Macon-Bibb County Probate Court Records Search
Macon-Bibb County probate court records are maintained by the Bibb County Probate Court as part of Georgia's consolidated city-county government. With a population of 157,056, Macon-Bibb represents one of Georgia's eight consolidated governments, formed in 2014 when the city of Macon and Bibb County merged. Judge Sarah S. Harris presides over the probate court. All estate matters, will probates, guardianship cases, and marriage licenses for Macon-Bibb County residents are filed at the Bibb County Courthouse in downtown Macon.
Macon-Bibb County Quick Facts
Bibb County Probate Court in Macon
Macon-Bibb County operates under a consolidated government structure. The Bibb County Probate Court serves the entire consolidated area, handling all probate matters for residents. The court is located at the Bibb County Courthouse in downtown Macon. Judge Sarah S. Harris presides over the court.
Bibb County was established in 1822 and named for Dr. William Wyatt Bibb, the first Governor of Alabama and a U.S. Senator. Macon became a major transportation and commercial hub in Middle Georgia. In 2014, Macon and Bibb County consolidated into a single government, one of only eight such consolidations in Georgia.
The Bibb County Probate Court operates two divisions. The Court Division handles estate matters, guardianships, and conservatorships at (478) 621-6494. The Licensing Division manages marriage licenses and weapons carry permits at (478) 621-6493.
| Court | Bibb County Probate Court |
|---|---|
| Address | Bibb County Courthouse Macon, GA |
| Judge | Sarah S. Harris |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM |
Note: Macon-Bibb is one of Georgia's eight consolidated city-county governments. The Probate Court serves the entire consolidated area.
Macon-Bibb County Probate Records Available
The Bibb County Probate Court maintains extensive record collections for Macon-Bibb County residents. Estate administration files document property transfers after death. These include wills, petitions, inventories, and annual returns that track the progress of estate administration.
Guardianship and conservatorship records protect minors and incapacitated adults in Macon-Bibb County. The court appoints guardians for children who have lost parents and adults who cannot care for themselves. These records include petitions, court orders, and annual reporting requirements.
Marriage licenses are issued through the Bibb County Probate Court. Macon-Bibb County couples must obtain licenses before marrying. Both applicants must appear in person with proper identification. The court also processes weapons carry license applications for qualified residents.
Year's support petitions provide protection for surviving family members under Georgia law. These must be filed within 24 months of death. The court also handles mental health commitments and serves as custodian of birth and death certificates for the consolidated government.
How to Search Macon-Bibb County Probate Records
Searching Bibb County Probate Court records for Macon-Bibb County matters can be done in person at the courthouse. Staff help locate specific files and cases. Proper identification may be required for certain records or certified copies.
The Georgia Probate Records website may provide online access to certain Bibb County records. This portal allows users to search for marriage licenses, will information, and guardianship petitions from participating counties.
Check the Macon-Bibb County government website for additional online resources. Contact the court directly at (478) 621-6494 for the Court Division or (478) 621-6493 for the Licensing Division to confirm access options.
Bring specific information when searching records. Full names, dates of death, and approximate filing dates help staff locate files. Case numbers from other court documents can speed up the search process significantly.
Filing Probate Cases in Macon-Bibb County
Filing probate matters in Macon-Bibb County requires Georgia Probate Court Standard Forms. Download GPCSF forms from the Supreme Court of Georgia website at gasupreme.us/probate-court-standard-forms. Using correct forms prevents processing delays.
Estate proceedings must be filed in the county of residence. For Macon-Bibb County residents, Bibb County is the proper venue. Georgia Code Title 53 governs all probate proceedings for the consolidated government.
Year's support petitions must be filed within 24 months of death. Will probate can be in solemn form or common form. Solemn form requires notice to all heirs and is binding immediately. Common form requires no notice but is not binding for four years.
Effective January 1, 2025, Senate Bill 232 updated all probate fees. Bibb County follows these statutory fee schedules. Filing fees vary based on case type. Contact the court for current fee amounts before filing.
Note: Bibb County Probate Court staff cannot provide legal advice or help complete forms. Consult an attorney for legal guidance.
Legal Resources for Macon-Bibb County Probate Matters
Several organizations offer legal assistance for probate matters in Macon-Bibb County. Georgia Legal Aid provides free civil legal services to low-income individuals. Their website at georgialegalaid.org offers information about probate procedures and finding legal help by county.
The Supreme Court of Georgia provides standard probate forms at gasupreme.us/probate-court-standard-forms. These forms are numbered GPCSF 1 through GPCSF 72. Each form serves a specific purpose in probate proceedings throughout Georgia.
The Council of Probate Court Judges of Georgia offers educational videos about probate procedures. These resources help Macon-Bibb County residents understand the probate process, including estate administration, guardianship appointments, and will probate.
For complex estate matters in Macon-Bibb County, consulting with a probate attorney is advisable. While attorneys are not generally required for probate filings, legal advice is encouraged for matters of legal importance. The State Bar of Georgia can provide referrals.
Bibb County Probate Court Records
Macon-Bibb County is served by Bibb County Probate Court as part of the consolidated government. All probate filings for Macon-Bibb County residents go through this court. The county maintains records for all residents within the consolidated jurisdiction. For additional information about the county probate court system, visit the Bibb County probate records page.