Filing Fees

Chatham County, Georgia

Fee Type	Amount
Annual Return - Executor or Administrator	$40.00
Inventory - Executor or Administrator	$40.00

Judges & Officers

Judge Thomas C. Bordeaux, Jr.

Probate Forms Library

61 fillable forms — scroll to browse

** Superior Court Bond Hearing Protocol Effective 05/01/2025 **countyDownload

65.00 — 2025 Publication Schedules.pdfcountyDownload

Affidavit of Diligent Search.pdfcountyDownload

60.1 — Chatham County Revised Fee Schedule Effective 10-1-2025.pdfcountyDownload

5.3 — Fee Calculation and Notification Charts Effective October 1, 2025.pdfcountyDownload

10.00 — Heir or Beneficiary Research Request.pdfcountyDownload

Notice by Publication to Probate Interested PartycountyDownload

Notice for Petition for Letters of Administration (Non-Unanimous Consent of Heir)countyDownload

Notice for Petition for Letters of Administration (Unanimous Consent of Heirs)countyDownload

Notice for Petition to Discharge Solely from OfficecountyDownload

Notice for Petition Waiver and Grant Certain Powers (Unanimous)countyDownload

Notice for Probate CTA (Party with Unknown Address)countyDownload

Notice for Probate DBN (Party with Unknown Address)countyDownload

Notice for Probate Will in Solemn Form (Party with Unknown Address)countyDownload

Notice to Debtor/CreditorcountyDownload

Notice to Debtors and Creditors 2026 Publication SchedulecountyDownload

Standing Order Regarding Conservator's Reporting Duties Relating to Social Security Administration Benefits of Ward (May 4, 2023)countyDownload

1041 — Accumulation Distribution for Certain Complex TrustsfederalDownload

1041-T — Allocation of Estimated Tax Payments to BeneficiariesfederalDownload

1041 — Alternative Minimum Tax — Estates and TrustsfederalDownload

Application For Burial BenefitsfederalDownload

SSA-4 — Application for Child's Insurance BenefitsfederalDownload

SF 2800 — Application for Death Benefits (CSRS)federalDownload

SF 3104 — Application for Death Benefits (FERS)federalDownload

Application For DIC, Survivors Pension And/Or Accrued BenefitsfederalDownload

SS-4 — Application for Employer Identification NumberfederalDownload

706 — Application for Extension of Time To File a Return and/or Pay U.S. Estate TaxesfederalDownload

SSA-10 — Application for Widow's or Widower's Insurance BenefitsfederalDownload

1041 — Beneficiary's Share of Income, Deductions, Credits, etc.federalDownload

1041 — Capital Gains and Losses (Estates and Trusts)federalDownload

706-CE — Certification of Payment of Foreign Death TaxfederalDownload

FE6 — Claim for Death Benefits (FEGLI)federalDownload

VA40-1330 — Claim For Standard Government Headstone Or MarkerfederalDownload

SF 2818 — Continuation of Life Insurance Coverage as AnnuitantfederalDownload

FE7 — Designation Of Beneficiary (FEGLI)federalDownload

SF 2823 — Designation Of Beneficiary Federal Employees' Group Life InsurancefederalDownload

FS 5336 — Disposition of Treasury Securities Belonging to a Decedent's Estate Being Settled Without AdministrationfederalDownload

8855 — Election To Treat a Qualified Revocable Trust as Part of an EstatefederalDownload

1041 — Estimated Income Tax for Estates and TrustsfederalDownload

706 — Generation-Skipping Transfer Tax (Form 706)federalDownload

706-GS — Generation-Skipping Transfer Tax Return for DistributionsfederalDownload

706-GS — Generation-Skipping Transfer Tax Return for TerminationsfederalDownload

8971 — Information Regarding Beneficiaries Acquiring Property From a DecedentfederalDownload

56 — Notice Concerning Fiduciary RelationshipfederalDownload

706-GS — Notification of Distribution From a Generation-Skipping TrustfederalDownload

1041-V — Payment Voucher (Estate or Trust)federalDownload

I-360 — Petition For Amerasian, Widow(er), Or Special ImmigrantfederalDownload

2848 — Power of Attorney and Declaration of RepresentativefederalDownload

FS 1455 — Request By Owner or Person Entitled to Payment for Reissue of United States Savings BondsfederalDownload

706 HAS — Request for Discharge From Personal Liability Under IRC 2204 or 6905federalDownload

4810 — Request For Prompt Assessment Under Internal Revenue Code Section 6501(d)federalDownload

FS 1522 — Special Form of Request for Payment of United States Savings and Retirement SecuritiesfederalDownload

SSA-721 — Statement of Death by Funeral DirectorfederalDownload

1310 — Statement of Person Claiming Refund Due a Deceased TaxpayerfederalDownload

706-NA — U.S. Estate Tax Return for Nonresident Not a Citizen of the U.S.federalDownload

