Probate Court

Mission

Banks County Probate Court will serve the citizens in an effective, efficient, impartial and professional manner to perform the duties assigned to it under the constitution and laws of Georgia.  Georgia Probate Courts exercise exclusive, original jurisdiction in the probate of wills, administration of estates, appointment of guardians (minor and adult) and involuntary orders for evaluations of incapacitated adults and other individuals.

All probate court judges administer oaths of office, issue marriage and firearms licenses; some process United States passport applications. They may hold habeas corpus hearings or preside over criminal preliminary hearings. Unless a jury trial is requested, probate court judges may also hear certain misdemeanors, traffic cases and violations of state game and fish laws in counties where there is no state court. When authorized by local statute, probate judges serve as election supervisors and make appointments to certain local public offices.