Choosing a personal representative is an important decision because they will manage your assets after you die. You also should choose one or more alternates in case your first choice is unable to serve.

Your personal representative or executor must be responsible and trustworthy. They should understand and agree to the responsibilities of the role. Some of the personal representative’s responsibilities are:

• Identifying and managing your probate assets
• Notifying your beneficiaries and creditors about the probate process
• Using estate funds to pay bills and taxes for your estate
• Distributing your assets to beneficiaries in accordance with your will

Your personal representative also can use estate funds to hire professionals, such as attorneys and accountants, to help them with the probate process.

Beneficiaries are the people or organizations that receive assets or property from your estate. You should identify the names and addresses of your beneficiaries to help your executor locate them and distribute the property. Beneficiaries can include family members, friends, loved ones, organizations, charities, or churches.

Make a list of your assets, including real estate, money in bank accounts, personal property, and investments. Determine which items you will distribute through your will and how you plan to allocate the property to which beneficiaries.

There are some assets that are not distributed by the will, including life insurance and retirement plans. Generally, these assets pass directly to the named beneficiaries.

A will provides for distributing your assets but any debts may be required to be taken out of your estate before distributions are made. By providing a list of your debts, it can help your executor more quickly handle your estate in probate. Debts may include mortgages, personal loans, and medical debt.

You can name a guardian for your minor children in your will. A court must approve your choice in case the proposed guardian is unfit. You also should name alternate guardians if your first choice cannot serve.

Your child’s guardian will make choices about your child’s education, health, and welfare and will have legal custody of your child. You should speak with your prospective guardian to ensure they want the responsibility of raising your child and that they share your values.

A last will and testament is a legal document that must be executed in compliance with Georgia law for it to be valid. Your will must be in writing, and you must sign the will or direct another person to sign it in your presence. Two or more witnesses must witness the signing and sign the will. The witnesses must be competent and at least 14 years old. Your witnesses should not be beneficiaries of your will.

After you create a will, you should inform your family about the will and give a copy to your executor. You should keep the original in a safe place, like a safety deposit box, or have your lawyer hold onto a copy. You should also keep a copy in a safe where a family member has access.