706-QDT — U.S. Estate Tax Return for Qualified Domestic TrustsfederalDownload

1041 U — U.S. Income Tax Return for Estates and TrustsfederalDownload

1041-A — U.S. Information Return Trust Accumulation of Charitable AmountsfederalDownload

706-A — United States Additional Estate Tax ReturnfederalDownload

706 UNITED — United States Estate (and Generation-Skipping Transfer) Tax ReturnfederalDownload

709 — United States Gift (and Generation-Skipping Transfer) Tax ReturnfederalDownload

Probate Guide

Probate in Chatham County, Georgia

The Chatham County Probate Court handles all matters related to the estates of deceased persons, including the validation of wills, appointment of executors and administrators, and the supervised distribution of assets. If you need to file for probate in Chatham County, GA, this guide covers what you need to know.

What Is Probate?

Probate is the legal process of settling a deceased person's estate. It involves validating the will (if one exists), identifying and inventorying assets, paying debts and taxes, and distributing remaining property to heirs and beneficiaries. In Georgia, the probate court in each county oversees this process.

When Is Probate Required in Georgia?

Probate is generally required when:

The deceased owned real estate solely in their name
The estate contains assets above Georgia's small estate threshold
There are disputes among heirs or creditors
Assets are not held in a trust or joint tenancy

Steps to File for Probate in Chatham County

Locate the will (if one exists) and gather the death certificate
File a petition with the Chatham County Probate Court to open probate
Notify heirs and creditors as required by Georgia law
Inventory the estate — identify all assets, debts, and liabilities
Pay debts and taxes — settle outstanding obligations from estate funds
Distribute remaining assets — according to the will or state intestacy laws
Close the estate — file a final accounting with the court

How Long Does Probate Take?

In Georgia, probate typically takes 6 to 18 months depending on the complexity of the estate. Simple estates with no disputes may be resolved faster, while contested wills or complex asset distributions can take longer.

Do You Need a Probate Attorney?

While Georgia does not always require an attorney for probate, it is strongly recommended, especially for estates with significant assets, real estate, business interests, or potential disputes. A local probate attorney familiar with Chatham County Probate Court procedures can help navigate the process efficiently.

Resources

For more information about the probate process, visit the Chatham County Probate Court directly or consult with a local probate attorney. You can also explore tools like EverSettled for step-by-step estate settlement guidance.

Additional Notes

Probate Court accepts pleadings with correct fees by mail, drop box or by appointment. To make an appointment to file a Probate or Estate pleading or to get information, please go to the following link: Probate Estate Appointments for Filing or General Information. The clerk and deputy clerks desire to help all parties that ask for assistance and will attempt to do so. The clerk and deputy clerks are strictly forbidden to practice law by statute and are restricted in what they can give advice about or assistance in preparing. Sound legal advice must only come from a licensed practicing attorney and the clerk's office encourages all parties to seek competent legal advice. We ask that you be understanding with our staff as we attempt to assist you, knowing the limitations we face in assisting each individual party to a case.

Office Hours

Monday-Friday8:00 AM - 4:30 PM

FAQ

Where do I file for probate in Chatham County, GA?

Probate petitions for estates in Chatham County are filed at the Chatham County Probate Court. Contact the court directly for filing instructions and office hours.

How much does probate cost in Chatham County?

Probate filing fees in Chatham County, Georgia vary based on the estate value and type of petition. Contact the probate court clerk for the current fee schedule.

How long does probate take in Georgia?

Probate in Georgia typically takes 6 to 18 months. Timeline depends on estate complexity, creditor claims, and whether the will is contested.

Can I avoid probate?

Assets held in trusts, joint tenancy, or with designated beneficiaries (like life insurance and retirement accounts) can pass outside of probate. Consult with an estate planning attorney for strategies specific to your situation.

Do I need a lawyer for probate in Chatham County?

While not always legally required in Georgia, a probate attorney is recommended for most estates, especially those involving real estate, business interests, or potential disputes among heirs.

What happens if someone dies without a will?

When someone dies intestate (without a will) in Georgia, their assets are distributed according to state intestacy laws. The Chatham County Probate Court will appoint an administrator to manage the estate.

Probate Attorneys

Closest to this court, Georgia

David Dickey

Oliver Maner LLP

Savannah · < 1 mi

Janet Shirley

Gilbert, Harrell, Sumerford & Martin, P.C.

Brunswick · 68 mi

General Trust & EstateTrust and Estate Administration

Hillary Stringfellow

Gilbert, Harrell, Sumerford & Martin, P.C.

Brunswick · 68 mi

Rees Sumerford

Gilbert, Harrell, Sumerford & Martin, P.C.

Brunswick · 68 mi

Richard Barnes

BarnesLaw, LLC

Valdosta · 155 mi

Business PlanningFiduciary Litigation+1

See more attorneys near Chatham County →

Related Resources

Georgia Probate Guide →All Georgia Courts →Financial Institutions →