Galat Law Group, LLC

Happy Halloween from Galat Law Group! Whether you are spending tonight trick or treating with your kids or staying in watching movies, we wish you a safe and spootakular holiday.

As a reminder, our office will be closed today, September 2nd, as we observe Labor Day. On this day, we recognize workers all over the world and their hard work in their respective fields. Thank you, workers, for your hard work and sacrifices! 

Please join Galat Law Group in congratulating our founder, Bryan Galat, for his recognition in the 2025 edition of The Best Lawyers in America®. In its 31st annual rankings released today, Best Lawyers® recognized Bryan in the areas of (i) tax law and (ii) trusts and estates. It is the fifth straight year Bryan has been recognized. Since it was first published in 1983, Best Lawyers® has become universally regarded as the definitive guide to legal excellence. Best Lawyers recognitions are compiled based on an exhaustive Purely Peer Review® evaluation. More than 184,000 industry leading lawyers are eligible to vote (from around the world), and they have received more than 25.8 million evaluations on the legal abilities of other lawyers based on their specific practice areas around the world. We are very grateful to our peers and colleagues for this recognition.

August is National Make-a-Will Month! Yes, it’s corny, but it’s a good reminder to get your stuff together and be sure that you and your clients have up-to-date succession documents in place. What are some of the worst cases we’ve seen of someone passing away without a will? The business owner who left behind a surviving spouse and minor children, only to have most assets – including the business – pass in equal shares to the spouse and minor children, with a guardian ad litem and court-appointed conservator for the children with mandatory reporting to the court for the next decade. Or the young man who passed unexpectedly and had half of his estate pass to his estranged father. And even if you have a will, be sure that it’s up to date, and that you haven’t named your former business partner or your former bank as trustee. Of course, while making a will is important, proper estate planning extends well beyond the will. Durable powers of attorney, advance directives for health care, and in some cases, revocable trusts should also be part of the planning. Don’t let this month go by without taking a moment to see if you’re prepared in this area.

Last week our attorneys had the privilege of attending the Fiduciary Law Conference at Amelia Island. Over these few days, Bryan Galat, Kenisha Cromity, and Yuliya Zuazua attended lectures and connected with many other attorneys and financial professionals. They were able to see many familiar faces and to meet new friends as well. Many thanks to the Fiduciary Law section of the State Bar of Georgia for putting on such a quality event!

Just to remind you, our office will be closed today and tomorrow (July 4th and 5th) as we celebrate Independence Day. Today, we watch parades and set off fireworks to celebrate the independence we gained in July 1776. We also want to take a moment to thank all of the people who have served or given their lives for this country. Today, we stand together and practice thankfulness for the beautiful place we live. Happy Fourth of July!

Please join us in congratulating Hali Ofray on her two-year work anniversary with us! Your dedication and hard work are truly appreciated. Congratulations, Hali!!

Our founder, Bryan Galat, was offered the opportunity to present as part of a panel discussion last week regarding exit planning. Thank you, Jason Palmgren, for the invitation and hosting a great event!

As a reminder, our office will be closed today, June 19th, in observance of Juneteenth. Today, we take time to remember and celebrate freedom and growth towards equality in our world. Although nothing is perfect, remembering the past and celebrating freedom is beautiful on a day such as today.

The main cornerstone of an estate plan is a valid Will, but did you know about the other documents that you should always have in your estate plan? In Georgia, there are two other documents that everyone should have: the Durable Power of Attorney and the Advance Directive for Health Care (or what many people in other states call a "Living Will"). The Durable Power of Attorney allows you to appoint agents to take care of your finances if you are not able to and the Advance Directive for Health Care allows you to appoint agents to make medical decisions on your behalf if you are not able to. The Advance Directive for Health Care allows you to not only specify the kind of treatment you want in emergency situations but to also specify your preferences on burial, organ donation, and body donation. Making difficult decisions regarding your finances and health treatment, although not pleasant, assist your loved ones in times of incredible stress.