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Marietta, Georgia • Probate Court • 2026 guide
Need to search a Cobb County estate, file a will, request letters, find guardianship forms or arrange a marriage license? Begin with the official court service that handles your task—then check the current forms and costs before filing.
Independent information published by ProbateCourtUSA.org. This is not Cobb County’s government website or a court filing portal.
- Address
- 32 Waddell Street, Marietta, GA 30090
- Office hours
- Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–5 p.m.
- Court telephone
- 770-528-1900
01 / Find your route
What does Cobb County Probate Court handle?
The Probate Court handles probate of wills, decedent estates, executors and administrators, guardianships and conservatorships, marriage licenses, weapons carry licenses and certain other cases under Georgia law. It does not act as the county’s general divorce, passport or misdemeanor-probation office.
Find an estate’s status, docket or available document images without creating an account.
Case search instructions →Compare solemn-form probate, administration without a will and temporary appointment.
Estate filing guidance →Find certified copies, exemplified records or letters for an estate or guardianship.
Document request guidance →Use Georgia standard petitions and the court’s current local supplements.
Guardianship guidance →Use the Probate Court’s separate application and appointment instructions.
License guidance →Confirm current petitions, service costs, payments and any additional local forms.
Cost and forms information →Visiting in 2026? Cobb County announced a six-month Probate Court lobby renovation beginning March 16, 2026. The court remains open, but check the official homepage for current entrance, access and service updates before visiting.
02 / Find a case
Search Cobb County Probate Court records online
Cobb County’s Case Status and Records Search provides access to available probate estate and license records, document images and case information. The court specifically says you do not need a login to view the available docket and records.
- Open the official search page. Choose the court’s estate and license records search. Do not confuse it with Cobb County State Court’s separate civil/criminal search system.
- Enter an estate name or case number. Use the decedent’s legal name, alternate spellings or known case identifier. A document-specific tool may also permit searching by document type or dates.
- Check matching cases. Compare names, filing information and proceeding type before selecting an estate with a common surname.
- Review the available docket and images. Identify the will, appointment, letters, order or other record needed. Some sensitive information is hidden for privacy.
- Save the case and document details. For certified proof, record the case number and exact document title, then contact the court for its official copy process.
Find older probate files and historical indexes
The official case-search page provides an index of filings covering 1825–2025 and separate 2026 quarterly filing indexes. These can help with genealogy, older estates or matters that do not appear immediately in the main search. Index references are not themselves certified evidence of every underlying filing.
Why can a case or document be missing?
A filing may be new, indexed differently, not digitized, or legally restricted. The court cautions that sensitive information can be concealed from online versions. If a search fails, contact the clerk with the decedent’s name, approximate filing period and other known details. Never assume a missing search result proves no estate or will exists.
Important: A probate case search is different from filing a new petition. Searching is public access; filing requires the appropriate forms, fees, service and court acceptance.
03 / Estate administration
Probating a will or opening an estate in Cobb County
The proper Georgia procedure depends on whether the decedent left a valid will, who may serve, the assets involved, the heirs and other circumstances. Cobb’s Wills & Estates section separates matters involving a will, no will, a will deposited for safekeeping, and ongoing estate administration.
When the deceased left a will
A petition to probate a will in solemn form is a commonly used Georgia process. The court lists a base filing fee of $200; additional notice or service costs can apply. The original will may need to be presented under the court’s original-document rules. A person nominated as executor is not automatically authorized to act merely because their name appears in the will.
When there is no will
Depending on the circumstances, an eligible petitioner may request Letters of Administration. Cobb lists $200 without certain powers and $320 with powers on its fee schedule. Determine which petition and authority are appropriate before choosing a packet. Heirs, family agreements, bonds or other requirements may affect the process.
Temporary administration and other petitions
The court also lists a $180 petition for Temporary Letters of Administration, a $320 Year’s Support petition, an $80 safe-deposit-box petition and a $210 discharge petition. These are distinct proceedings, not interchangeable versions of full administration.
What if the will was deposited for safekeeping?
A will held for safekeeping or filed for information is not the same as a court admitting a will to probate and appointing a personal representative. Check the correct category on the official Wills & Estates page before acting on a document you found or received.
- Check for an existing estate case. Search the docket to avoid duplicating a pending or previously completed petition.
- Identify the proper petition. Consider the will, heirs, residence at death, assets, requested powers and applicable Georgia law.
- Obtain current court forms. Use statewide standard petitions and any Cobb supplements or worksheets required for that matter.
- Prepare originals, signatures and service details. Follow notarization, original-will, bond, notice and heir-information instructions when applicable.
- Confirm the full filing cost. Service, publication, certified mail and later fees can increase the total beyond the base petition cost.
- Submit by an approved method and monitor status. Follow court directions for oaths, acceptance, hearings and issuance of letters. Until appointed, do not assume authority to collect or distribute assets.
