Building Generational Wealth: The Probate Process and Deceased Relatives’ Debts

Dealing with the death of spouse or other family member is difficult. While they are still grieving, surviving family members can be targeted by debt collectors and led to believe that they are responsible for paying their loved ones’ debts. Family members are also frequently unaware that the probate process provides financial protections for surviving spouses and minor children. This webcast will provide an overview of the following:

• What happens when a family member dies with and without a last will and testament;
• What it means to probate an estate and how the probate process works;
• The extent to which surviving family members are liable for a deceased relative’s debts; and
• How surviving spouses and minor children can obtain additional protections through year’s support petitions.

The Building Generational Wealth webcast series is offered by the Generational Poverty Law Project, a partnership between Pro Bono Partnership of Atlanta, Atlanta Legal Aid Society, and Georgia Heirs Property Law Center and funded by The Junior League of Atlanta.

Speaker: Joann E. Johnston, Legal Programs Director and Gentry E. Mander, Equal Justice Works Georgia Housing Corps Fellow