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Probate administration

Guiding families through
probate with clarity
and compassion.

Losing a loved one is hard enough. We are committed to guiding families through Georgia probate with clarity and compassion — handling the legal complexity so you can focus on what matters most.

Georgia probate at a glance
Intestate or Testate
Did your loved one pass with or without a Will? Was your loved one's Will valid? Did it grant the executor the necessary powers to administer the estate?
Relieved or Not-Relived
Being "relieved of filing returns" means the executor/administrator is exempt from filing annual inventories and financial reports with the probate court, usually requested in a will.
Claims
There is a creditor claim window after death in Georgia however there are several factors that determine which debts must be paid and in which order.
Reimbursements
Did you or someone else have to pay out of pocket to handle the affairs of your loved one after their passing? Certain expenses are considered reimbursable under Georgia law.
Every estate is different. We'll give you a clear picture of what to expect for your specific situation.

Who we help

Whether you're an executor,
administrator, or beneficiary.

Probate touches everyone differently. We represent clients at every stage of the process — from those managing an estate to those waiting on an inheritance. Many of these matters move more smoothly when a solid plan is already in place, which is why our estate planning lawyer works closely with our probate team.

Executors & administrators

Named in a will or appointed by the court, we help you fulfill your duties without missteps or personal liability.

Beneficiaries

We help you understand your rights, track the progress of an estate, and ensure distributions are made properly.

Surviving spouses

We navigate spousal rights, year's support claims, and asset transfers to protect what you're entitled to.

Out-of-state families

We handle Georgia ancillary probate for families based elsewhere dealing with property located in Georgia.

What we handle

Full-service probate representation
from filing to final distribution.

We manage the entire process on your behalf — or step in at any stage where you need support.

01

Petition to Probate Will

Filing the petition with the appropriate Georgia probate court and qualifying the executor or administrator.

02

Asset Inventory & Appraisal

Identifying, locating, and valuing all estate assets — real property, financial accounts, and personal property.

03

Creditor Notifications

Publishing required notices, handling creditor claims, and ensuring valid debts are paid in proper order.

04

Asset Distribution

Preparing deeds, account transfers, and distributions to beneficiaries in accordance with the will or Georgia law.

05

Estate Closing

Filing final accountings with the court and obtaining formal discharge of the executor or administrator.

The probate process

What to expect,
step by step.

Georgia probate follows a defined process. Timelines vary based on estate complexity, but here's the general path most estates follow.

Step 01
File the petition
We file with the probate court in the county where the decedent lived, submit the will, and qualify the executor.
Weeks 1–2
Step 02
Notify heirs & creditors
All interested parties and known creditors are notified. A notice to creditors is published in the local newspaper.
Months 1–3
Step 03
Inventory & appraise assets
A full inventory of estate assets is compiled and submitted to the court within the required timeframe.
Months 2–4
Step 04
Pay debts & expenses
Valid creditor claims are resolved and remaining expenses paid before distribution.
Months 3–8
Step 05
Distribute & close
Remaining assets are distributed to beneficiaries, final accountings filed, and the estate formally closed.
Months 6–12+

Pricing

Probate pricing,
starting at.

Pricing below reflects our typical fee for a straightforward, uncontested matter. Every estate is different — final pricing is always discussed with you before we begin.

Uncontested probate

Self File Package

Starting at $500
You file; we prepare
Includes
  • 1-hour consultation with the attorney
  • We draft all required paperwork
  • You obtain signatures and file with the court — we provide instructions
  • Additional fee for post-filing work or amendments
Most common

Uncontested, Relieved

Starting at $1,500
Full-service, relieved of filing returns
Includes
  • 1-hour consultation with the attorney
  • Court filing fee and required notice publication fee
  • We draft all paperwork and obtain all signatures
  • We file everything with the court and handle amendments
  • We file the notice to debtors and creditors
Doesn't include
  • The matter becoming contested
  • The judge determining the petitioner is not relieved
  • Additional publication, guardian ad litem, service, or other court fees

Uncontested, Not Relieved

Starting at $2,800
Full-service, ongoing court reporting
Includes
  • Everything in the Relieved package
  • We file the inventory, annual returns, and petition for discharge as they come due (filing fees billed separately each time)
Doesn't include
  • The matter becoming contested
  • Additional publication, guardian ad litem, service, discharge, or other court fees

Contested Probate

$350 / 1-hour consult
Retainers start at $3,500
Includes
  • 1-hour initial consultation with the attorney — $350
  • Retainer based on case specifics, starting at $3,500
Pricing reflects our typical fee for a straightforward, uncontested matter and may vary based on the specifics of your case — the size of the estate, whether it becomes contested, and the court's own costs all play a role. We'll always discuss final pricing with you before we begin.

Also serving

Adult guardianship &
conservatorship.

If a loved one can no longer make or communicate safe decisions about their health, safety, or finances, we can help you petition for guardianship or conservatorship in Georgia probate court.

Common questions

Answers to what
families ask most.
Does every estate have to go through probate in Georgia? +
Not always. Assets held in a revocable living trust, accounts with named beneficiaries (like life insurance or IRAs), and jointly held property with right of survivorship typically pass outside of probate. However, any assets titled solely in the decedent's name generally must go through the probate process. We can help you assess which assets require probate and which do not.
What's the difference between an executor and an administrator? +
An executor is someone named in a will to carry out its instructions. An administrator is appointed by the probate court when there is no will, or when the named executor is unable or unwilling to serve. Both roles carry similar responsibilities and legal duties — and both can benefit from legal representation throughout the process.
What happens if someone dies without a will in Georgia? +
When someone dies intestate (without a will), Georgia's intestacy statutes determine how assets are distributed. The court appoints an administrator, and the estate is divided among heirs according to a statutory formula — which may not reflect what the deceased would have wanted. We assist families navigating intestate estates from start to finish.
Can an executor be held personally liable? +
Yes. Executors and administrators have fiduciary duties to the estate and its beneficiaries. Mistakes — such as distributing assets before paying creditors, failing to file required notices, or mismanaging estate property — can result in personal liability. Working with an attorney helps protect you from costly errors.
How long does probate take in Georgia? +
Most straightforward Georgia estates take between 6 and 12 months to close. Complex estates — those involving disputes, business interests, real estate in multiple counties — can take significantly longer. We work efficiently to move your matter forward and keep you informed at every stage.
What is year's support and who qualifies? +
Year's support is a Georgia-specific protection that allows a surviving spouse and minor children to claim a portion of the estate for their support, regardless of what the will says or who the creditors are. It can be a powerful tool for surviving spouses. We can advise whether filing a year's support claim makes sense in your situation.

Resources

Helpful resources.

We're here to help you through this.

Reach out today — we'll walk you through what comes next.