What to Do When Someone Dies in Georgia
When a loved one passes away in Georgia, there are important legal and financial steps to take. Georgia offers a unique 'year's support' provision that allows surviving spouses and minor children to claim support from the estate.
Small Estate Threshold
$10,000
Probate Timeline
6-12 months
Death Certificate
$25 per copy
Order From
Georgia Department of Public Health
State Estate Tax
NoInheritance Tax
NoUnique to Georgia
Year's Support provision allows surviving spouse to claim support from estate
Get the death certificate in Georgia
In Georgia, the funeral home files the death certificate with the Georgia Department of Public Health. Certified copies cost $25 each. Request 10-15 certified copies for banks, insurance companies, and government agencies.
- The funeral home files with county vital records
- Request certified copies from county health department ($25 each)
- Order from Georgia Department of Public Health for statewide records
- Allow 4-6 weeks for mail orders
Understand Georgia probate
Georgia probate is handled by the Probate Court in each county. Small estates under $10,000 without real property may use simplified procedures. Georgia's unique 'year's support' allows surviving spouses and minor children to petition for support from the estate before other distributions.
- File will with Probate Court in county where deceased lived
- Petition for Letters Testamentary (with will) or Administration (no will)
- Consider filing for Year's Support if you're the surviving spouse
- Small estates under $10,000 may qualify for simplified process
Handle financial accounts
Gather information about bank accounts, investment accounts, and retirement funds. Contact each financial institution with a certified death certificate. Accounts with named beneficiaries pass outside probate.
- List all bank accounts, investments, and retirement funds
- Contact each institution with a certified death certificate
- Check for beneficiary designations and POD accounts
- Determine if any accounts qualify for small estate procedures
Frequently asked questions about Georgia estates
Neighboring state guides
Estate laws vary by state. If the deceased owned property in multiple states, you may need to file in each state.
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