(770) 344-0172
Feb 13, 2025
What is Probate?
Probate is the court-supervised process of validating a will and administering an estate. In Georgia, probate courts:
At its core, probate protects those who cannot protect themselves—such as the deceased, incapacitated individuals, and minors—while reducing chaos by defining roles, asset distribution, and dispute resolution.
Probate vs. Non-Probate Assets:
Non-Probate Assets (Pass Outside of Probate):
Probate Assets (Subject to the Will & Court Oversight):
Individually owned property (cars, brokerage/retirement/bank accounts without a beneficiary, home furnishings)
Steps to Probate a Will
Pros & Cons of the Probate System
✅ Advantages:
❌ Disadvantages:
Georgia Probate: Then vs. Now
Pre-Pandemic:
Post-Pandemic:
How to Avoid Probate
The Future of Probate in Georgia
While Georgia’s probate landscape has shifted, proactive planning can help clients navigate or avoid its challenges.
Financial Planning Associate
Melissa came to Narwhal in the summer of 2018 following the completion of her master’s degree in financial planning from the University of Georgia, where she also earned her bachelor’s degree in consumer economics. Her interest in the field started with learning about consumer behavior, specifically its relation with complex moneymaking decisions. Melissa recently received her CFP® Certification in January 2021. Working with a CFP® professional can help you find the path to achieving your financial goals. Your goals may evolve over the years as a result of shifts in your lifestyle or circumstances such as an inheritance, career change, marriage, house purchase , or a growing family. Melissa is here to help you through that process. When she’s not working, Melissa enjoys cycling, cooking, and spending time with her beagle and two nieces.
At Narwhal Capital Management, you’re more than just a portfolio, and it’s not all about the numbers. Let’s start with a meeting about your needs and future goals.