Macon-Bibb County Probate Records
Bibb County Probate Court records are maintained in Macon as part of the consolidated Macon-Bibb County government. Judge Sarah S. Harris presides over the court. The court is located at the Bibb County Courthouse. This Middle Georgia metropolitan area offers comprehensive probate services.
Bibb County Quick Facts
What Are Bibb County Probate Court Records
Probate Court records in Bibb County are maintained under Judge Sarah S. Harris. The court operates as part of the Macon-Bibb consolidated government. This arrangement combines city and county functions. The court handles estate administration, guardianship, and marriage licenses.
Bibb County was established in 1822 and named for Dr. William Wyatt Bibb. He was the first Governor of Alabama and a U.S. Senator. Macon became a major transportation and commercial hub. The Probate Court has served the community for two centuries.
Macon-Bibb County consolidated in 2014, merging city and county governments. The Probate Court now serves both jurisdictions. Records include estate proceedings, guardianship appointments, and marriage licenses. The court also handles weapons carry permits.
Note: Macon-Bibb is one of Georgia's eight consolidated city-county governments. The Probate Court serves the entire consolidated area.
Where to Find Bibb County Probate Records
The Bibb County Probate Court is located at the Bibb County Courthouse in Macon. The court serves the consolidated Macon-Bibb County government. The Court Division can be reached at (478) 621-6494. The Licensing Division is at (478) 621-6493.
Visit the Georgia Supreme Court Probate Forms for standard documents.
Macon is the county seat and one of Georgia's largest cities. The historic city offers full county government services. The courthouse is located in downtown Macon. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
| Courthouse Location | Bibb County Courthouse Macon, GA |
|---|---|
| Judge | Sarah S. Harris |
| Court Division | (478) 621-6494 |
| Licensing Division | (478) 621-6493 |
| Hours | Monday – Friday 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. |
| Legal Organ | Macon Telegraph, (478) 744-4200 |
Types of Probate Records Available
Bibb County Probate Court maintains extensive record collections. Estate administration files document property transfers after death. These include wills, petitions, inventories, and annual returns. Guardianship and conservatorship records protect minors and incapacitated adults.
The court issues marriage licenses to couples. 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 and permanent guardianships protect children. No administration necessary petitions offer streamlined estate options. The court handles mental health commitments and other matters.
How to Search Probate Records in Bibb County
Searching Bibb County Probate Court records can be done in person. Visit the courthouse in Macon for assistance. Staff help locate specific files and cases. Proper identification may be required for certain records.
The Georgia Probate Records portal may provide online access.
Check the Georgia Probate Records website for online availability. The Macon-Bibb website may also have information. Contact the court directly to confirm access options. The directory at georgiaprobatecourt.com lists resources.
Bring specific information when searching records. Full names and dates help staff locate files. Case numbers speed up the process. Staff will guide you through the retrieval process.
Filing Requirements and Procedures
Filing in Bibb County requires Georgia Probate Court Standard Forms. Download GPCSF forms from the Supreme Court website. Correct forms prevent processing delays.
Estate proceedings must be filed in the county of residence. Bibb County serves Macon-Bibb consolidated area residents. Georgia Code Title 53 governs all probate proceedings. Proper venue ensures cases are handled correctly.
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. 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 probate fees. Bibb County follows these statutory fee schedules. Filing fees vary based on case type. Contact the court 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 fees. Vital records are $25 for the first copy and $5 for additional copies. Payment methods include cash, check, or money order.
Estate cases require initial deposits. Final costs are calculated at case closing. Overpayments are refunded. All fees must be paid before discharge.
Contact Information
The Bibb County Probate Court is ready to assist residents. Judge Sarah S. Harris presides over the court. Court staff can answer questions about procedures and requirements.
Contact the Court Division at (478) 621-6494. The Licensing Division is at (478) 621-6493. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The courthouse is in downtown Macon.
For forms and resources, visit gasupreme.us or gaprobate.gov. Georgia Legal Aid provides assistance to qualifying residents.
Nearby Counties
These neighboring counties also provide probate services.