First Steps After a Death in Georgia
Practical Georgia estate settlement first steps before choosing a probate or transfer path.
Use this timeline to handle immediate post-death tasks in the right order before you move into probate, asset transfer, or executor paperwork.
Sources
- Georgia.gov - Request Vital Records, accessed 2026-06-04
- Supreme Court of Georgia - Probate Court Standard Forms and General Instructions, accessed 2026-06-04
- Georgia Department of Revenue - Vehicle Inherited or Purchased from an Estate, accessed 2026-06-04
If You Are the Named Executor in Georgia
In plain terms: if you are handling a Georgia estate, start with the records and court tasks below, at a steady pace. The details under each step explain exactly what to do.
If you are the named executor, personal representative, administrator, or the family member organizing a Georgia estate, start with the state-specific records, court, and transfer tasks below. Check each step against the current county office or agency handling the estate.
- Order certified death certificates
Use Georgia DPH or county vital records channels for certified death certificates needed by banks, insurers, courts, and title offices.
- Locate the will and title documents
Find the original will, deeds, vehicle titles, account records, beneficiary forms, trust documents, and debts.
- Identify the proper county probate court
Georgia probate filings usually start in the county probate court connected to the decedent or Georgia property facts.
- Secure records and property
Locate the will, IDs, account records, deeds, vehicle titles, insurance papers, and immediate property access details.
- Identify the county probate court
Match the decedent, will, property, and asset facts to the county probate court or transfer office that must be contacted.
Use this as an organizing checklist, then confirm county office instructions and legal questions with the right office or professional.
Timeline of Tasks
Start with the immediate tasks. Open each later phase as you reach it.
First 24-48 Hours
First Week
First Month
Ongoing Tasks
Who to Notify
Documents to Gather
Death Certificates
Many estates start with 10-15 certified copies because banks, insurers, property-transfer contacts, and agencies may ask for them.
How to get death certificates →Will & Trust Documents
Look in safe deposit boxes, home safes, attorney files, and records folders.
Probate guide →Financial Statements
Bank statements, investment accounts, retirement accounts, and recent tax returns.
Asset transfer guide →What Comes Next?
After the first 30 days, you may need to start probate or transfer assets. Use the Georgia assessment to sort what may apply.
More Georgia Resources
Explore the rest of the Georgia probate hub.