News & Press Coverage

Quitclaim Deeds in Georgia: Why They Matter and How They Differ from a Warranty Deed

Adding a spouse to the title, settling a divorce, gifting property to family: quitclaim deeds come up more than people expect. Here's what a quitclaim deed actually does, how it compares to a warranty deed, and a quick Georgia deed glossary.

How Probate Works in Georgia: A Step-by-Step Guide

"Do we really have to go through probate?" is one of the first questions families ask. Here's a plain-language, step-by-step walk-through of how the Georgia probate process actually works, from filing the will to closing the estate.

Why You Should Have a Will — And Keep It Updated

A will isn't about expecting the worst, it's about planning ahead so the people you love aren't left guessing. Here's why having a will, and keeping it updated, is one of the most generous things you can do for your family.

What to Expect at Your Real Estate Closing

Clients ask me some version of the same question almost every week: "What actually happens at the closing table?" Here's what to actually expect on closing day, from who has to be in the room to what you'll sign and when you'll get the keys.

Title Insurance and Other Things to Know About Buying Real Estate

I did not say things to know about buying a house, I said real estate and real estate is dirt, that stuff we walk on, the stuff we dig out to build a basement or pour a foundation on, the stuff the pool sits in, or we walk around, smiling and thinking to ourselves, “This is mine.” This is mine, how do I know it's mine, how do I know that the person I just paid a lot of money to owned this place I call a home, how do I know how big the property is, how do I know that very important structure called a house, the building I have decided I want to live in, is on the land that I have bought? What is my guaranty?

It's the title insurance and specifically the owner's title insurance policy. You are buying the land as much as you are buying the house and the history of that land can be complicated. The ownership doesn't start when the house is built. Clear title starts with, “In the Beginning.” As attorneys we do not have to go back to biblical times, but Georgia law requires us to search back a minimum of 50 years to determine that ownership is clear of claims that could be made against the property.