a guardian for them in the event of your death, and without it a Georgia court will make that decision. Young professionals with 401(k)s and life insurance policies should also review beneficiary designations immediately, as these assets pass outside a will and outdated designations can override even a carefully drafted estate plan.
Q: What does estate planning typically cost in Atlanta?
A: A basic estate plan in Atlanta consisting of a will, durable power of attorney, and healthcare directive typically costs $500 to $1,500 in attorney fees depending on the complexity of your situation. A comprehensive plan including a revocable living trust, pour-over will, powers of attorney, and healthcare documents typically runs $1,500 to $4,000 for an individual or $2,500 to $6,000 for a married couple. More complex plans involving irrevocable trusts, business succession structures, or significant charitable components can run substantially higher. Probate administration in Georgia — which your plan can help minimize — typically costs 3% to 7% of the gross estate value in combined attorney fees and court costs.
Q: What happens to my assets in Atlanta if I die without a will?
A: If you die without a will in Georgia, your assets will pass by intestate succession according to a fixed statutory formula. In Georgia, if you are married with children, your spouse and children share equally, which can mean your spouse receives as little as one-third of your estate if you have three or more children. Unmarried partners receive nothing under intestate succession regardless of the length of the relationship. Real estate and assets with no named beneficiary will go through the Fulton or DeKalb County Probate Court before distribution, adding cost and delay. A properly executed Georgia will gives you control over these decisions and can simplify administration for your family.
Conclusion
Estate planning in Atlanta is an essential financial and personal decision that becomes more complex as your assets, family structure, and business interests grow. Estate Attorneys of Atlanta brings over two decades of Atlanta-focused estate planning and probate experience from a central downtown location. Siedentopf Law offers personalized, accessible planning for families at every stage of life. Walker Estate Planning specializes in bespoke estate and business succession strategies designed to protect and transfer wealth effectively. Contact any of these firms to begin the planning process.