Probate Court

Notice: Essential Functions by Appointment Only


Functions of Probate Courts

Each of Georgia’s 159 counties has a Probate Court, with one judge for each court. The Probate Court performs many functions that are not limited to probate matters. In Greene County, the Probate Judge presides not only over probate and traffic matters, but is also the Chief Magistrate Judge, and Vital Records Custodian.

Jurisdiction

The Probate Court office exercises exclusive, original jurisdiction in the following:

  • Administration of estates
  • Appointment of guardians
  • Involuntary hospitalization of incapacitated adults and other individuals
  • Probate of wills

Staff Duties

The Probate Court’s staff:

  • Administer oaths of office
  • Administer traffic cases and violations of state game and fish laws
  • Hear certain misdemeanors
  • Hold habeas corpus hearings
  • Issue marriage 
  • Issue firearms licenses