DeKalb County Probate Court: Records, Estates, Forms, Fees & Appointments

What do you need from DeKalb County Probate Court?

The Probate Court handles decedent estates, wills, guardianship and conservatorship matters, marriage licenses, weapons carry licensing and certain mental-health proceedings. These services use different forms, contacts and appointment procedures.

Using the correct court matters. Probate Court records are different from DeKalb Superior Court divorce or land records, State Court cases and Magistrate Court matters. For an estate, begin with the Probate Court or its Records Department, not an unrelated background-check search.

How to find DeKalb County probate records

The official Probate Court Records page directs people who want to review records or request information to the Records Department. The published contact is 404-371-2701 or [email protected].

An online case search may help identify available case information, but it is not a substitute for obtaining an official court-certified document. Record accessibility depends on the case type and applicable privacy restrictions.

1. Confirm the county and proceeding.Determine whether the matter concerns a decedent’s estate, probate of a will, guardianship, conservatorship, marriage record or another Probate Court filing.
2. Gather identifying information.Use the full legal name, approximate filing year, date of death where relevant, known case number and the specific document being sought.
3. Start with the court’s Records page.Contact the Records Department to confirm the search or file-review procedure and whether an appointment is necessary.
4. Ask for the correct record.Examples include a filed will, appointment order, Letters of Administration, Letters Testamentary, inventory or discharge order.
5. Request certification when necessary.If a bank, title company, insurer or another court needs proof, confirm the required document and whether it must be certified or exemplified.

What records might be available?

Can you find a deceased person’s will online?

Sometimes a probate record will identify a filed will, but not every will is available through an online public search. A privately held will may not have been filed. A will deposited for safekeeping is not the same as a court order admitting a will to probate.

If no result appears, contact the Records Department rather than assuming the person died without a will.

Opening an estate or probating a will in DeKalb County

The proper estate filing depends on whether the decedent left a valid will, where the decedent was domiciled, the assets and debts involved, and whether a simplified Georgia procedure is available. DeKalb County publishes separate Wills & Estates guidance and directs users to Georgia probate standard forms.

When a person leaves a will

A will names beneficiaries and may nominate an executor, but naming someone in a will does not automatically give that person court-issued authority. When probate is required, the appropriate petition must be filed and the court must consider the will and requested appointment.

Probate in solemn form is one of the Georgia procedures used for presenting a will. Whether another probate route is appropriate depends on the circumstances and applicable state law.

When there is no will

If someone dies intestate, a petition for Letters of Administration may be needed. The court considers the application and any required notices, consents, qualifications and other conditions before appointing an administrator.

Other Georgia estate procedures

• Temporary Letters of Administration: a separate request for temporary estate authority in appropriate circumstances.
• Year’s Support: a Georgia procedure that may benefit qualifying surviving spouses or minor children.
• No Administration Necessary: a separate petition available only when its legal conditions are satisfied.
• Discharge of Personal Representative: a later court request related to concluding fiduciary responsibilities.
• Will filed for safekeeping: depositing a will is not equivalent to opening or administering an estate.

What documents should you prepare?

Depending on the petition, the court may require the original will, completed and signed Georgia probate forms, identifying details for heirs or beneficiaries, notices or consents, a death certificate, supporting affidavits and the appropriate filing fee.

Use the official DeKalb Wills & Estates page and Georgia’s current standard probate forms rather than relying on an old downloaded packet.

1. Determine whether DeKalb is the correct county.For estate proceedings, the decedent’s domicile and relevant Georgia property can affect venue.
2. Choose the petition that matches the facts.Compare the applicable will-probate, administration, temporary administration and other available procedures.
3. Prepare current forms and originals.Complete the proper form set and identify any required original documents, consents, notices and signatures.
4. Check the correct filing channel.Use Odyssey eFile Georgia where accepted. Otherwise follow the court’s mailing or appointment instructions.
5. Verify fees and service.Publication, sheriff service and certified letters may add charges beyond the initial petition.
6. Follow the court’s decision and later duties.An estate may require an oath, bond, inventory, annual returns, accountings or discharge paperwork.

For comparison, the site’s Fulton County Probate Court guide explains another nearby Georgia county’s estate process. Do not use Fulton County fees or filing instructions for DeKalb County.

