Georgia Probate Court Standard Forms

For all proceedings for which there is a Georgia Probate Court Standard Form (GPCSF), use of the approved standard form is preferred. Any GPCSF which is retyped or recreated in any manner which alters the exact layout and format of the approved form, including by use of word processing software, must bear the certificate required under Uniform Probate Court Rule 21(E). For any proceeding for which there is a GPCSF, the form must be fully completed to the extent practicable and appropriate at the time of filing. Incomplete forms may be returned to the submitting party without being filed for completion.

Particularly with regard to will probate and administration proceedings where the GPCSF calls for the listing of heirs of a decedent, complete information (as required by the form) must be included when the list includes grandchildren, cousins, nieces, nephews, and other collateral heirs concerning the deceased ancestor through whom those heirs are related to the decedent, as well as a statement of any facts affecting notice and service requirements, for example, facts concerning the existence or nonexistence of persons who would stand in a closer degree of relationship to the decedent.

Required Format

Every pleading or document filed must be typed, printed, or legibly hand-printed in black ink suitable for reproduction on 8.5-by-11-inch white paper. Pleadings or documents that are illegible will not be accepted for filing. This rule, of course, does not apply to original documents (e.g., wills and codicils) which may be in a different format, including those required to be filed with the court, or to documents, exhibits, and other original things offered as evidence in a case.

Facsimile Transmittals

Unless specifically authorized by a court clerk or the acting judge, no pleadings or documents may be transmitted to the court for filing by facsimile.

Electronic Transmittals

Unless specifically authorized by a clerk or the acting judge, no pleadings or documents may be transmitted electronically to the court for filing. Judge Tate will generally accept briefs and proposed orders by electronic transmittal.