Jake Slowik

At Slowik Estate Planning, my goal is to get to know you, your family, and your business, and build a life-long working relationship.

Estate planning often engenders stress, confusion, and apprehension. I have dedicated my practice to providing clients with peace of mind through trusted legal counsel. My personal background has instilled in me a deep commitment to offering this vital service to families in similar circumstances.

By developing custom legal solutions together, we will protect your loved ones' well-being and safeguard your assets.

Let's talk today about creating your legacy for tomorrow.

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• Rates, Retainers and Additional Information
  Most matters are billed on a flat fee arrangement. More complex matters including probate and trust litigation are billed at an hourly rate.

Georgia

State Bar of Georgia

Since 2015

New York

New York State Office of Court Administration

ID Number: 5158670

Since 2013

Associate

Fried, Frank, Harris, Shriver & Jacobson LLP

2012 - 2014

Commercial Real Estate Attorney

Harvard Law School

Cornell University

State Bar of Georgia

Member

2015 - Current

Estate Planning in 2024: Why Your Will and Trust Need Urgent Attention

Slowik Estate Planning

September 17, 2024

3 Law Firm Business Tactics To Support A Niche Practice

Law360.com

May 29, 2019

Small Law; Big Success

Edward Elgar

December 28, 2018

Estate Planning and Fiduciary Section

Georgia Bar Association

Q. Do successor trustees in Georgia have the same authority as the original trustee?

April 14, 2025

A: Under Georgia law, successor trustees possess the same authority as the original trustee. According to OCGA Section 53-12-201(g), “A trustee appointed as a successor trustee shall have all the authority of the original trustee." This is the default rule but the terms of the trust could mean that the successor trustees have different authority. The answer depends on the trust language, the nature of the powers granted, and how multiple trustees are intended to function.

While Georgia law creates a default rule, it is not absolute—and beneficiaries or courts could challenge successor actions if they’re inconsistent with the trust’s intent or fiduciary principles.

I recommend consulting with an estate planning attorney to review the trust and ensure trustees are operating within the scope granted by the trust and applicable state law. ... Read More

Q. Is executor liable for 5-year payments if business fails?

April 10, 2025

A: The executor is obligated to carry out the terms of your father's will, regardless of the business’s performance—unless the will explicitly conditions the payments on available business income.

If the will says beneficiaries are to be paid based on the business's value at the date of death, then: (A) the executor must determine the fair market value of the business at the date of death (usually via appraisal); and (B) the total owed for the 25% share is fixed based on that value, and not adjusted for future performance.

Also, the executor has a fiduciary duty to act in the best interest of all beneficiaries. That includes making payments as required, even if it means using other estate assets (e.g., potentially sale proceeds from the house). The executor cannot unilaterally decide not to make payments just because the business is underperforming.

Your Options: (1) request, in writing, that the executor provide a full accounting of the business valuation at date of death, use of estate proceeds (including house sale), and the business financials since death; (2) hire a Probate Attorney; (3) have the attorney review the will to confirm whether the payments are absolute or conditional (likely absolute given how you described them). ... Read More

Q. How to obtain affidavit of survivorship and TOD deed forms in Georgia?

April 10, 2025

A: I recommend you consult with an estate planning attorney to prepare these documents. There is a statutory form Transfer on Death Deed provided in O.C.G.A. Section 44-17-3. However, a person's specific circumstances often warrant specific modifications or additions to the form to ensure their intentions are carried out properly. In addition, it is helpful to consider contingencies and how these instruments work in conjunction with the rest of your estate plan.