Is a Trust the Right Choice for Your Estate Plan?
Many Atlanta families consider using a trust to simplify what happens to their assets and avoid unnecessary court involvement.
The first step is understanding whether a trust makes sense for your situation.
Start with a free 30-minute planning call.
In Your Planning Call You Can:
Learn how a trust works and what it does
Understand the difference between a trust and a will
See whether a trust fits your situation
Get clear on the planning process and next steps
There is no obligation. The goal is to help you understand your options.
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Years Experience
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Focused Practice
Understanding Trusts
What a Trust is Designed to Do
A trust is a legal tool used to manage and transfer assets.
Depending on how it is set up, a trust can help:
Avoid probate or reduce court involvement
Make asset distribution faster and more organized
Keep financial matters more private
Provide clear instructions for how assets are handled
Support long-term planning for family members
The right structure depends on your goals and situation.
When a Trust May Make Sense
A trust is often considered if you:
Own a home or real estate
Have savings, investments, or other assets
Want to simplify things for your family
Prefer to avoid probate if possible
Want more control over how assets are handled
Not Everyone Needs a Trust
Not everyone needs a trust.
That is why the first step is a planning conversation.
The right structure depends on your goals and situation.
Trust vs. Will – What's the Difference?
Both trusts and wills are used in estate planning, but they serve different roles.
A Will
Takes effect after death
Typically goes through probate
Names beneficiaries and guardians
A Trust
Can take effect during your lifetime
May help avoid probate
Allows more control over how assets are managed
Great estate plans should consider both.
How the Process Works
Many people assume estate planning is complicated. We keep the process simple.
Schedule Planning Call
Book your free planning call via phone or Zoom. We'll discuss your goals and concerns.
Design Meeting
Meet with Sarah to review your situation in detail and design your personalized estate plan.
Receive Draft Documents
We'll send your personalized estate planning documents for your review.
Review & Refine
Take time to review everything. We welcome questions and make any changes you need.
Sign & Secure
Complete signing with witnesses and notary at our office. Your estate plan is now in place and your legacy secured.
Meet Your Attorney
Sarah Siedentopf: Your Strategic Partner in Trust Creation & Estate Planning
With 15 years of legal experience and over 13 years serving Georgia families, Sarah Siedentopf has become a trusted choice for families seeking to secure their legacies. Sarah brings deep expertise in estate planning and dedicated focus to every client relationship.
Unlike firms that offer generic solutions, Sarah takes a fiduciary approach—creating customized strategies tailored to your unique family dynamics, asset structure, and long-term goals. Her approach ensures you receive personalized guidance, not a one-size-fits-all approach.
Super Lawyers Rising Stars
2019-2025
Lead Counsel Verified
Since 2018
Licensed
Since 2009
UT College of Law
Juris Doctor
Client Stories
Trusted by Georgia Families
Professionalism
"Our experience at Siedentopf Law was exceptional. Sarah and her team understood our desire to make it easier on our children and family and helped us get the right documents in place. It was a very professional experience and the edits we asked for were done as well as additions that we had not even thought of. My wife and I highly recommend Sarah and her team!!"
Owen K.
Georgia
Compassion
"Sarah and her staff are professional, courteous, and compassioínate. It's not easy to discuss estate planning. But Sarah has a way of making her clients feel at ease. She also takes it to heart to make sure she answers her client's questions thoroughly and that they understand her answers and the documents they are signing. I would not hesitate to recommend Sarah for estate planning."
Maria M.
Georgia
Ease of Process
"We had an outstanding experience with Sarah's law firm! We had some confusing things to talk through and Sarah had all of the experience, answers, and guidance to help us. Gave us a lot of comfort, knowing we have thought through probate and tax implications in our estate planning to set our very young kids up for success. Highly highly recommend!"
Kim S.
Georgia
Trust Planning Questions
Frequently Asked Questions About Trusts in Georgia
Do I need a trust or just a will?
That depends on your assets, goals, and family situation. We help you understand this during your planning call.
Does a trust avoid probate?
In many cases, a properly structured trust can reduce or avoid probate, but it depends on how the plan is set up.
Is a trust complicated to manage?
Most trusts are designed to be straightforward once they are set up properly.
What happens after the planning call?
If you decide to move forward, the next step is scheduling a design meeting where your estate plan is structured.
Ready to Plan Your Legacy?
Schedule your free planning call today