Bartow County Probate Court

Bartow County Probate Court records are maintained at the courthouse in Cartersville. Judge Blake Scoggins presides, elected in January 2025. He is a licensed attorney serving as an Article 6 Probate Court judge. The court office is at 135 W. Cherokee St. Ste. 243-A. This Northwest Georgia county offers comprehensive probate services.

What Are Bartow County Probate Court Records

Probate Court records in Bartow County are maintained under Judge Blake Scoggins. The court manages estate administration and will probate. Guardianship and conservatorship cases protect vulnerable individuals. The court also issues marriage licenses and weapons carry permits.

Bartow County was established in 1832 as Cass County. It was renamed in 1861 for Colonel Francis S. Bartow, a Confederate officer. The county is located in Northwest Georgia near the Allatoona Lake area. The Probate Court has served the community for nearly two centuries.

Bartow County Probate Court records serve important legal functions. Estate records facilitate the transfer of property after death. Guardianship appointments protect minors and incapacitated adults. Marriage licenses document legal unions. The court also maintains vital records.

Note: Judge Scoggins is an attorney, designated under Georgia law as qualified to serve as an Article 6 Probate Court judge.

Where to Find Bartow County Probate Records

The Bartow County Probate Court is located at 135 W. Cherokee St. Ste. 243-A in Cartersville. This office handles all probate filings and record requests. Judge Scoggins and staff provide assistance with court procedures. The location is convenient to downtown Cartersville.

Download standard forms from the Georgia Supreme Court Probate Forms website.

Cartersville is the county seat and largest city in Bartow County. This historic city offers full county government services. The Probate Court office is located on West Cherokee Street. Office hours follow standard county business schedules.

Types of Probate Records Available

Bartow County Probate Court maintains extensive record collections. Estate administration files document property transfers after death. These include wills, petitions for administration, and annual returns. Guardianship and conservatorship records protect those in need.

The court issues marriage licenses to couples planning to marry. Both applicants must appear with proper identification. Weapons carry licenses are processed through the court. The court also serves as custodian of birth and death certificates.

Year's support petitions provide for surviving family members. Temporary guardianships protect children in need. No administration necessary petitions offer alternatives to full estate administration. The court also handles certain traffic violations and misdemeanors.

How to Search Probate Records in Bartow County

Searching Bartow County Probate Court records can be done by visiting the office. The court is located at 135 W. Cherokee St. Ste. 243-A in Cartersville. Staff assist with locating specific files and cases. Proper identification may be required for certain records.

The Georgia Probate Records portal provides online access for participating counties.

Check the Georgia Probate Records website for online availability. Not all records may be digitized. Contact the court directly at 770-387-5075 to confirm access options. The directory at georgiaprobatecourt.com lists additional resources.

Bring specific information when searching for records. Full names and dates of events help staff locate files. Case numbers speed up the retrieval process if available. Staff will guide you through the request process.

Filing Requirements and Procedures

Filing probate matters in Bartow County requires Georgia Probate Court Standard Forms. These GPCSF forms are available from the Supreme Court of Georgia website. Using the correct forms ensures efficient processing.

Estate proceedings must be filed in the county where the decedent resided. Bartow County handles cases for its residents. Georgia Code Title 53 governs all probate proceedings. Proper venue is essential for valid case processing.

Petitions for year's support must be filed within 24 months of the date of death. This deadline is strictly enforced. Wills may be probated 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.

Court Costs and Fees

Effective January 1, 2025, Senate Bill 232 updated all statutory probate fees in Georgia. Bartow County follows these state-mandated fee schedules. Filing fees vary based on case type and estate value. Contact the court at 770-387-5075 for current fee amounts.

Visit gaprobate.gov for statewide probate fee schedules.

Standard fees include filing charges and copy costs. Marriage licenses and weapons carry permits have separate fee structures. Vital records copies cost $25 for the first copy and $5 for each additional copy. Payment methods typically include cash, check, or money order.

Estate cases require an initial deposit toward court costs. Final costs are calculated when the estate closes. Any overpayment is refunded to the estate. All fees must be paid before the court issues final discharge.

Contact Information

The Bartow County Probate Court is ready to assist with your probate needs. Judge Blake Scoggins presides over the court. He began his term in January 2025 as an attorney-judge. Court staff can answer questions about procedures and requirements.

Phone calls are the best way to reach the court initially. The main number is 770-387-5075. Staff can explain what documents you need before visiting. This saves time and ensures you bring proper materials.

The court office is located at 135 W. Cherokee St. Ste. 243-A in Cartersville. Parking is available near the courthouse. Office hours follow standard county business schedules. Call ahead to confirm current hours and staff availability.

For statewide probate questions, visit the Council of Probate Court Judges website. The Supreme Court forms page provides necessary documents. Georgia Legal Aid offers free legal information to qualifying residents.

Nearby Counties

These neighboring counties also have Probate Courts serving their residents.