Estates and Guardianships

The Probate Court of Macon County is responsible for all types of estate matters including administrations, guardianships, year's support proceedings and all proceedings related to probate matters.  Probate Court forms can be found online at gaprobate.gov.  Standard forms can be found on the quick link to the right.

General Information

Will Probates • Administrations • Year’s Support

• Your petition must be complete and legible (please type or print in ink)
• If the decedent’s death certificate is not on file here in Macon County, you must provide us with a certified copy of his or her death certificate
• If applicable, the original will must be filed with your petition (if original will is lost, there will be further requirements)

Filing Fees

• For law firms, a $130 initial filing fee will be required, at the time of filing. The balance will be billed after the hearing. 
• For individuals filing pro se, the entire fee will be required at the time of filing.
• If sheriff service is required, there is a $50.00 charge per person. That check or money order needs to be payable to the appropriate Sheriff’s Department.

General Information for Guardianship of a Minor

This type of guardianship is to become the temporary guardian of a minor's person.

Temporary Guardianship of a Minor's Person

• The petition must be complete and legible (please type or print in ink)
• Petitioner must sign the verification page in front of a Notary Public or a Clerk of Probate Court
• Both natural parents are required to either temporarily relinquish their parental rights by signing in their respective section on the petition in front of a notary or clerk or we will have to serve them.
• You will need to bring a certified copy of the child's birth certificate.
• Natural/Biological Parents cannot obtain guardianship. They must file for custody through Superior Court.

Filing Fees

All costs are due at the time of the initial filing.

General Information for Guardianship/Conservatorship of an Adult

To obtain legal guardianship of an adult who is unable to care for himself or herself and/or his or her property, you will need to file a Petition for the Appointment of a Guardian/Conservator for an Alleged Incapacitated Adult.

Petition for the Appointment of a Guardian/Conservator

• You must have two petitioners or one petitioner and the alleged incapacitated adult's doctor's affidavit to file a petition for guardianship.
• The petition must be complete and legible (please type or print in ink).
• You may want to contact an attorney anyway to make sure that this is what you need to do for your situation as there may be an alternative to the guardianship for your circumstances. They also will be able to explain your rights and responsibilities as a guardian such as posting bond, filing inventories and annual returns and can explain the consequences should the guardianship not be handled properly.

Filing Fees

All costs are due at the time of the initial filing.