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General Litigation

Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure

The Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure were adopted in 1946. They govern the practice and procedure in all criminal proceedings in the federal court system. The goal of the rules is to assure the just determination of all criminal proceedings. The rules specify that they are to be interpreted to afford simplicity in procedure and fairness in administration. The rules are intended to prevent unnecessary delay and expense. More…

Overview of Administrative Law

Administrative law is the body of law that is created by the rules, regulations, and decisions of federal, state, and municipal administrative agencies. More…

Judicial Conflicts of Interest

Our legal system requires a fair and independent judiciary. In order to maintain public trust in our system of justice, judges must conduct themselves in an ethical manner. There are codes of conduct, which set standards of behavior for state and federal judges. These standards are aimed at assuring the impartiality of judges and reducing the possibility of conflicts of interest. More…

The Supreme Court of the United States

The United States Constitution provides that the judicial power of the United States is vested in one Supreme Court and any lower courts established by the United States Congress. The Supreme Court was organized on February 2, 1790. More…

Indian Tribal Courts

Congress has plenary or complete authority over Indian affairs. This means that Congress has unlimited discretion to regulate affairs on an Indian reservation. Under federal law, Indian nations are quasi-sovereign; that is, they have power in some areas but not in others. For example, Indian nations can operate tribal governments and manage their own property and resources. However, they cannot conduct foreign relations or prosecute non-Indians who commit crimes on reservations. Indian nations have adopted tribal codes, which usually combine traditional law with state law and federal law. More…

Insurance Defense

Insurance Defense Law Firm

Experience when it matters most

The insurance defense attorneys at Magruder & Sumner have been providing legal advice and representation to insurance companies and self-insured corporations throughout Georgia for more than 18 years. The firm’s attorneys have extensive experience handling insurance claims, insurance coverage issues and subrogation for our clients at every level of state and federal court, and are dedicated to providing the personal attention and respect that your company deserves.

Rome insurance defense attorneys

Magruder & Sumner provides insurance companies with a wide variety of legal services, including:

  • Tort litigation of all varieties
  • Claim management and apportionment services
  • Insurance coverage opinion letters
  • Declaratory judgments
  • Coverage opinion letters
  • Insurance appellate litigation

    • Magruder & Sumner often helps insurance companies resolve problems involving insurance policy coverage.  Their attorneys analyze every provision to determine the extent of coverage that is warranted under the policy, and prepare detailed opinion letters on their findings. After providing their clients with a letter, they seek to resolve these issues by filing a declaratory judgment action in court. However, in certain cases, litigation may become necessary to settle issues in dispute. If that occurs, you can rest assured that the firm’s attorneys have the knowledge and skill to get you the best possible results.

    Effective solutions with your best interests in mind

    Although Magruder & Sumner has forged its reputation through its litigation abilities, their attorneys are committed to resolving your problems without ever having to go to court. They understand how expensive litigation can become, and that litigation may not be the best option in your case. For those reasons, the firm’s attorneys routinely utilize arbitration and mediation to settle disputes for clients at much reduced cost, and propose settlements that have your company’s best interests in mind.

    Blog Probate

    Experienced Georgia Estates Attorney Guides You Through Probate

    The process of probate typically accompanies a painful emotional loss. The knowledgeable, meticulous probate attorneys at Magruder & Sumner ease the stress of probating your loved one’s estate and guide executors and beneficiaries through the complex process.

    The process of probate

    Most executors have never or only rarely probated a will and know little about the process. Magruder & Sumner can guide you through the complex probate process, including:

  • Filing the will with the appropriate Georgia county probate court
  • Developing the best strategy for fairly and expeditiously probating the estate
  • Finding and collecting assets
  • Closing and opening bank accounts
  • Transferring assets from the deceased to the estate
  • Paying estate taxes
  • Valuing, managing, preserving and liquidating the estate
  • Locating beneficiaries
  • Hiring experts, when appropriate

    • Valuing and managing the estate

    Magruder & Sumner assists executors with the arduous tasks of collecting, managing, valuing, protecting and liquidating assets of an estate. Magruder & Sumner has a team of experts available to assist in every aspect of estate probate. When appropriate, the firm calls upon accountants, financial advisors, real estate agents, property managers and other professionals to assist with executor duties. We can access expert opinions about unique assets such as antiques, rare books, automobiles and other collectables for accurate valuation, management and possible sale.

    Probate disputes

    Even for seemingly straightforward estates, disputes between beneficiaries sometimes arise. Magruder & Sumner’s professional courtroom presence can calm the emotionally charged process of probating a challenged will or disputed executor or judicial decision. When it is in the best interest of our clients to preserve cordial family relationships, Magruder & Sumner is adept at mediating disputes. That said, the they assertively defend the client’s beneficiary rights within the Georgia probate court when doing so is necessary.