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.

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.

Petition to Probate Will

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

Asset Inventory & Appraisal

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

Creditor Notifications

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

Estate Tax Matters

Coordinating with accountants on estate and income tax filings required during the administration period.

Asset Distribution

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

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 & taxes

Valid creditor claims are resolved, final tax returns filed, and any estate taxes addressed 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+

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, or tax issues — 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.

Guiding families throughprobate with clarityand compassion.