The Patrick Firm

05/29/2026

Legal Q&A ⚖️

What is a NON-DURABLE Power of Attorney?

A NON-DURABLE POA does the opposite: it ends the moment you lose mental capacity. That's usually the exact moment you need it most—so for long-term planning, non-durable is almost never the right tool. Where it does make sense is narrow, short-term tasks: "sign this closing while I'm out of the country," or "handle this one transaction while I'm traveling."
In Georgia, your POA will only be non-durable if your document specifically says so.

*For educational purposes only and not a legal advice.

05/27/2026

Legal Q&A ⚖️

What is a Durable Power of Attorney?

A DURABLE POA stays in effect even if you become mentally incapacitated. This is the workhorse of estate planning—you sign it today so that if a stroke, dementia, or accident takes away your ability to handle your own affairs tomorrow, your chosen agent can step in without your family having to run to probate court for a guardianship or conservatorship. Under Georgia law, every POA you sign is presumed DURABLE unless the document expressly says otherwise.

*For educational purposes only and not a legal advice.

05/25/2026

Today we honor and remember.

05/22/2026

Legal Q&A ⚖️

What happens to my kids if I don't have a named guardian in my Estate Plan?

The court decides—not you. A probate judge will appoint a guardian based on the child's best interest, which may or may not be the person you would have chosen, and can lead to family fights you never wanted. Naming a guardian in your will is the single cheapest, most important thing a parent can do.

Have legal questions? Let us know in the comments!

05/01/2026

Will vs Trust:

Which do you need?

We're here to help.
𝘊𝘰𝘯𝘵𝘢𝘤𝘵 𝘶𝘴 𝘢𝘵 (912) 264-5915
𝘝𝘪𝘴𝘪𝘵 𝘶𝘴 𝘢𝘵 708 G Street, Brunswick, Georgia 31520

04/29/2026

Legal Q&A ⚖️

Can I disinherit my child in my will even without a valid reason?

Yes. Georgia is not a forced-heirship state for children — you can leave a child out of your will for any reason, or no reason at all. The one catch: if the child was born or adopted after the will was signed and isn't mentioned, they may take a share as a "pretermitted" heir, so the disinheritance needs to be clearly documented in an updated will.

Have legal questions? Let us know in the comments!

04/24/2026

04/23/2026

Whether it's a simple agreement or a major life decision, understanding the fine print is your best protection.

We're here to help.

𝘊𝘰𝘯𝘵𝘢𝘤𝘵 𝘶𝘴 𝘢𝘵 (912) 264-5915
𝘝𝘪𝘴𝘪𝘵 𝘶𝘴 𝘢𝘵 708 G Street, Brunswick, Georgia 31520

04/21/2026

Thinking of our Brantley County neighbors tonight. 💛

The wildfire along Highway 82 has forced mandatory evacuations, closed schools, and, for some families, taken homes. To everyone displaced, and to the first responders and Forestry Commission crews working around the clock — we are so grateful for you.

If you or someone you love needs a safe place, shelters are currently open at:
• Brantley County Library
• Nahunta Methodist Church
• Little Memorial (Browntown & Hwy 32)
• Hortense Church of God of Prophecy
• Nahunta First Baptist (relief station — water & restrooms)

Brantley, we’re right next door and we’re here if you need us. 🙏

04/20/2026

Questions about your upcoming closing?
We're here to help.

𝘊𝘰𝘯𝘵𝘢𝘤𝘵 𝘶𝘴 𝘢𝘵 (912) 264-5915
𝘝𝘪𝘴𝘪𝘵 𝘶𝘴 𝘢𝘵 708 G Street, Brunswick, Georgia 31520

04/08/2026

Legal Insights 💡

𝘊𝘰𝘯𝘵𝘢𝘤𝘵 𝘶𝘴 𝘢𝘵 (912) 264-5915
𝘝𝘪𝘴𝘪𝘵 𝘶𝘴 𝘢𝘵 708 G Street, Brunswick, Georgia 31520