Decatur Probate Records and Online E-Filing Access

DeKalb County probate court records are located in Decatur, serving Georgia's fourth most populous county with over 750,000 residents. The Probate Court offers comprehensive e-filing for estate, guardianship, and mental health cases. Multiple specialized phone lines serve different case types. The court handles a high volume of probate matters with professional efficiency.

What Are Probate Records in DeKalb County

Probate records are official court documents. They concern estates after death. They include wills and inventories. They name executors and heirs. DeKalb County maintains extensive records. The public can access them.

The DeKalb County Probate Court is in Decatur. It is one of Georgia's busiest probate courts. The county has over 750,000 residents. The court offers e-filing services. This is convenient for attorneys and residents.

Georgia law governs all probate courts. The state has 159 counties. Each follows the same rules. The Council of Probate Court Judges of Georgia sets standards. Visit gaprobate.gov for state information.

DeKalb County is east of Atlanta. It was created in 1822. The county is named for Baron Johann de Kalb. He was a Revolutionary War soldier. Decatur is the county seat. The county is diverse and populous.

Probate records serve many needs. Families settle estates. Lawyers research cases. Title companies verify property. Genealogists trace ancestry. Each record has value.

Where to Find DeKalb County Probate Records

The DeKalb County Probate Court is in Decatur. The courthouse is downtown. You can visit in person. You can file online. You can call specialized numbers.

The court offers e-filing. This is available for all estates, adult guardianships, and mental health filings. Visit dekalbprobatega.com to file online.

Decatur is east of Atlanta. MARTA serves the area. The courthouse is accessible.

Types of Probate Records in DeKalb County

The DeKalb County Probate Court maintains many record types. Each serves a purpose. Here are the main categories.

Wills: These express final wishes. They name beneficiaries. They appoint executors. Wills are filed with the court. They become public.

Estate Records: These track probate progress. They include asset inventories. They document debt payments. They record distributions. E-filing is available.

Guardianship Records: These protect minors. They also protect incapacitated adults. The court appoints guardians. Records show authority scope. Adult guardianships use (404) 371-2896.

Conservatorship Records: These manage finances. Conservators handle money for protected persons. Records show transactions. Annual reviews occur.

Mental Health Records: The court handles commitments. These records are mostly private. Call (404) 371-2896 for mental health filings.

Marriage Licenses: The court issues these. Records include couple information. Wedding dates are documented.

Weapons Carry Licenses: Applications are processed here. Background checks are mandatory.

Year's Support Petitions: Georgia provides this protection. Spouses can claim support. Must file within 24 months.

How to Search DeKalb County Probate Court Records

Searching records in DeKalb County is efficient. Multiple options exist.

Online E-Filing: Visit dekalbprobatega.com. You can file cases online. You can also view records. This is available 24/7.

In-Person Visits: Go to 556 North McDonough Street. Room 1100 is the probate court. Bring identification. Have names ready.

Phone Inquiries: Use the right number for your need. Records search is (404) 371-2701. Different case types have different numbers.

Mail Requests: Send to the mailing address. Include proper documentation.

Effective search tips:

• Use online e-filing when possible
• Call the correct department
• Use complete legal names
• Prepare approximate dates
• Bring valid identification to office

Filing Requirements for DeKalb County Probate Court

Filing probate matters requires proper forms. Georgia provides standard GPCSF forms. DeKalb County accepts e-filing.

Essential forms include:

• GPCSF 3: Letters of Administration
• GPCSF 4: Common form will probate
• GPCSF 5: Solemn form will probate
• GPCSF 10: Year's support
• GPCSF 29: Minor guardianship
• GPCSF 12: Adult guardianship

Download forms from the Supreme Court at gasupreme.us/probate-court-standard-forms. File online at dekalbprobatega.com.

Venue rules apply. File in the county of residence. Or file where property is located. DeKalb County accepts filings for local residents.

Case initiation requires documents. Estate cases need the original will. A certified death certificate is required. Guardianships need different proof.

Legal advice prohibition applies. Judges cannot advise. Staff cannot complete forms. Consult attorneys for guidance.

DeKalb County Probate Court Costs

Court fees support operations. Georgia law establishes amounts. Uniformity exists statewide.

Fee categories vary:

• Estate petition filing fees
• Guardianship filing fees
• Marriage license fees
• Weapons carry license fees
• Copy and certification fees

Payment options include cash and money orders. Credit cards may be accepted. Call (404) 371-2341 for estates or (404) 371-2896 for guardianships.

Certified copies cost more than standard copies. Legal matters often need certification.

Fee waivers exist for hardship. Pauper's affidavits can be filed. Judges review requests.

Contact Information for DeKalb County Probate Court

The DeKalb County Probate Court provides excellent service. Staff explain procedures. They answer record questions. They detail fees. Legal advice is not provided.

The courthouse is at 556 North McDonough Street, Room 1100 in Decatur. Operating hours are weekdays.

Use the right phone line for your needs:

• Wills and Estate: (404) 371-2341
• Mental Health: (404) 371-2896
• Adult Guardianships: (404) 371-2896
• Temporary Minor Guardianship: (404) 371-2663
• Auditing/Returns: (404) 371-2647
• Records Search: (404) 371-2701

Adjacent counties have separate courts. Fulton County is west. Clayton County is south. Rockdale County is east. Gwinnett County is northeast.

Statewide resources are at gaprobate.gov.

Cities in DeKalb County

DeKalb County includes many cities. All use the Decatur probate court.

Nearby Probate Courts

These neighboring counties have independent courts.