When major life events occur, probate court is there to help families through thrilling and challenging times. Many citizens will encounter probate court in one way or another during their lifetime or with a family member. Most often, probate court is associated with the death or sickness of a loved one, however, your county’s probate court offers several services to residents to enhance the quality of life of Fulton’s families:
Decedent’s Estates
When a loved one dies, with or without a will, many citizens don’t know what to do. Probate court allows loved ones to complete “fill-in-the-blank” petitions to open estates and receive Letters of Testamentary. Once all heirs have been notified, families can then begin the process of handling financial affairs and transferring or selling the decedent’s personal and real property. Once all assets have been gathered and creditors paid, only then can distributions to surviving heirs be completed.
Guardianships and Conservators of Adults and Minors
When a loved one is unable to manage their affairs due to age or incapacity, becoming a guardian and/or conservator enables a person to be the decision maker for individuals regarding healthcare, housing, and financial decisions. Whether the person was incapacitated either through illness or injury or has not yet reached the legal adult age (18), these services allow families to care for those in need on a temporary, permanent, or emergency basis.
Marriage Licenses
To get a marriage license in Georgia, one can apply at their county’s probate court. Applicants must be at least 18 years old, not currently married, and meet other requirements. In Fulton County, free group wedding ceremonies are performed every Friday as well as private ceremonies in the court’s Vegas-style wedding chapel by appointment.
Probate Records
Since the mid-1800s probate court has served as the original record keepers of Georgia’s counties. Many historical documents, including wills that bequeathed slaves from the 1850s, along with historic marriage records can still be physically found in probate court. If families conduct genealogy research or are simply looking for their own personal records, copies of wills, and more, the Records Room is a great resource.
Probate court offers many life-improving services for families. With every probate service focused on building, protecting, and caring for families, it operates as the county’s true family court with user-friendly and accessible services. Should your family ever need probate services, there are three locations around Fulton County to serve citizens. This article is not intended to give legal advice, and probate court clerks are prohibited from giving legal advice.
For helpful information, visit FultonProbateGA.org and seek the advice of legal counsel.
Fulton Probate Court Chief Judge Kenya Johnson was elected in 2020 after a landslide victory. Formerly the South Fulton Community Prosecutor, Judge Johnson serves to enhance communities through crime reduction and now works to educate communities about the benefits of estate planning and generational wealth.