Executive Summary: Legal costs vary depending on the issue being solved. Estate planning, business formation, trademark protection, and cross-border structuring all involve different levels of complexity, risk, and legal work. Flat fees may apply for predictable matters, while hourly billing is more common for custom or evolving issues. The more important question is often the cost of poor planning or delayed Read More

Executive Summary: Yes, non-U.S. citizens can generally start and own businesses in the United States. However, business ownership does not automatically grant immigration work authorization. Foreign founders should carefully consider entity structure, tax compliance, banking access, intellectual property protection, and cross-border ownership planning before launching. Many international entrepreneurs assume the Read More

Executive Summary: Legally transitioning business ownership from parents to children involves more than transferring shares or membership interests. Families must determine the ownership structure, transfer method, valuation, governance rights, tax consequences, documentation requirements, and estate planning implications. International ownership or cross-border family structures can add further legal Read More

Executive Summary: Yes, people living overseas can generally legally own property in Georgia, including foreign nationals and U.S. expats. However, ownership raises important legal and financial issues, including taxes, FIRPTA compliance, financing, estate planning, liability, and cross-border inheritance. The right ownership structure can significantly affect long-term outcomes. Living outside the United States Read More

Executive Summary: If someone dies without a will in Georgia, state intestacy law controls who inherits under O.C.G.A. § 53-2-1. Probate still occurs, and the court appoints an administrator instead of following instructions from a will. While some assets pass outside probate through beneficiary designations or joint ownership, unmarried partners and certain family members may receive nothing. Cross-border families Read More

Executive Summary: Probate is the legal process used in Georgia to validate wills, pay debts, and distribute assets after death. Even when a will exists, the estate must typically pass through probate court under Georgia law. Tools such as revocable living trusts, beneficiary designations, joint ownership, and transfer-on-death deeds can help families reduce or avoid probate. Understanding these options allows Read More

Executive Summary: Foreign-domiciled businesses must follow specific rules when registering a trademark in the United States. USPTO regulations require these applicants to be represented by a U.S. attorney. Companies must also select an appropriate filing basis under the Lanham Act, such as use in commerce, intent to use, foreign registration, or foreign priority. Federal registration provides strong legal Read More

Executive Summary: A Qualified Domestic Trust (QDOT) is an estate planning tool designed for married couples where the surviving spouse is not a U.S. citizen. Normally, the federal unlimited marital deduction does not apply in these situations, which can trigger estate taxes of up to 40% shortly after death. A QDOT allows assets to pass into a trust that provides income to the surviving spouse while deferring estate Read More

Executive Summary: U.S. citizens living abroad who own property in Georgia must still comply with federal tax reporting, possible Georgia state income tax obligations, county property taxes, and insurance requirements. Rental income and property sales may create federal tax consequences, and ownership may affect state residency determinations. Estate planning is also critical, since Georgia real estate can trigger Read More