Atlanta Estate Planning Lawyer:
Your Future. Your Estate Plan. Your Peace of Mind.
Wills and Trusts Made Simple for Georgia Families
Your Life is Full.
We’ll Make it Easy.
When you need estate planning guidance you can depend on to protect your legacy and your loved ones, look no further than Blaska Holm. We help families create clear, thoughtful wills and trusts to give you peace of mind for now and in the future. Whether you’re planning for college-aged kids, aging parents, or your own next chapter, we’ll guide you with care, clarity, and compassion.
Services We Offer: Smart Planning for Every Stage of Life
Wills and
Trusts
Protect your family’s future with customized plans
Power of Attorney and Directives
Ensure your wishes are honored when it matters most
Guardianship & Minor Planning
Make loving, confident choices for your children’s care
Probate & Estate Administration
Navigate difficult times with clear, caring legal support from Blaska Holm
CollegeGuard Package
Specialized planning to protect your college-aged children
Business Succession and Planning
Secure your business legacy with a smooth transition for your family and partners
Don’t know where to start?
Meet Katie: Your Family-Focused Estate Planning Attorney
Katie Blaska Dodd isn’t just an experienced estate planning attorney, she is a founding partner of the Blaska Holm law firm. Katie knows that life moves fast, and planning for the future should feel empowering, not overwhelming.
Katie has helped hundreds of families through the estate planning process step-by-step with her expertise, kindness and warmth.
When you choose Katie and Blaska Holm, you can rest easy knowing your legacy is secure.
Happy Clients Tell Their Story
Feeling Overwhelmed? You’re Not Alone.
We’ve helped hundreds of families just like yours cut through the legalese and create plans they understand and trust. It’s easier than you think with the right guide by your side.
The Pitfalls of Online Estate Planning
(aka When You “Buy” a Will from a Website)
It’s tempting. Click a few boxes, pay $299, and voilà, your will is “done.” But for something as personal and vital as your legacy, a template-based will might do more harm than good.
We have had an untold number of clients come to us with their “online will,” and it’s shocking to see what the documents they’ve signed. And sadly, our clients end up paying twice…once for the online service, and again for us to create the correct documentation to protect their family.
Here’s what you should know before buying your estate plan online.
1. Your Life Isn’t One-Size-Fits-All. Your Will Shouldn’t Be Either.
Online will templates are designed for the most basic scenarios. But if you have children, own property in multiple states, have a blended family, or run a business, those templates can fall short. Estate plans should reflect the real dynamics of your life, not a generic checklist.
2. State Laws Matter (A Lot)
Georgia estate laws are specific, and online platforms may not keep their documents fully up-to-date with local legal requirements. A will that works in one state might not be valid or helpful in Georgia.
3. Missing Key Documents
A will is just one piece of a full estate plan. Some online tools don’t include powers of attorney, healthcare directives, or HIPAA waivers; all essential to protect you and your family if something happens unexpectedly.
4. No One Explains What You’re Signing
Legal jargon can be overwhelming. With DIY services, you don’t get the chance to ask questions, understand how things work together, or ensure your intentions are clearly reflected in the documents. If your wishes are not written clearly in accordance with Georgia estate planning law, the final product may be the opposite of what you originally intended.
5. Mistakes Can Be Costly
A small error like a missed signature, lack of notary signature, unclear language, or incorrect beneficiary designation can delay your estate distribution, increase court involvement, or even invalidate your wishes entirely. Fixing those mistakes later can cost your family far more in long run.
6. And Maybe Most Importantly, You Probably Don’t Know What You Actually Need
Does a trust serve your family better than a simple will? Does naming the right guardian take some thoughtful conversation? Estate planning is personal, and that’s exactly why you need a personal touch with an estate attorney who knows the right questions to ask and cares about you and your family.
We’ve seen it time and again with our clients. Online wills seem like a shortcut, but they often fall short of giving you real protection. Estate planning isn’t just paperwork; it’s about your family, your values, and your future. Choose an estate planning attorney who will be there to support you every step of the way.
Popular Wills and Trusts Services We Offer:
- Family Will Package
- Comprehensive Trust Package
- Estate Administration
Cities We Serve:
- Dunwoody
- Sandy Springs
- Roswell
- Alpharetta
- Atlanta
- Johns Creek
- And more!
“What Happens if I Die Without a Will in Georgia?”
A Question We Often Hear from Potential Clients
Creating a clear estate plan is one of the most caring things you can do for your family, and making sure you have a will is at the heart of that.
But sometimes when meeting with potential clients, they think they don’t need an estate plan since their spouse or children will just automatically inherit everything. Well, that’s not always the case!
Here’s what you should know if you pass away without a will in Georgia.
1. Dying “Intestate”? The Government Writes the Script for You
If you die without a valid written will (known as dying intestate), Georgia’s laws determine who inherits your property, not your wishes or family’s needs.
Here’s how Georgia divides your estate:
· Spouse Only (No Children): Your spouse inherits everything.
· Spouse + Kids: Spouse gets at least ⅓, children share the rest equally.
· No Spouse or Kids: Assets go to parents, then siblings, then more distant relatives like grandparents or cousins
We’ve seen cases where spouses were estranged or in the process of getting divorced and they will receive an inheritance if a will isn’t in place due to state laws. Most of our clients don’t want the state to decide what happens to their “stuff” when they are no long here, and that’s why we always recommend working with an estate planner you can trust.
2. Who Manages Your Estate? A Court-Appointed Administrator
Without a named executor in your will, the probate court must appoint an administrator, to manage asset distribution and debts. This process can:
· Delay access to funds
· Cause uncertainty
· Increase chances of disputes (we see this the most)
3. Guardianship Decisions Are in the Court’s Hands
Without a will naming a guardian, the court decides who cares for your minor children if both parents are deceased. That means instead of following your trusted choice, guardianship falls to the judge’s discretion, adding stress and delay during a difficult time, especially for your minor children.
4. Probate Can Last Longer and Cost More
Probate in Georgia often takes 12 to 18 months, but without clear guidance or a will, it can stretch longer. Your family might face:
· Court fees and legal costs
· Frozen assets they need access to
· Troubled family dynamics under pressure
5. Unexpected Beneficiaries
Georgia’s intestate laws don’t consider emotional bonds; your estate could be divided among distant relatives who were never close to you. That might mean assets going to cousins or even out-of-state relatives you barely know instead of those who are closest to you.
6. A “Year’s Support” for a Spouse
Georgia allows a surviving spouse or minor child to claim support for up to one year’s worth of living expenses from the estate, even if the will tries to prevent it. Proper trust design can help work around this, but only with professional guidance.
How to Avoid These Pitfalls
A well-crafted estate plan can help your family avoid probate headaches, ensure your loved ones are cared for, and keep your legacy secure. Here’s what every Georgia resident should do:
- Create a clear will naming guardians and an executor.
- Add powers of attorney and healthcare directives for emergencies.
- Consider a trust to keep your assets private and bypass probate.
- Review and update your plan as life changes—like marriage, home sales, or new children.
Dying without a will means Georgia laws decide who inherits what, who takes care of your kids, and how long the estate takes to settle. A will and a full estate plan puts control back in your hands, giving your loved ones clarity, protection, and emotional comfort.
We can help you make the process simple and as stress-free as possible.
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8565 Dunwoody Place
Suite A
Atlanta, GA 30350
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