First, let me listen.
Providing Trusted Guidance in Probate Administration and Estate Planning
Guiding families through probate
Navigate Probate Attorney with Ease and Confidence
At Stalnaker Law in Augusta, I’ve dedicated my practice to helping individuals and families in Georgia's Central Savannah River Area safeguard their futures through thoughtful estate planning. That starts by listening —really understanding your goals, concerns, and what matters most to you.
Whether you're creating a will, setting up a trust, or preparing powers of attorney and advance directives, I’ll guide you through each step with clarity and compassion. Together, we’ll craft a personalized plan that ensures your wishes are followed, legal requirements are met, and your loved ones are protected from unnecessary conflict and uncertainty.
Edw. B. Stalnaker has been practicing law for more than five decades — offering unmatched knowledge in probate, estate planning, and guardianship matters. When it comes to your family’s future, experience matters.
Plans tailored to your future
Estate Planning that Reflects Your Personal Wishes
At Stalnaker Law, creating an estate plan is an art that captures your unique desires and plans for the future. We draft, review, and update wills to ensure they remain legally sound and reflective of current circumstances. Each document, from powers of attorney to living wills, is crafted to manage uncertainties and protect family dynamics. When change happens, we adapt your documentation swiftly through codicils. Customize your future! Speak with us to reflect your true intentions today.
Protecting what matters most
Wills: Your Legacy, Your Way
Wills are crucial as they dictate how your assets will be distributed, safeguard your family, and protect your wishes. Edward B. Stalnaker personally drafts each will, no matter the complexity, ensuring they express your intentions precisely. From appointing guardians for minors to setting charitable bequests, we cover all aspects. Let us secure your legacy. Need to make a will? Contact us to illustrate your future with clarity and precision.
Confidence in every decision
Powers of Attorney: Empowering Trusted Loved Ones
Granting decision-making power through a power of attorney is a profound act of trust and foresight. Stalnaker Law skillfully prepares these documents for financial, legal, business, and healthcare decisions. By delegating authority, you ensure decisions are made according to your values, even in unforeseen situations. Setting up a power of attorney protects you and provides assurance. Elevate your peace of mind by arranging your consultation with us today!
Smooth, reliable trust management
Trust Administration Made Seamless
Managing trust assets is complex, yet vital for your beneficiaries. With in-depth local knowledge, Stalnaker Law supports trustees nationwide with the administration process. From tax compliance and asset management to beneficiary notifications, our expertise ensures smooth compliance with Georgia laws. Our experience empowers trustees to navigate responsibilities confidently, ensuring security and efficiency. Ready to manage a trust seamlessly? Let us guide your way forward.
Local roots, proven results
Augusta's Trusted Legal Expertise
Deeply rooted in Augusta, Stalnaker Law has become a cornerstone of reliable legal guidance. Our profound understanding of local laws makes us the go-to for any legal nuances unique to our area. Our clients benefit from a personal touch that flourishes under Mr. Stalnaker's half-century of experience. Whether safeguarding assets or resolving disputes, we are Augusta's trusted partner in legal matters. Experience the local expertise that makes a difference, right in the heart of your community.
Legal care for your loved ones
Resolute Protection with Guardianships and Conservatorships
When loved ones require care, guardianships and conservatorships become essential. Stalnaker Law guides families in obtaining legal authority to care for minors or incapacitated adults. We support petitions for guardianships, creating special needs trusts, and ensuring lifelong care. Our comprehensive service ensures your loved ones receive the most compassionate protection. Demand the best care and legal security for your dependents. Partner with us to make this pivotal step.
Legal solutions made personal
Comprehensive Personal-Focused
Legal Services
Stalnaker Law offers broad legal solutions, with a personal focus tailored to your needs. Whether it's estate dispute resolutions, trust management, or living wills, our clients receive individualized attention directly from Mr. Stalnaker himself. We pride ourselves on our straightforward approach to even the most complex cases. Our commitment guarantees you are never just a case number here. Discover the personal touch that ensures every detail is attended to with precision.
Experience you can trust
The Essence of Stalnaker Law: Why Clients Choose Us
Choose Stalnaker Law for:
- Over 50 years of specialized legal expertise
- Personal attention from Edward B. Stalnaker himself
- Comprehensive estate planning and probate attorney services
- Trusted local guidance tailored to individual needs
- Clear communication and thorough understanding of Georgia laws
- Efficient solutions to protect and manage family legacies
Our strengths ensure your legal matters are handled with precision, care, and the utmost respect for your intentions.
Highly Rated Legal Services
Proven Trust Through Positive Reviews
Contact us Today
Get trusted legal guidance from Stalnaker Law. Whether you need help with estate planning or probate, we’re here to assist. Call, visit our Augusta office, or message us today to schedule your consultation.
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Recognized for Excellence in Legal Service
Honored By Peers and Clients for Dedication, Integrity, and Results
Distinguished: An excellent rating for a lawyer with some experience. This rating indicates the attorney is widely respected by their peers for high professional achievement and ethical standards.
Client Champion Gold is awarded to lawyers/firms with at least 6 reviews, with an average score of 4.2 or higher.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is probate?
Probate is the court-supervised process used in Georgia to settle a person’s estate after death. It allows the probate court to confirm who is authorized to handle the estate, identify assets, address debts, and transfer property to the proper heirs or beneficiaries. Probate also creates a clear legal record of how the estate was handled.
Why is probate necessary?
Probate provides structure, oversight, and protection for everyone involved. It helps ensure that assets are distributed correctly, debts are handled appropriately, and questions or disputes are resolved in an orderly way. In Georgia, probate is often required to legally transfer property that was owned solely by the deceased.
What assets go through probate?
In Georgia, assets generally go through probate when they were owned only in the deceased person’s name and do not have a named beneficiary. Common examples include:
- Homes or land titled solely in the deceased’s name
- Bank accounts without a payable-on-death designation
- Vehicles titled only to the deceased
- Personal property such as furniture, jewelry, or household items
What assets do NOT go through probate?
Some assets pass directly to others and typically do not require probate in Georgia. These may include:
- Life insurance policies with a named beneficiary
- Retirement accounts with designated beneficiaries
- Bank accounts with payable-on-death or transfer-on-death instructions
- Property owned jointly with rights of survivorship
- Assets held in a properly funded trust
These assets are usually transferred based on existing ownership or beneficiary designations rather than through the probate court.
What happens if there are multiple wills?
If more than one will is discovered, the Georgia probate court must determine which will is legally valid. This can occur when wills were signed at different times or when questions arise about how a will was created. Until the court makes a decision, the probate process may be delayed and disputes may need to be resolved.
Ready to Get Help With Probate in Georgia?
Every estate is different, and probate can raise important questions for families and executors. An experienced probate attorney can help guide the process, address concerns, and keep things moving forward.
Contact Stalnaker Law to schedule a consultation and discuss your probate matter.