How to e-file a DeKalb County estate petition

DeKalb County Probate Court permits eligible estate petitions to be submitted through Odyssey eFile Georgia. The court’s instructions provide a specific case-selection sequence. Selecting the wrong location or case type can delay processing.

1. Create an e-filing account.Open the Odyssey eFile Georgia platform and sign in or register.
2. Select the correct location.Choose DeKalb County Probate Court, not another DeKalb court or county.
3. Select the applicable category.The court’s guidance references Probate or Mental Health categories. Choose the category relevant to the proceeding.
4. For an estate, select Estates.Choose the estate case type and the appropriate filing option.
5. Upload the required forms and supporting documents.Use accepted electronic formats and the correct current petition.
6. Monitor the response.Check whether the filing is accepted or rejected and address any deficiency. Submission alone is not proof of judicial approval.

What if you cannot e-file?

The official Wills & Estates page strongly encourages mailing estate petitions and other permitted papers with the appropriate filing fee if e-filing is not possible. It lists petitions, caveats, motions, amendments, pleadings, notices, requests and annual reports among documents that can be mailed.

If you cannot e-file or mail the documents, the court describes an appointment option for submitting the filing in person. Arrive with a completed petition, required original documents, valid identification and an accepted payment method.

DeKalb County Probate Court filing fees

The previously published version of this article referred to a 2020 fee schedule. A newer DeKalb County Probate Court schedule is dated July 1, 2025. The table below uses that newer official PDF, rather than carrying forward the older estate amounts.

The figures are listed filing charges, not guaranteed total costs. Publication, service, copies, certification and other requirements may increase the amount payable. Verify the latest fee schedule directly with the court before paying.

Open the official July 1, 2025 fee schedule (PDF) ↗

How can you pay filing fees?

The July 2025 schedule lists a 2.75% credit/debit card processing fee, accepts Visa, Mastercard and Discover, and states that American Express is not accepted under that schedule. Checks or money orders should be payable to DeKalb County Probate Court. Bills larger than $20 are not accepted.

Some minor guardianship filings are specifically marked cash only. Use the rules for the exact proceeding rather than assuming every payment method is accepted for every service.

How to request certified probate copies and letters

Knowing that a probate case exists is different from obtaining a document a bank, another court, title company or government agency will accept. Ask the receiving organization exactly which record and certification level it needs.

Ordinary copies

An ordinary copy is useful for reviewing the contents of a publicly accessible record. The official July 2025 schedule lists ordinary copies at $1 per page.

Certified copies

A certified copy is an official court-issued reproduction with the appropriate certification. The published fee is $10 plus $1 per page. Identify the case and document precisely to avoid paying for unnecessary pages.

Exemplified copies

Exemplification provides an additional form of court authentication. The published fee is $15 plus $1 per page. Confirm this is what the receiving organization requests before ordering.

Certified letters

Letters of Administration, Letters Testamentary or other certified court letters can establish the appointment and authority of a personal representative. The official schedule lists certified letters at $10 each.

1. Identify the correct estate or proceeding.Gather the legal name, case number and relevant filing information.
2. Find the exact document.For example, ask for certified Letters of Administration rather than a general copy of the whole estate.
3. Confirm public access and fees.Contact the Records Department about the document’s availability and any page count or certification charges.
4. Follow the authorized request procedure.Use the court’s record review, appointment or copy-ordering instructions.
5. Keep the issued record secure.Official probate documents may contain sensitive identifying or financial details.

Adult and minor guardianship in DeKalb County

Georgia distinguishes guardianship from conservatorship. A guardian generally handles qualifying personal, health and safety decisions for someone under guardianship. A conservator generally handles financial and property matters. The court decides what authority, if any, is appropriate.

Adult guardianship or conservatorship

Adult guardianship may concern an adult who cannot sufficiently make or communicate significant responsible decisions involving health or safety. Conservatorship concerns financial management. The court may require petitions, assessments, notice, legal representation, a hearing or protective measures.

DeKalb encourages e-filing or mailing eligible adult guardianship and conservatorship petitions through its published procedures. Emergency matters have separate requirements and should not be handled as routine filings.

Minor guardianship

Minor guardianship and minor conservatorship use distinct Georgia procedures. Temporary and permanent arrangements can have different eligibility rules, service requirements and fees.

The published fee schedule distinguishes temporary minor guardianship from permanent minor guardianship and requires cash payment for specified minor guardianship petitions. Additional sheriff-service and publication costs may apply.

