A county’s probate court handles a wealth of issues brought by citizens and government. Due to the extension of the statewide judicial emergency that now runs through May 13, Fayette County Probate Judge Ann Jackson provided a list of the court’s essential and non-essential functions.
Initially, the Georgia Supreme Court ordered a statewide judicial emergency on March 14. That order has been extended to run through May 13.
The order directs that to the extent feasible, the courts will remain open to address “essential functions” and other functions may be limited. The order also notes that during the period, time schedules or filing requirements imposed by applicable statutes, rules, regulations or court orders are suspended, tolled and extended, Jackson said.
Jackson said during the judicial emergency the following are considered essential functions of the probate court:
• Issuance of disposition permits or orders appointing estate representatives for disposal of unclaimed dead bodies;
• Appointment of emergency guardians or conservators for minors or adults;
• Issuance of orders to apprehend and evaluate persons suffering crises as a result of mental illness or substance abuse;
• Administer oaths to public officials needed to perform official duties; and
• Other emergency matters.
The functions noted as non-essential which will be temporarily suspended include:
• Applications for weapons carry licenses;
• Applications for marriage licenses;
• Filing of paternity affidavits;
• Processing of miscellaneous documents handled in probate court; and
• Acceptance of passport applications.
Jackson said during the judicial emergency certain non-essential functions will be attended on a limited basis and in a manner that prevents in person contact with customers. Those duties include but are not limited to:
• Intake and process mail and documents delivered to the court including but not limited to pleadings;
• Reply to telephone calls and provide information;
• Reply to email or fax communications;
• Fill written requests for copies of records, files, death certificates for funeral homes and other customers;
• Intake and process emergency petitions for guardianship/conservatorship of adults;
• Intake affidavits for orders to apprehend and issuance of orders, if appropriate;
• Intake and process emergency/urgent decedent’s estate petitions; and
• Mail out weapons carry licenses previously approved.
Jackson said though staff will be on-duty, the probate office is currently closed to the public. She said the processing of all matters may be delayed, and requests for copies of vital records and documents must be mailed. Hearings are being rescheduled and new notices will be sent by mail.
Those needing probate services should call 770-716-4220 for assistance.
