As we approach the holiday season of family and reflection, have you considered how your family would cope without you? Make this the year to talk to your loved ones about the “What ifs?” of life and establish an estate plan. There is no better gift than peace of mind. Attorney Alex Gaines recommends everyone create a will and maintain a holistic estate plan through every stage of life. A well rounded estate plan can avoid the stress and delay of court involvement and save thousands of dollars in costs. After practicing for years throughout metro Atlanta, Attorney Gaines returned to her native Cobb County and founded her own estate planning and probate firm, Alex Gaines Law – The Legacy Firm, with family in mind.

“When I decided to start my practice, I wanted to serve the community I love and build a firm that makes the estate planning process friendly and approachable,” says Gaines. “Our mission has always been to empower as many people as possible to keep control of their affairs, preserve their legacies, and protect their families from unnecessary burdens after the loss or disability of a loved one.” As a mom of two young boys, Gaines enjoys working with young families on child protection plans. “Ensuring parents have made a legally enforceable plan for their children’s care in the event they can no longer provide that care is vital,” she explains.

According to Gaines, the best times to establish an estate plan include: marriage, divorce, purchase of real estate and birth of a first child. She recommends updating and reviewing your plan at least every 3-5 years, or whenever there is a change in life circumstances, such as moving to another state, adding children or grandchildren, changing marital status, losing a spouse or receiving a substantial inheritance.

Alex Gaines Law stands behind its mission to inform community members about preserving their legacies by hosting free interactive monthly workshops and coffee meetings where Attorney Gaines explains the intricacies of estate planning. For more information about these events or to schedule a free consultation, visit www.alexgaineslaw.com or call 770-285-0033. Alex Gaines Law is conveniently located minutes from East Cobb at 3101 Cobb Parkway, Suite 124, Atlanta, GA 30339.

This article originally appeared in the December issue of EAST COBBER, on page 7 Click here to view the digital edition.