Shannon Pawley, The Estate & Asset Protection Law Firm Owner, highlights pros and cons to joint ownership for those looking to avoid probate.

DECATUR, GA, January ••, 2025: Shannon Pawley, Owner of The Estate & Asset Protection Law Firm, has posted a new article on the law firm’s website entitled “Joint Ownership: Pros and Cons For Bypassing Probate.” Ms. Pawley emphasizes the importance of exploring all options with an experienced attorney for avoiding probate before deciding on joint ownership as the solution.

Pawley writes, “If you are among the many people who have decided that this is the year you’re going to create an estate plan for your family, I applaud that decision.” She continues, “Perhaps you’ve also decided you’re going to put some of your children or loved ones as joint owners on some of your assets because you’ve heard that method helps you avoid probate.” She adds, “I encourage you to keep an open mind about that thought and to read this article first. Once you have read it, make sure you hire an experienced, reputable attorney who can help you create a well thought out estate plan that works best for your family from every conceivable angle.” As Pawley notes, “Avoiding probate is pretty much the top priority for many who think joint ownership is the way to go. However, there are pros and cons to joint ownership, and there are other ways to accomplish your desired objectives.”

Pawley encourages individuals to weigh the pros and cons. She explains, “Joint ownership, particularly when structured as a “joint tenancy with right of survivorship,” can be a significant advantage for bypassing probate. This allows the surviving owner to automatically inherit the property upon the death of the other owner and can often save time and money. However, she goes on to list several drawbacks to joint ownership including tax exposure, exposure to creditors, loss of control over assets, and more.

The entire article can be read at LINK HERE

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.