On March 1, 2024, Angela Landgaard was officially sworn in as Fayette County Probate Judge, stepping into the role after years of already performing its core responsibilities. As our Alpharetta, GA probate lawyer often notes, probate courts play a vital role in communities by overseeing estates, guardianships, and conservatorships, making leadership continuity especially important. Landgaard will fulfill the unexpired term of Judge Ann Jackson, who was set to retire at the end of February, continuing the court’s work through Dec. 31.
Although the title is new, Judge Landgaard’s experience is not. She has served as associate probate judge since August 2021, appointed by Judge Jackson to assist with probate court duties. Her interest in law developed early, influenced by her mother’s work at the sheriff’s office. After graduating from Milton High School in Alpharetta, Landgaard earned her bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from the University of Georgia and later worked in private probation services.
Her path to the bench was shaped by adaptability. In 2005, facing economic uncertainty tied to Delta Airlines’ bankruptcy, Landgaard enrolled in law school. After graduating from John Marshall Law School in 2009, she initially opened her own practice, only to pivot after unexpected challenges. She joined Slepian & Schwartz in Peachtree City, where she built her skills as a domestic attorney before transitioning into probate-focused work.
Over time, Landgaard became deeply involved in probate matters, serving as a court-appointed attorney, county conservator, and county administrator. These roles ultimately positioned her for judicial service. Now, as probate judge, she acknowledges the strong foundation left by Judge Jackson and the collaborative efforts of court staff that have helped maintain efficiency and trust in the probate system.
How Probate Law Supports Families And Estates
Judge Landgaard’s career reflects how probate law directly impacts families during pivotal moments. Probate courts oversee the administration of estates, the appointment of guardians, and the resolution of disputes that arise after someone passes away. Working with our Alpharetta probate attorneys can help families manage these responsibilities with clarity and confidence.
Probate matters often involve complicated obligations for executors and beneficiaries. Our executor lawyers assist clients with validating wills, managing assets, and making sure that debts and taxes are properly addressed. When estates require ongoing administration, our estate settlement lawyers help guide families through deadlines, court filings, and distributions to heirs.
Planning ahead can significantly reduce stress for loved ones. Our will planning lawyers work with individuals to create clear estate plans that reflect their wishes and minimize disputes. Trust-based planning is another essential tool, and our trust execution lawyers help clients understand how trusts operate within probate or outside of it, depending on the structure in place.
Probate litigation can arise when documents are unclear or disagreements occur among heirs. Having experienced legal guidance ensures that rights are protected while keeping proceedings as efficient as possible. These services align closely with the work of probate courts like the one Judge Landgaard now leads, highlighting the importance of knowledgeable legal counsel at every stage.
At Vayman & Teitelbaum, P.C., our Alpharetta probate lawyers are committed to helping families understand probate, estate administration, and planning with care and precision. With over 40 years of combined experience, our team is well-equipped to handle any situation. And because we’re a full-service law firm, we can assist with all types of cases—not just probate. With our wide range of services, our clients know that we’ll always be there to provide trusted legal advocacy for their needs. If you are facing probate responsibilities or want to plan ahead for the future, contact Vayman & Teitelbaum, P.C. today to schedule a consultation and learn how our team can support your goals with confidence and clarity.
