Settling an Estate in Georgia

Settling an estate in Georgia is much the same as elsewhere in the country. However, there are a few details that may be different from state to state. 

• The first step is to file a petition to open probate with the court. The court will appoint an executor if someone is listed in the will. If there is no will, the court will appoint a personal representative. They both perform the same job.
• The court will provide Letters of Testamentary to the executor, so they can act on behalf of the estate. They may need to post a bond to protect the estate.
• The executor will locate and protect all inventory and appraise it if necessary.
• The executor will file and pay taxes and pay all creditors. If needed, they can sell some assets to have enough funds.
• The executor must publish notification of the death in the local newspaper within 60 days of appointment. Creditors have three months to come forward with any unpaid debts.
• Once all debts have been paid, the executor can distribute the remaining assets to the heirs. They will submit a formal request to close probate with the court.