Savannah Probate Court Records and Estate Documents

Chatham County probate court records serve the Savannah metropolitan area and surrounding communities. The Probate Court handles estate administration, wills, guardianships, and vital records for Georgia's fifth most populous county. With over 295,000 residents, Chatham County maintains modern record systems and offers online access to many probate documents. The court office sits in the historic downtown Savannah courthouse.

What Are Probate Records in Chatham County

Probate records are legal papers filed with the court after someone dies. These papers show how their property gets shared. They name who gets what. The records also name who will manage the estate. In Chatham County, these records go back many years. They tell the story of families in Savannah and the coastal region.

The Chatham County Probate Court keeps these records safe. They are open to the public. You can view them in person or online. The court follows Georgia state law. All probate courts in Georgia use the same basic rules. This helps keep records fair and clear. The Council of Probate Court Judges of Georgia sets standards for all 159 counties. Visit gaprobate.gov for more on state rules.

Probate records in Chatham County include many types of papers. Wills are the most common. These show what the dead person wanted. Estate papers show how assets were handled. Guardianship records show who cares for minors or adults who need help. Marriage licenses are also kept by the probate court. Each type of record has its own use. Family members use them to settle estates. Lawyers use them for legal work. Historians use them for research.

Where to Find Chatham County Probate Records

The Chatham County Probate Court office is in downtown Savannah. This is the main place to find probate records. The office is open Monday through Friday. You can visit in person to view records. Staff can help you find what you need. Bring proper ID with you. The office accepts cash, credit cards, money orders, and cashier's checks.

Chatham County offers online access to probate records. The re:Search portal lets you view cases and documents. This system is open to the public. You can search by name or case number. The online portal follows Georgia law on public access. Visit courts.chathamcountyga.gov/Probate to access the online system. Some records may not be online due to age or privacy rules.

Types of Probate Records Available in Chatham County

Chatham County keeps many types of probate records. Each serves a different need. Knowing what type you need saves time. Here are the main record types you can find in Savannah.

Wills and Testaments: These papers show what a person wanted after death. They name heirs. They list who gets each item. Wills must be filed with the court. This starts the probate process. You can view wills in person or online. Certified copies cost a fee.

Estate Records: These show how an estate was managed. They include inventories of assets. They show debts paid. They list money given to heirs. Estate records stay open until the case closes. This can take months or years.

Guardianship Records: These name who cares for minors or adults. The court appoints guardians. Records show the terms of care. They may include medical or financial details. Some parts may be private. The Georgia Probate Records site at georgiaprobaterecords.com lists guardianship petitions.

Marriage Licenses: The probate court issues these. Records show who married whom. They include the date and location. Marriage records are public in Georgia. You can get copies for a small fee.

Weapons Carry Licenses: The court handles applications. Records show who has a license. These records have privacy rules. Not all details are public.

Year's Support Records: These are unique to Georgia. A spouse or child can claim support from an estate. This must be filed within 24 months of death. Records show what was granted. They are part of the estate file.

How to Search Chatham County Probate Court Records

Searching probate records in Chatham County is simple. You have two main options. You can search online or visit the office. Each way has its own steps.

Online search is fast and easy. Go to the Chatham County Probate Court website. Click on the re:Search portal link. Enter the name you want to find. You can add dates to narrow results. The system shows cases that match. Click a case to see details. Some documents can be viewed as PDF files. Look for the red Adobe icon to see what is available. Online records are free to view.

In-person visits let you see all records. Some old records may not be online. Go to the courthouse at 133 Montgomery Street. Check in with the clerk. Tell them what you need. Bring the full name of the person. Bring any dates you know. The staff will help you find the file. You can make copies for a fee. Arrive before 4:00 PM for best service.

When searching, have these details ready:

• Full legal name of the person
• Approximate date of death
• Case number if known
• Type of record needed

For statewide searches, try georgiaprobaterecords.com. This site covers many Georgia counties. It shows will information and estate data. Not all counties participate. Check the site to see what is included.

Filing Requirements for Chatham County Probate Court

Filing probate papers in Chatham County requires following state rules. Georgia has standard forms for all probate courts. These are called GPCSF forms. You must use these forms for most filings. The Supreme Court of Georgia provides them at gasupreme.us/probate-court-standard-forms.

To start a probate case, you need a petition. This is form GPCSF 3 or GPCSF 4. Form 3 is for estates without a will. Form 4 is to probate a will in common form. You must also file the original will. The court needs a death certificate. You must pay filing fees at the time of filing.

Venue rules say where to file. File in the county where the person lived. You can also file where they owned property. For Chatham County, this means the person lived in Savannah or nearby areas. Or they owned land or homes in the county.

The judge cannot give legal advice. Court staff can answer basic questions. They cannot fill out forms for you. They cannot tell you what to do. If you need help, talk to a lawyer. Legal aid may help if you have low income. Visit georgialegalaid.org for more information.

Emergency filings should arrive before 4:00 PM. This gives staff time to process. The court closes for lunch from noon to 1:00 PM. Plan your visit around these hours. Filing deadlines matter. Year's support claims must be filed within 24 months. Other filings have their own time limits.

Chatham County Probate Court Costs and Fees

Chatham County charges fees for probate services. These fees are set by Georgia law. They help pay for court operations. Know the costs before you file. This helps you plan.

Filing fees depend on the case type. Estate petitions have a base cost. Guardianship filings cost a different amount. Marriage licenses have their own fee. Weapons carry licenses cost more due to background checks. Fees change when state law changes.

Payment options include credit cards, money orders, and cashier's checks. The court does not accept personal checks. Cash is accepted in person. Online payments may be available for some services. Ask the clerk about current rates. Senate Bill 232 updated fees starting January 2025.

Copy fees apply to document requests. Certified copies cost more than plain copies. You may need certified copies for legal matters. Banks often want certified copies to transfer assets. Government offices may need them too.

Additional costs may apply. Publication fees are needed for some notices. Service fees apply when serving papers to heirs. Appraisal fees may be needed for estate items. These are not court fees. They are costs that come up during probate.

Contact Information for Chatham County Probate Court

The Chatham County Probate Court staff can answer your questions. They can explain procedures. They can tell you what forms you need. They cannot give legal advice. Be clear about what you need when you call or visit.

The main office is at 133 Montgomery Street in Savannah. This is in the historic downtown area. Parking is available nearby. The office is on the third floor. Look for Suite 304. The building is accessible for people with disabilities.

Phone calls are best during morning hours. The phone number is (912) 652-7200. Staff can check if records are available. They can explain fees. They can tell you what to bring. Call before you visit to save time.

For online help, use the court website. The site has forms and instructions. It has links to state resources. Visit courts.chathamcountyga.gov/Probate for more details. You can also email through the website contact form.

Nearby courts serve other counties. Bryan County is to the west. Effingham County is to the north. Liberty County is to the south. Each has its own probate court. Make sure you have the right county before you file.

Cities Served by Chatham County Probate Court

Chatham County Probate Court serves all residents of the county. This includes the city of Savannah and surrounding areas. The court handles probate matters for the entire county jurisdiction.

Nearby Probate Courts

These neighboring counties have their own probate courts. You must file in the correct county based on residence or property location.