Rabun County Probate Court Records Database

Rabun County Probate Court Records are maintained at the courthouse in Clayton. The court is served by Associate Judge Savannah Dixon, an attorney who took office in January 2025. Residents can search probate filings including wills, estates, guardianships, and marriage licenses. The court serves all communities in this northeast Georgia mountain county.

Rabun County Probate Court Office

The Rabun County Probate Court operates from the courthouse in Clayton. Associate Judge Savannah Dixon presides over the court. She was elected in January 2025. Judge Dixon is a licensed attorney. This means she meets the qualifications to serve as an Article 6 Probate Court judge in Georgia.

Rabun County was established in 1819. It was named for Governor William Rabun. The county sits in the Blue Ridge Mountains of northeast Georgia. It is home to Lakes Burton, Seed, and Rabun. The county seat of Clayton serves as the commercial center. The Probate Court office handles all probate matters for residents.

The GeorgiaProbateCourt.com directory lists Rabun County Probate Court contact information. You can find the court's address and phone number there. This resource helps residents locate the Clayton office.

How to Search Rabun County Probate Records

You have options when searching Rabun County Probate Court Records. Online searches work for basic information. In-person visits let you view complete case files. The best method depends on what you need.

The Georgia Probate Records portal provides online access. You can search marriage licenses and will information. Guardianship petitions are also searchable. This system includes many Georgia counties. Rabun County may participate in this database.

For in-person searches, visit the Rabun County Courthouse in Clayton. The Probate Court office maintains physical files. Staff can help you locate records. Bring identification when you visit. Copy fees apply for document requests.

When searching Rabun County Probate Records, have this information ready:

• Full name of person on record
• Approximate year of filing
• Type of probate record needed
• Case number if available

Rabun County Probate Court Record Types

Rabun County Probate Court maintains several types of public records. Wills and estate files are common. These documents handle property distribution after death. They include petitions, inventories, and accountings.

Guardianship records are another type. The court appoints guardians for minors and adults. Files include petitions and court orders. Annual reports are also part of these records.

The Supreme Court of Georgia provides standard probate forms. These forms are used in all Georgia counties. The forms include GPCSF 1 through GPCSF 72. Each serves a specific purpose.

Marriage licenses are issued by the Probate Court. These records show who married and when. They include names and ages of both parties. You can search marriage records at the courthouse.

Note: Some guardianship records may be confidential under Georgia law.

Year's Support in Rabun County

Georgia law provides for year's support petitions. These allow surviving family members to claim support from an estate. The Probate Court handles these petitions in Rabun County. Understanding this process is important for families dealing with estate matters.

Under O.C.G.A. § 53-3-5, petitions must be filed within 24 months of death. The petition is filed by the surviving spouse. A guardian may file on behalf of minor children. The court reviews the petition and determines the award.

Year's support has priority over most estate debts. This includes secured debts in many cases. The award can include real and personal property. The amount depends on family needs and estate size. An attorney can help navigate this process.

The Probate Court provides forms for year's support petitions. These are part of the GPCSF form series. You can find these forms through the Supreme Court website. The court staff can provide basic information about the process.

Legal Resources for Rabun County

Resources are available to help with probate matters in Rabun County. These organizations provide information and forms.

The Council of Probate Court Judges of Georgia offers educational videos. These videos explain probate procedures. They cover topics like how to probate a will. Videos are available in English and Spanish.

Georgia Legal Aid provides free legal information. Their website has self-help guides. The site helps low-income residents find assistance.

Court staff in Rabun County can answer basic questions. They cannot provide legal advice. For legal help, consult an attorney. Many lawyers offer initial consultations.

Nearby Counties

These counties border Rabun County. You may need to search them if you cannot find records in Rabun County.