Atlanta Non-Probate Real Estate Asset

Most families do not realize there is a legal issue until the title company says the sale cannot close. When a loved one passes away, and a home is still titled in their name, the title company must confirm who has the legal authority to sell the property. Until that ownership issue is resolved, the closing cannot move forward.

At Hampton & Hampton LLP, we help Atlanta families determine whether a home can be sold without opening probate, and when it can, we prepare the legal documents the title company needs so the transaction can proceed.
non probate real estate attorney in a meeting with family members

When a Home Sale Stalls After a Death

We typically hear from families after one of these situations:

This situation is common in Atlanta, particularly when a home is owned individually, and no planning was done in advance.

The issue is not disagreement among heirs. The issue is that the legal owner of record has passed away, and the title company cannot insure the sale until ownership is legally clarified.

Selling a Home Without Probate in Georgia

In Georgia, probate is one way to establish authority to sell a home after a death, but it is not the only possible option in every situation.

Whether a sale can proceed without probate depends on:

Our role is to review these factors and answer one question clearly:

Does this home sale require probate, or is there another legally acceptable way to clear title?

If a non-probate path is available, we prepare the documentation needed to support the closing. If probate is required, we explain that early so families can make informed decisions.

Legal Support for Non-Probate Real Estate Sales

Hampton & Hampton LLP provides legal support focused specifically on post-death real estate transactions, including:

This service is transaction-specific. It exists to remove the legal barriers that prevent a real estate sale from closing after a death.

How a Non-Probate Real Estate Sale Works

Step-by-Step Property Title and Closing Process
Step Process Description
1. Review Property Ownership We perform a detailed review of how the home is titled and identify all individuals who may have legal ownership rights.
2. Determine the Legal Path Our experts identify the most efficient legal route, specifically determining if the sale can proceed without a lengthy probate process.
3. Prepare Required Documents We handle the preparation of all specialized legal and title documents required by the title company for a clean transfer.
4. Coordinate With Title Company We work directly with underwriters to address conditions and ensure all title requirements are met before closing.
5. Support Closing and Recording We provide final support as the title company completes the sale and officially records the transfer with the county.

The goal is straightforward: get the transaction to closing without unnecessary delay.

Why Choose Hampton & Hampton for Non-Probate Real Estate

Atlanta families work with Hampton & Hampton LLP because:
  • We review probate before assuming it is required. Probate is sometimes necessary, but it should not be the default answer without a legal review.
  • We focus on what the title company needs. Our work is centered on clearing the title so the transaction can be insured and closed.
  • We address issues before they derail the sale. Heir questions, missing signatures, and spousal rights can stop a closing late in the process. We address them early.
  • We use flat-fee pricing tied to the transaction. Families understand the cost of the legal work before moving forward.
Most clients contact us because a sale has stalled or is at risk. Our role is to get it back on track.

Let us help with your non-probate asset

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Frequently Asked Questions About Selling a Home After a Death

We’re proud that our firm offers highly skilled legal services. With us you’ll never feel like our lawyers and staff don’t value your needs. We’re here to help and value your business!

Not always. Some sales can proceed without probate, depending on how the property was titled, who the heirs are, and what the title company requires.

A title company must insure ownership. If the owner of record has passed away and the authority to sell is unclear, the title company cannot close the transaction.

An agreement alone is not enough. The title company still needs legally acceptable documentation showing who has the authority to transfer ownership.

Timing depends on the facts of the situation and how quickly required documents can be gathered and executed.

If probate is necessary, we explain that clearly so you can decide how to proceed.

Schedule a Consultation

If you are trying to sell or transfer a home after a loved one’s death and the process has stalled or feels unclear, we can review your situation and explain the available options.
Meeting with a client to provide legal consultation for their non probate asset