Shannon Pawley, The Estate & Asset Protection Law Firm Owner, clears up any confusion around testate and intestate probate.

DECATUR, GA, December 31, 2024: Shannon Pawley, Owner of The Estate & Asset Protection Law Firm, has posted a new article on the law firm’s website entitled “The Difference Between Testate and Intestate Probate” in which Ms. Pawley explains the importance of knowing the difference.

Pawley writes, “Many people who come to my office for consultations are confused about the terms “testate” and “intestate”.” She adds,  If you are unsure of these terms, read on as I make the differences clear.”

“Very simply,” as Pawley notes, “when someone dies and they leave a valid Last Will and Testament which is submitted to the probate court, the estate is referred to as “testate.” She continues, “To be considered valid, the will has to meet specific legal requirements, such as being signed by the person creating the will (the testator) and witnessed by two individuals who are not assigned roles within nor beneficiaries of the will.” She further explains, “The will is the legal tool that guides the distribution of assets.”

“On the other hand,” says Pawley, “when someone dies with assets in their individual names and they have no Will or estate planning documents, the estate is considered “intestate.” In this case,” she explains, “state law where the deceased person resided decides the distribution of assets.” She emphasizes, “State laws specify what relatives of the deceased are entitled to inherit the assets and the amounts. The distribution is based on the order of priority, think of it as though the probate court looks at a family tree to see where the closest relatives are and starts there for distribution. Any control over distribution of assets is out of any heirs’ hands when the estate is intestate.”

The entire article can be read here: The Difference Between Testate and Intestate Probate

About The Estate & Asset Protection Law Firm

The Estate & Asset Protection Law Firm was established to serve the legal needs of retiring citizens. The Firm focuses its entire practice on providing strategies to protect independence, privacy, assets and taxes from the government. Shannon Pawley has grown her law practice by providing excellent customer satisfaction with personalized wealth protection plans.

About Shannon M. Pawley, J.D., LL.M

Shannon is the Owner and CEO of The Estate & Asset Protection Law Firm. Originally from the Tidewater area of Virginia, she grew up in a close-knit family with a strong tradition of military service. She learned early on the importance of integrity, hard work, and giving back to her community. Her upbringing shaped her desire to make a positive impact and instilled a deep sense of responsibility to ensure that every individual is treated with respect and care.

Her passion for serving others took root during her junior year of high school, when she served as a U.S. House of Representatives Page during the 101st Congressional Session in Washington, D.C. This life-changing experience opened her eyes to the power of diverse perspectives and the importance of advocating for those whose voices are often unheard. Inspired by the experience, Shannon decided to pursue a career in law, dedicated to guiding others through life’s most challenging moments.

Shannon’s educational journey led her to North Carolina Wesleyan College, where she earned her undergraduate degree, followed by a Juris Doctor from Michigan State University College of Law. She then specialized further, obtaining an LL.M. in Taxation from Wayne State University. Licensed to practice in both Michigan and Georgia, Shannon is also a VA Accredited Attorney, making her a formidable advocate for her clients.

Throughout her career, Shannon has been a fierce champion for clients from all walks of life, representing everyone from international corporations to single parents. She has always been driven by a profound belief that everyone deserves to have their rights and wishes honored, especially when they are most vulnerable. Whether advocating in the courtroom or guiding families through complex legal decisions, Shannon’s mission is clear: to protect the dignity and independence of every client she serves.

Her passion for advocacy goes beyond legal representation—it’s about ensuring that people’s voices are heard, even when they may not be able to speak for themselves. Shannon is deeply committed to helping her clients age with dignity, grace, and independence, working tirelessly to prepare them and their families for the complexities of aging. Her work is more than a profession; it is a calling to serve, empower, and uplift every individual and family she has the privilege to represent.