Overview
DeKalb County is one of the most populous counties in Georgia, situated just east of Atlanta with Decatur as its county seat. The DeKalb County Probate Court handles all estate matters for residents domiciled in the county at the time of death, including probate of wills, administration, guardianships, conservatorships, and Year's Support petitions.
Georgia provides multiple probate pathways. DeKalb County residents may choose solemn form probate (with notice to all heirs, immediately final), common form probate (without notice, challengeable for four years), letters of administration (intestate estates), or a no-administration-necessary order. The Year's Support petition is available for surviving spouses and minor children.
The DeKalb County Probate Court operates by appointment for many services. Filers should plan to schedule appointments in advance, particularly for estate-related filings.
This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Verify current requirements with the DeKalb County Probate Court or a qualified attorney.
Courthouse Information
DeKalb County Probate Court
The DeKalb County Probate Court is located in the Judicial Tower in downtown Decatur.
Address: 556 North McDonough Street, 1100 Judicial Tower, Decatur, GA 30030
Phone: (404) 371-2601
Wills and Estates: (404) 371-2341
Hours: By appointment — contact the court to schedule
Website: dekalbprobatega.com
All services at the DeKalb County Probate Court are handled by appointment. Contact the court at the appropriate phone number for your matter type before visiting.
Parking and Access
The Decatur MARTA station is within walking distance of the courthouse. Metered parking is available on surrounding streets, and a parking deck is located near the courthouse complex. Plan for security screening at the building entrance.
Filing Process
Step 1: Determine the Appropriate Petition
Select the correct filing for your situation:
- Solemn Form (GPCSF 5): Will probate with notice to heirs — immediately final
- Common Form (GPCSF 4): Will probate without notice — not final for four years
- Letters of Administration (GPCSF 3): For intestate estates
- No Administration Necessary (GPCSF 9): All debts paid, heirs agree on distribution
- Year's Support (GPCSF 10): Surviving spouse and/or minor children
Step 2: Schedule an Appointment
DeKalb County Probate Court operates by appointment. Call (404) 371-2341 for wills and estate filings to schedule a time to submit your petition.
Step 3: Prepare and File
Gather the following:
- Completed petition form (available at gaprobate.gov or the court)
- Original will (if applicable)
- Certified death certificate
- Filing fee payment
- List of all heirs at law with current addresses
Bring all documents to your scheduled appointment. The court accepts various payment methods; a 2.75% processing fee applies to credit/debit card transactions.
Step 4: Service and Publication
For solemn form, all heirs must be served with notice. Publish the Notice to Debtors and Creditors in The Champion Newspaper (DeKalb County's legal organ) for four consecutive weeks within 60 days of qualification.
Step 5: Hearing, Administration, and Closing
Attend the hearing, receive Letters, inventory assets, pay debts, file annual returns, distribute to beneficiaries, and petition for discharge.
Local Requirements
DeKalb County-Specific Procedures
- Appointment required for all probate court services. Call (404) 371-2341 for estate matters.
- Publication must appear in The Champion Newspaper, the legal organ for DeKalb County.
- Credit/debit card processing fee: 2.75% on all transactions. Visa, MasterCard, and Discover accepted; American Express is not accepted.
- Filing fees range from approximately $200 to $400 depending on the petition type.
- Annual returns must be filed with the Probate Court for each year of administration.
Bond Requirements
The court may require a surety bond. Bond is typically waived when the will expressly waives it and all heirs consent. For intestate estates, bond is generally required.
Year's Support in DeKalb County
A Petition for Year's Support must be filed within two years of the date of death. Year's Support has priority over all creditor claims and can effectively transfer most or all estate property to the surviving spouse and minor children.
Timeline & Fees
Filing Fees (DeKalb County)
DeKalb County Probate Court fees are set by Georgia statute. Representative costs:
- Petition to Probate Will (Solemn or Common Form): approximately $200-$300
- Petition for Letters of Administration: approximately $200-$300
- Petition for Year's Support: approximately $200-$325
- Petition for No Administration Necessary: approximately $75-$150
- Publication (4 weeks in The Champion Newspaper): approximately $80-$150
- Certified copies: varies by page count
A detailed fee schedule is available on the court website at dekalbprobatega.com/fee-schedule.
Payment Methods
Cash, money orders, personal checks, and credit/debit cards (2.75% processing fee; American Express not accepted).
Estimated Timelines
- Simple estates: 6-12 months
- Average estates: 12-18 months
- Complex or contested estates: 18 months to several years
The appointment-based system in DeKalb County means filers should allow extra time for scheduling. The creditor notice period (four weeks publication plus three months for claims) sets the minimum timeline.
Local Resources
DeKalb County Probate Court Resources
- Court Website: dekalbprobatega.com
- Fee Schedule: dekalbprobatega.com/fee-schedule
- Wills and Estates: dekalbprobatega.com/services/wills-estates
- Georgia Standard Forms: gaprobate.gov/standard-forms
Legal Aid and Attorney Referrals
- Atlanta Legal Aid Society: (404) 524-5811
- State Bar of Georgia Lawyer Referral Service: (404) 527-8700
- DeKalb County Bar Association: Offers referral services
Publication
- The Champion Newspaper: P.O. Box 1347, Decatur, GA 30031 — (404) 373-7779 — Email: legalads@dekalbchamp.com — DeKalb County's legal organ for all probate notices