- Meet continuing obligations. Inventories, annual returns, accounts, petitions for discharge and beneficiary notices may be required depending on the estate.
Legal decisions: Contested wills, missing heirs, property disputes, creditor claims, ambiguous beneficiary designations and multiple-state estates can require a licensed Georgia probate attorney. Court personnel can explain procedure but cannot select your legal strategy.
04 / Electronic and paper filing
How to file probate documents with Cobb County
Cobb directs filers to its official filing instructions and applicable estate filing guidance. Electronic filing may be available for an eligible proceeding, but it does not eliminate original-will, bond, signature or service requirements.
- Choose the case and correct form. Start with statewide Georgia standard forms and verify local Cobb attachments.
- Determine whether e-filing is permitted. Use the eFileGA access linked from Cobb’s official Probate Court website where the particular filing is supported; otherwise follow the court’s physical submission instructions.
- Prepare the supporting documents. Double-check required signatures, verification, notary acknowledgment, original instruments and the correct parties to receive notice.
- Pay and follow court acceptance. Keep a copy of the submitted documents, payment receipt and any rejection or correction notice.
- Complete subsequent steps. Where the court directs an oath, hearing or further filing before issuance of letters, complete that requirement instead of treating the initial submission as final.
Do not use a Cobb Magistrate Court or State Court electronic filing website as though it were Probate Court. Their systems and case categories differ. Also, the court’s public email address is not proof that filing documents by email is permitted.
05 / Current forms
Georgia probate forms and Cobb County local supplements
The Georgia Council of Probate Court Judges provides standard forms used statewide. Cobb also publishes local filings for estate and guardianship matters. Use both sources when a petition calls for a local addition.
Estate filing documents
Petitions may require the decedent’s original will, an heir and beneficiary list, address information, waivers, service documents, a bond or supplemental affidavits. Do not reuse another county’s local forms without checking Cobb’s instructions.
Guardianship and compliance
Cobb lists local guardianship petitions, affidavits, supplemental information, personal-status reports, inventories and annual-return materials. A July 2026 guardianship supplement is noted on the court’s current forms information.
Before you submit: Verify whether your document requires an original signature, sworn statement, notarization, physical original or court-approved electronic format. If a form was saved months ago, check for revisions.
06 / Filing costs
Cobb County Probate Court filing fees for 2026
The figures below are selected amounts published on Cobb County’s Common Probate Court Fees page. These are not guaranteed final costs: service, notice publication, court-appointed professionals and other statutory charges may be added.
| Filing | Listed amount | Important consideration |
|---|---|---|
| Probate Will in Solemn Form | $200 | Other notice or service charges can apply. |
| Letters of Administration, without powers | $200 | Check whether additional powers are needed. |
| Letters of Administration, with powers | $320 | Includes a stated publication component. |
| Temporary Letters of Administration | $180 | Separate from permanent administration. |
| Year’s Support | $320 | Notice or publication may apply. |
| Discharge of Personal Representative | $210 | Check requirements for closing the estate. |
| Petition to Enter Safe-Deposit Box | $80 | Not itself an estate appointment. |
| Temporary Guardianship of Minor | $130 | Required supplemental forms may apply. |
| Conservatorship of Minor | $195 | Different from guardianship of the person. |
| Adult guardian/conservator | $645 | Includes specified professional and service components. |
| Objection or Caveat | $75 | Additional contested-case expenses possible. |
| Inventory or Annual Return | $40 | May apply during fiduciary administration. |
What other costs might apply?
The county notes that publication, service of process, certified mail, appointed attorneys, guardians ad litem and evaluators can increase the bill. Filing fees and applicable service fees are ordinarily due when the petition is filed. The court describes a possible $30 minimum deposit under Georgia law, but a pleading is not processed until the full required filing fee is paid.
Payments and financial hardship
The court lists cash, money orders, personal checks and cards as payment options, subject to its instructions. Card payments may have transaction charges. An eligible person unable to afford costs can review the court’s Affidavit of Indigency and supplement process; requesting relief does not itself guarantee approval or filing acceptance.
Do not rely on an old fee screenshot. Review Cobb’s live fee schedule and confirm the amount for your particular petition immediately before payment.
07 / Authenticated documents
Certified probate copies and Letters of Authority
A public docket printout helps you locate information but may not satisfy a bank, title company or another court. Request the specific official document required: an appointment, Letters of Administration, Letters Testamentary, an order, a certified will or an exemplified copy.
| Document | Published charge | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Certified copy, first page | $10 | Additional pages have a separate fee. |
| Additional certified-copy pages | $1 per page | Confirm total and delivery requirements. |
| Exemplified copy | Confirm with clerk | Use when higher authentication is specifically required. |
- Locate the case in the official portal. Record the decedent’s name, case number and requested docket entry.
- Ask the receiving institution what qualifies. A certified order and current Letters of Authority may serve different purposes.
