Lanier County Probate Court Records Search
Lanier County Probate Court Records are maintained in Lakeland, Georgia, for this rural south Georgia county. The Probate Court handles wills, estates, guardianships, and marriage licenses for local residents. Judge Victoria Jewell serves as the Probate Judge. You can search Lanier County Probate Court Records by visiting the courthouse or using online resources. This guide explains how to find these public records in Lanier County.
Lanier County Quick Facts
Lanier County Probate Court
The Lanier County Probate Court serves south Georgia. The court is located in Lakeland, the county seat. Judge Victoria Jewell took office in January 2025. She is a licensed attorney serving as Probate Judge.
Lanier County was created in 1920 from portions of Berrien, Clinch, and Lowndes counties. It was named for Sidney Lanier, a famous Georgia poet and musician. The county is located near the Florida border in south Georgia.
| Address |
Lanier County Courthouse 100 Main Street Lakeland, GA 31635 |
|---|---|
| Phone | (229) 482-3012 |
| Hours | Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM |
| Probate Judge | Victoria Jewell, Attorney (elected January 2025) |
Lanier County Probate Court Records
The Probate Court maintains various record categories. These documents serve legal purposes.
Wills and estate records are filed after death. Courts validate and probate them. Estate administration handles intestate cases. Records include petitions and inventories.
Guardianship cases protect vulnerable individuals. Courts appoint decision-makers. Annual reports document activities.
Marriage licenses are public records. Both parties appear with identification. Licenses are valid statewide.
- Wills and testaments
- Estate administration files
- Guardianship petitions
- Conservatorship records
- Marriage licenses
- Weapons carry licenses
- Traffic citations
Accessing Lanier County Probate Records
Records are available through multiple channels. Choose what works for your needs.
Visit the Lakeland courthouse for in-person access. The Probate Court office provides record searches. Staff assist with locating files. Copies cost per page.
The Georgia Probate Records portal offers online searching. Check if Lanier County participates. Search from home convenience.
Mail requests require written application. Include case details and payment. Add a self-addressed stamped envelope.
Note: Some guardianship records involving minors may be confidential.
Filing Probate Cases in Lanier County
Probate filings follow Georgia procedures. Proper filing ensures timely processing.
Venue rules require filing in the proper county. File where the deceased lived. Georgia Code Title 53 governs probate law.
Standard forms are required for initial filings. The Supreme Court of Georgia provides these forms. GPCSF forms cover common probate needs.
Filing fees vary by petition type. Minimum deposits are required. Full payment precedes case closure.
Legal Resources for Lanier County Residents
Several organizations provide probate assistance. Resources help navigate the system.
Georgia Legal Aid offers free online resources. Guides explain probate procedures. Self-help materials assist with forms.
The Council of Probate Court Judges provides educational videos. Topics cover will probate and guardianship.
Court staff can answer procedural questions. They cannot give legal advice. Consult attorneys for legal guidance.
Nearby Counties
These counties border Lanier County. File in the correct jurisdiction.