Gerald T. Hust
Gerald Hust and Associates, Inc.
8493 Campbellton Street
Douglasville, GA 30134
Map
Phone: (770) 942-6775 | Fax: (770) 920-0059
http://www.hustlaw.com
Calming the Confusion in Estate Planning & Estate Administration
Legal Topic
Estate Planning
Preferred New Clients
Most of my new clients are surviving spouses or families planning for their futures.
Sub-Topics
Asset Protection
Business Succession Planning
Charitable Giving
Guardianship
Living Wills
Power of Attorney
Probate & Estate Administration
Trusts
- Charitable Trusts
- Living Trusts
- Revocable Trust & Irrevocable Trusts
- Special Needs Trusts
- Supplemental Needs Trusts
Wills
Bar Admissions
GA, Nov 2003
Bar Number: 380250
Other Court Admissions
Georgia Superior, Probate, State and Magistrate Court
Association Memberships
• State of Georgia Bar Association
• Douglas County Bar Association
Continuing Education
Each year I meet or exceed my continuing legal education requirements. My preference is to attend conferences and lectures which allow for interaction and networking.
Example Cases
Most of my clients are either a surviving spouse that has to deal with probate or probate administration, or their families wishing to develop an estate plan.
• One recent case deals with the fleecing of my client, thereby threatening her retirement assets. After securing her assets and repairing her credit management, I turned the matter over to the local authorities for prosecution. The majority of my time was spent counseling my client and obtaining financial documentation in order to restore credit.
• Another interesting case dealt with establishing the estate plan for an elderly gentleman who had grown to distrust his spouse. As his health was failing him, he requested that I provide for his child and limited his spouse's ability to exhaust his assets. I was able to preserve both his liquid assets and his realty, which was inherited by his daughter.
Education
John Marshall Law School
Doctor of Jurisprudence
Atlanta
GA
2001
Troy State University
Masters of Science
Montgomery
AL
1986
Dean’s List
Personnel management evaluation systems
Auburn University
Bachelor of Science
Montgomery
AL
1983
Physical Science
Number of Attorneys
1
State Licensed In
Georgia
Firm Focus and History
I limit the number of clients that I see and the areas of practice. My areas of practice include probate, probate administration, estate planning, guardianship, and conservatorship. This is commonly referred to as elder law.
In 2006, I established my office in Douglasville with the intent to transition from federal employment in a matter of years. I've come to realize there is a significant need for elder law in Douglas County and my practice continues to expand. In the future, I will expand my practice to full-time and increase litigation.
Previous Employment Summary
I am the risk manager for a US government agency. My activities deal with operational issues related to environmental management, employee safety, wellness programs, and facility risk management.
What is your opinion regarding clients educating themselves on legal issues?
I believe that every client should educate themselves on legal issues that may affect them or may affect their future. One of my major roles is to provide information and counseling so that my clients can make informed decisions regarding their estate plan. The remainder of my activities revolves around assisting surviving spouses with settling estates and moving forward.
Are you willing to review documents prepared by clients?
It is very rare that the client does not bring in documents that have been prepared for them or they have prepared themselves. In these cases, I will usually quickly review the documents and assist the client in understanding what their position really is.
Are you willing to coach clients who want to represent themselves?
Frequently it is a surviving spouse who is the executor of the estate. Often, the executor does not fully appreciate the duties and responsibilities the position requires. In those circumstances, I advise and counsel, prepare appropriate documents in support of the administration of the estate, and frequently educate the surviving spouse on business matters so that they may move forward with minimal difficulty.
Why did you decide to be a lawyer?
I have spent my professional life helping others and watching out to protect them. All too often clients simply do not know where to turn following the loss of a loved one. I simply enjoy counseling with clients through all the confusion and providing clarity so they can move forward with self-confidence. To do this takes patience and time and the ability to calm or encourage when appropriate. It’s simply about people.
What work experience and education helps you be a better lawyer?
My work experience and practice of law has allowed me to understand risks and liabilities. Most clients do not fully appreciate the risks that could be in front of them or the liabilities that they have assumed. The majority of my experience deals with clarifying that picture and suggesting appropriate courses of action to reduce risk and harm.
Why did you decide on your primary area of practice?
When a person finds they are alone after the loss of their partner of many years, there is confusion. There is uncertainty as to which direction to go and how to get there. Sadly, there are people and institutions that prey upon the situation. I simply chose to help because there is a need.
What do you like best about your career?
What I like best about my career is the resolution of issues and the moving forward. Being an attorney allows you the opportunity to help individuals make that transition or prepare for the transition.
Tell us about your law firm:
I am a solo practitioner. My office building is a modest beneficiary with two very professional, experienced attorneys.
When a client comes to see me, they actually see me. This arrangement allows the client and me to establish a working relationship where the client is comfortable explaining their situation, their needs, and their desired outcomes.
What are your strengths and style?
My strength is a genuine desire to understand not only the client’s issues, but the constraints on the client. Many of my clients are rightfully upset or destroyed and my style is calming. I rarely get angry, upset or frustrated simply because it’s not productive. Finally, I am just simply honest. If the client does not need something, I so advise them. Otherwise, I would have no credibility and the client would not enjoy a relationship based on trust.
Personal Interests:
My greatest interest of course is my family and ensuring that they are happy and secure. My personal goal is to have a positive impact on the people with whom I interact - be it at home or church or work.
I do have an interest in playing golf, but please note I usually don't keep score. I might play by myself or with a close friend. I find it very refreshing.
Fax
(770) 920-0059
Office Hours
Monday through Saturday.
By Appointment Only.
Emergency After Hours
No
Fixed-Price Services and Fees
I do not generally provide fixed price services because there are always variations. Initial consultations are free. I most often provide an engagement letter contract for the client to review and decide whether or not they wish to have my legal representation. If the client does decide to engage my services, in accordance with state ethical rules, I do not provide legal services until an agreement has been reached and representation contract executed.
Hourly Rates
My hourly rate is $125 for no litigation, and $250 for 'in preparation of' or 'in litigation'.
Free Initial Consultation?
Yes, I do provide a free initial consultation which usually lasts one hour. However, I have been more liberal as the case may require.
Typical Retainer
If the case requires litigation, I do accept a retainer, which can vary from $2,500-$5,000.
Please note, I do not do appeals.
Nolo's Licensing Check
Attorneys have passed a licensing check. Nolo has confirmed that every member attorney has a valid license and is in good standing with the state agency that licenses lawyers upon joining the directory.
Directory lawyers are required to notify Nolo immediately if they become the subject of any disciplinary action by any state licensing agency.
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