- Contact the Probate Court. Confirm the request method, fees, payment and whether an in-person visit or mailed request is needed.
- Preserve your copy request details. Keep the case reference, document name, receipt and delivery instructions.
The official Guardianship & Conservatorship page also explains how to obtain certified or exemplified documents in those proceedings.
08 / Protected persons and assets
Cobb County guardianship and conservatorship
Under Georgia law, guardianship generally addresses personal care and decisions, while conservatorship concerns management of property or finances. The exact appointment and powers come from law and the court’s order. Adult and minor proceedings can have different evidence, notices, hearings and reporting requirements.
Adults
A petition for an adult guardian or conservator can affect significant individual rights. The court may require evaluations, notices, an appointed attorney and a hearing. Cobb lists $645 for the combined or applicable adult guardianship/conservatorship petition in its published fee schedule, including specified professional and service components.
Minors
Temporary guardianship of a minor and conservatorship of a minor are different legal processes. The court lists $130 and $195 respectively. Consult the current 2026 Cobb forms and supplemental filings rather than assuming a general statewide form is complete.
After appointment
Guardians or conservators may need personal-status reports, inventories, annual returns and court permission for certain transactions. Some records may be restricted because they concern a minor, medical information or the rights of a protected person.
09 / Separate license services
Marriage licenses and weapons carry licenses
Georgia Probate Courts also process certain licenses. These services have their own applications and appointments; they should not be confused with estate filings. Cobb’s additional forms page provides links to the marriage-license and weapons-carry application forms and instructs applicants to print completed applications to bring to the court.
Marriage licenses
Begin with the court’s official Probate Court homepage and appointment instructions. Check the identification, prior-marriage documentation, eligibility and fee requirements for your circumstances. A marriage license is not the same as a certified copy of an already recorded marriage.
Weapons carry licenses
The official weapons carry license page covers new applications, renewals, replacements, required documents and eligibility. Georgia’s rules may differ depending on the applicant and license purpose. Review the official page before visiting; this guide does not determine anyone’s eligibility.
Different office: Divorce records and passports are handled by the appropriate Superior Court Clerk’s services, and birth or death certificates through the relevant vital-records provider. Cobb Probate Court is not the service counter for all county records.
10 / Visit or call
Cobb County Probate Court address, hours and directions
Cobb County Probate Court
32 Waddell Street
Marietta, Georgia 30090
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. excluding holidays and court closures.
| Contact | Details |
|---|---|
| Main telephone | 770-528-1900 |
| Fax | 770-528-1996 |
| General email | [email protected] |
| Chief Judge | Kelli L. Wolk |
| Judges | Tara C. Riddle and Kristin Poland |
| Chief Clerk | Kristin Scott |
Map and courthouse visit
The Probate Court is at 32 Waddell Street in Marietta, not at the separate Cobb State Court record-search address. Confirm your appointment, originals and any renovation-related access instructions before travel.
11 / Common questions
Cobb County Probate Court FAQs
Can I search Cobb probate court records without an account?
Yes. The official court’s Case Status and Records Search page says you do not need a login to view the available docket and court records.
Where is Cobb County Probate Court?
The court is at 32 Waddell Street, Marietta, GA 30090. Office hours are Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–5 p.m., excluding holidays and closures.
What is the Cobb probate court phone number?
The main telephone number is 770-528-1900. The court lists [email protected] for general contact.
Can I download a will or estate document online?
The court’s portal includes available probate document images and estate records. Some personal information may be concealed, and some records may require a clerk request.
What if I cannot find a probate case?
Check names, possible filing dates and the county where the estate may have been opened. The court has historical filing indexes as well as a current online case-search system.
How much is a solemn-form will probate petition?
Cobb lists a $200 base filing fee. Service of process, publication and other applicable charges may increase the full amount.
How much does Letters of Administration cost?
The published amounts are $200 without certain powers and $320 with powers. Check current fees and the petition’s required notice and service.
Does Cobb accept online probate filings?
The official court provides applicable e-filing links and procedures. Not every probate instrument can be handled electronically; original wills and other documents may need physical delivery.
What does a certified copy cost?
The court lists $10 for the first certified-copy page and $1 for each additional page. Confirm the complete price for the particular record.
Where do I find guardianship forms?
Use the Georgia standard probate forms together with Cobb’s current local guardianship forms and any required supplements.
Can I email forms to the Probate Court?
A published general email address does not establish an authorized filing method. Use the official case-specific filing instructions or ask the clerk before transmitting documents.
Does Cobb Probate Court handle divorce records?
No. Cobb County directs divorce-record and passport matters to its Superior Court Clerk’s services, separate from Probate Court.
12 / Verified resources
Official Cobb County resources and related Georgia guides
For filings, searches or payments, use the official Cobb County Probate Court pages below. For county comparisons and Georgia-specific background, these articles on ProbateCourtUSA.org provide additional guidance.
Official court and state resources
Related guides on ProbateCourtUSA.org
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