What happens after appointment?

A guardian or conservator may be required to file inventories, asset-management plans, annual returns, financial reports or discharge requests. The court’s fee schedule separately lists some auditing and reporting costs.

Because guardianship affects legal rights and can involve sensitive medical or financial information, verify the current Georgia forms and consult a qualified Georgia attorney when the matter is contested or urgent.

Marriage licenses and certificates in DeKalb County

DeKalb County Probate Court’s marriage-license application is a two-step process. Completing the online application does not automatically book the required in-person appointment.

1. Complete the online marriage application.Start with the official Marriage License page.
2. Save the receipt confirmation.Record the order number, which is required when scheduling the appointment.
3. Return to the court page to book an appointment.Select an available appointment window and receive the email confirmation.
4. Bring confirmation and identification.Both applicants must appear, with required proof of age and any applicable divorce, death or translated legal documents.
5. Complete the in-person process.Follow the court’s instructions and pay the required nonrefundable fee.

Marriage license fees

The lower marriage-license fee requires qualifying premarital education documentation. The marriage service page currently lists a 3.5% transaction fee, minimum $1.50, for credit, debit and ACH payments, which differs from the older general probate filing PDF. Verify the final payment amount in the official application process.

What about weapons carry licensing?

The court also lists weapons carry licensing as a separate appointment-based service. Use its official services directory for the applicable application, licensing requirements and appointment instructions. It is not part of estate administration.

DeKalb County Probate Court address, hours and directions

DeKalb County Probate Court
556 North McDonough Street
1100 Judicial Tower
Decatur, GA 30030

The court lists multiple service locations in the Judicial Tower. Confirm your exact appointment location rather than assuming all Probate Court matters are handled at the same counter.

The court’s location page identifies a midday service break and says courthouse services are appointment-only. These are published windows, not a guarantee that an appointment is available on any chosen date. Check the appointment calendar and confirmation before visiting.

Parking and public transport

The official court site identifies paid parking behind the courthouse at 125 West Trinity Place. The Decatur MARTA station is next to the courthouse, offering another option for reaching downtown Decatur.

Map to DeKalb County Probate Court

What should you bring?

• Appointment confirmation when required.
• Government-issued identification appropriate to the service.
• Case number, estate name or application receipt number.
• Completed current forms and required original documents.
• Required payment using an accepted payment method.
• Any service-specific supporting documents or certified translations.

For an order-to-apprehend lay affidavit, the court’s location information specifies arrival by 2 p.m. to allow processing. If a matter is urgent, confirm the current court procedure directly.

What if your DeKalb probate search or filing is unsuccessful?

No estate case appears online

Verify the spelling, former names, county and case type. A person who lived in another Georgia county may have an estate filed there. Contact DeKalb’s Records Department about accessible files or historical records.

The e-filing was submitted but is not accepted

Check the e-filing dashboard and notifications. Correct any rejected documents according to the clerk’s instructions. Do not assume that submitting an incomplete petition protects a filing deadline.

The court requires original paperwork

Follow the Wills & Estates instructions. An original will or petition required for an in-person appointment cannot simply be replaced with a printed copy.

You were quoted a different filing fee

Check the date on the fee schedule. The old DeKalb page used a March 2020 fee list, but the court has since published newer schedules, including the July 2025 PDF. Ask whether publication, service, copies or real-property add-ons account for the difference.

You have the wrong record for a bank

Ask whether the bank requires certified letters, a certified order or an exemplified copy. An ordinary case-search screenshot is not proof of fiduciary authority.

You booked the wrong courthouse service

Return to the court’s official appointment calendar and select the correct service. Marriage and weapons carry applicants must also complete the online application first.

Your matter concerns a protected person

Guardianship, conservatorship and mental-health proceedings can involve confidential material and legally protected rights. Ask about authorized access or seek legal advice instead of assuming an online search grants access to all records.

Useful DeKalb Probate Court links and related Georgia guides

The following court resources lead to actual services. The related ProbateCourtUSA.org articles provide guidance for neighboring jurisdictions; they should not be used to substitute one county’s filing rules for another’s.

Official DeKalb County and Georgia resources

Related ProbateCourtUSA.org guides

These related pages are intended for readers whose legal matter belongs in those counties or who need to understand county-specific differences. For DeKalb County transactions, use the official DeKalb court website.

DeKalb County Probate Court FAQs