The Morgan Firm

08/27/2026

We rebranded! Morgan & DiSalvo is now The Morgan Firm.

This new name marks an evolution of the firm while reflecting the same commitment to excellence that has guided our work for more than three decades.

Now in our 31st year, The Morgan Firm remains dedicated to helping individuals, families and business owners navigate estate planning, tax planning, trusts, business succession and other important legal needs with thoughtful, personalized guidance.

We are proud to begin this next chapter as The Morgan Firm and look forward to continuing to serve our clients and community for years to come.

07/22/2026

What does freedom have to do with estate planning? More than you might think.

In most of the United States, testamentary freedom gives you the legal right to decide who will inherit your assets, who may be disinherited, how your business interests should be handled, and how your estate should be distributed after your death.

That freedom is not universal. In many countries, forced inheritance and forced heirship laws require a portion of an estate to pass to certain family members, regardless of what a Will or Trust says.

This month, as America celebrates the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, this is an important reminder not to take your estate planning freedom for granted.

What is testamentary freedom, how do forced heirship laws work, and when can international property complicate an estate plan?

Read the full blog to learn why your right to control your legacy matters: https://morgandisalvo.com/celebrating-testamentary-freedom-in-estate-planning/

Testamentary freedom, as opposed to forced inheritance laws, gives you the right to distribute your assets as you see fit.

06/23/2026

My mom’s estate has no assets. Do I still need to open probate?

In the latest Q&A with Loraine, Morgan & DiSalvo Partner Loraine DiSalvo answers a real-life estate question involving a deceased parent’s apartment, housing subsidy, personal belongings, and possible probate.

One important takeaway: if an estate truly has no assets, there may not be a need to open an estate for probate or administration. A surviving heir is also generally not responsible for a deceased parent’s rent unless they signed, co-signed, or guaranteed the lease.

Read the full Q&A here:
https://morgandisalvo.com/mom-died-with-no-assets/

How to respond to a property manager after a death, document a 10-day move-out notice, and understand Georgia estate administration when no assets exist.

06/15/2026

Georgia Transfer-on-Death deeds (TOD deeds) are back in the spotlight.

HB 413 took effect on April 22, 2026, changing parts of Georgia’s TOD deed law and addressing some issues from the original 2024 legislation. But important questions remain, especially around acceptance affidavits, notice requirements, probate estates, title marketability, and insurance concerns.

Attorneys Allison L. Byrd and Richard M. Morgan break down what Georgia property owners, beneficiaries, and estate representatives need to know in our latest article.

Read the full article here: https://morgandisalvo.com/transfer-on-death-deeds-in-georgia-not-quite-new-and-maybe-improved/

Effective July 1, 2024, the Governor signed new laws allowing transfer-on-death deeds for real estate located in Georgia. A “transfer-on-death” or “TOD” deed allows a record owner of real estate to file a deed that names a designated grantee beneficiary (we’ll refer to such a beneficiary a...

05/27/2026

Can adult children legally stop a stepmother from taking things that belonged to their deceased mom and dad?

It is a difficult, emotional question, and the legal answer may not be what many families expect.

In this Q&A with Loraine, Morgan & DiSalvo Partner Loraine DiSalvo explains how Georgia law may treat a surviving spouse, what happens when assets pass outright between spouses, and why blended family estate planning can become complicated fast.

Before assuming “that should stay with the kids,” it is important to understand what the law may actually allow.

Read the full answer here:
https://morgandisalvo.com/qa-with-loraine-can-i-legally-stop-my-stepmother-from-taking-things-that-belonged-to-my-deceased-mom-and-dad/

A surviving spouse may be entitled to assets that belonged to a former spouse.

05/20/2026

Can a surviving spouse still file for a year’s support after a petition for estate administration has already been filed in Georgia? The answer may surprise you.

In this Q&A with Loraine DiSalvo, she explains why timing matters in probate court, what surviving spouses should know about Georgia year’s support claims, and why it’s important not to wait when inheritance and home rights are at stake.

Read the full blog here:
https://morgandisalvo.com/can-i-file-for-a-years-support-after-a-petition-for-letters-of-administration-has-been-filed/

A surviving spouse may still file a year’s support claim after another person has petitioned to be the estate administrator.

04/23/2026

When a spouse passes away, questions about property ownership and probate can quickly become overwhelming, especially in blended family situations.

In this Q&A, Loraine DiSalvo explains what options a surviving spouse has when stepchildren won’t cooperate with transferring a home, and why the mortgage company can’t resolve the issue.

From reviewing the deed to understanding probate pathways like Year’s Support, this is a situation many families don’t expect but need to be prepared for.

🔗 Read the full answer: https://morgandisalvo.com/qa-with-loraine-my-husband-died-and-his-sons-wont-sign-to-put-the-house-in-my-name-can-i-do-it-through-the-mortgage-company/

How a house passes to a surviving spouse depends on how the deed is worded and how the deceased person’s estate planning documents are written.

04/14/2026

Planning for the unexpected isn’t always easy, but it’s one of the most important steps you can take for the people you love.

In this month’s featured article, Allison L. Byrd of Morgan & DiSalvo, P.C. breaks down how an Advance Directive for Health Care works in Georgia and why it matters.

An Advance Directive allows you to:
• Clearly outline your medical wishes
• Appoint someone you trust to make decisions for you
• Reduce stress and conflict for your family
• Ensure your values are respected if you’re unable to communicate

It’s not about giving up control — it’s about making sure your voice is heard when it matters most.

If you’re over 18, this is something worth having in place.

Read the full blog here:
https://morgandisalvo.com/understanding-the-advance-directive-for-health-care-in-georgia/

Planning for the unexpected is one of the most meaningful gifts you can give to yourself and your loved ones. In Georgia, an Advance Directive for Health Care allows you to clearly communicate your medical wishes in case you are ever unable to speak for yourself, and allows you to appoint a trusted....

04/08/2026

How do you list heirs on a probate form in Georgia?

The answer isn’t based on what the will says — it’s based on state law.

In this Q&A, Loraine DiSalvo explains why even disinherited individuals may still need to be listed as heirs on probate court documents.

This blog covers:
• Who legally qualifies as an heir in Georgia
• Why disinheritance doesn’t remove heir status
• Key risks of filing probate in common form

If you're serving as executor, these details matter more than you think.

Read more here:
https://morgandisalvo.com/qa-with-loraine-how-do-you-list-heirs-on-the-common-probate-form-in-ga/

A person’s status as an heir is determined by state law, not by whether they are intended to benefit.