Georgia Probate Form GPCSF 72

Petition for Determination of Right of Disposition of Remains of a Decedent

This page is for educational purposes only and is not legal advice. Forms and requirements change frequently — verify the current version with your local probate court or an attorney.

Last updated: June 1, 2026
First page of Petition for Determination of Right of Disposition of Remains of a Decedent

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About Petition for Determination of Right of Disposition of Remains of a Decedent

This form petitions the Georgia Probate Court to determine which person has the right to dispose of a decedent's remains when disagreement exists among persons with equal priority under O.C.G.A. § 31-21-7.

When you'd use it: Use this form when two or more persons with the same relationship to a decedent disagree about the location, manner, or conditions of disposition of the decedent's remains, or when a funeral home holding the remains seeks court resolution of such a dispute.

Where to get the official form

The official version of Petition for Determination of Right of Disposition of Remains of a Decedent is published as a PDF by the Georgia courts. We checked this link and it resolved to a form on an official court or government website — always download the current version directly from the source rather than a third-party copy:

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Source: wayneprobatecourt.com

Link last checked: May 30, 2026

How to file Petition for Determination of Right of Disposition of Remains of a Decedent in Georgia

  1. Step 1 — Confirm you have the correct formUse Petition for Determination of Right of Disposition of Remains of a Decedent (GPCSF 72) when use this form when two or more persons with the same relationship to a decedent disagree about the location, manner, or conditions of disposition of the decedent's remains, or when a funeral home holding the remains seeks court resolution of such a dispute. Double-check it's the right form for your situation — Georgia probate forms are revised periodically, so verify the name and number against your court's current form list before you start.
  2. Step 2 — Complete every required fieldFill out Petition for Determination of Right of Disposition of Remains of a Decedent carefully and review it for errors before filing. Probate cases can already take months — a small mistake on the form can set your timeline back further.
  3. Step 3 — Get it notarized or witnessed if requiredSome probate forms must be signed in front of a notary or witnesses. Check the instructions on the form itself, and arrange notarization before you file if it's required.
  4. Step 4 — File it with the correct courtSubmit Petition for Determination of Right of Disposition of Remains of a Decedent to the probate court or county clerk handling the estate — usually in the Georgia county where the deceased lived. Ask the clerk how they prefer to receive filings (in person, by mail, or e-filing).

Working through the Petition for Determination of Right of Disposition of Remains of a Decedent? SwiftProbate builds a personalized, step-by-step checklist for settling the estate — so you know which forms to file, in what order, and by when.

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Probate in Georgia

See the full Georgia probate guide for filing deadlines, small-estate options, timelines, costs, and county courthouse details.

Read the Georgia probate guide →

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Petition for Determination of Right of Disposition of Remains of a Decedent (GPCSF 72)?
This form petitions the Georgia Probate Court to determine which person has the right to dispose of a decedent's remains when disagreement exists among persons with equal priority under O.C.G.A. § 31-21-7. You'd typically use it when use this form when two or more persons with the same relationship to a decedent disagree about the location, manner, or conditions of disposition of the decedent's remains, or when a funeral home holding the remains seeks court resolution of such a dispute.
Where do I file Petition for Determination of Right of Disposition of Remains of a Decedent in Georgia?
Probate forms are filed with the probate court or county clerk in the Georgia county where the deceased person lived. Our Georgia probate guide can help you find the right courthouse, filing fees, and local requirements.
Do I need a lawyer to complete Petition for Determination of Right of Disposition of Remains of a Decedent?
Many people complete probate forms themselves, especially for smaller or uncontested estates. Complex estates may benefit from professional advice. SwiftProbate is an informational tool that helps you understand and organize the process — it is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice.
Is Petition for Determination of Right of Disposition of Remains of a Decedent available online?
Most Georgia probate forms are published as PDFs by the state courts or the county clerk. You can find the official source linked above.

Other Georgia Probate Forms

Petition for Order Declaring No Administration NecessaryGPCSF 9Petition for Appointment of a Guardian and/or Conservator for a Proposed WardGPCSF 12Certificate of ServiceGPCSF Supplement 3Determination by Court that a Person May Act as Guardian or Appointment of Guardian Ad LitemGPCSF Supplement 1

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Disclaimer: This page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Probate forms and requirements vary by state, county, and individual circumstances, and change over time. Always verify the current form and instructions with your local probate court, and consult a qualified attorney for advice specific to your situation. SwiftProbate is not a law firm and does not provide legal representation.