Probate Court

Sarah S. Harris
Judge of the Probate Court
MISSION
The Probate Court of Bibb County will serve the citizens in an effective, efficient, impartial and professional manner to perform the duties assigned to it under the Constitution and laws Georgia.
WHAT IS PROBATE COURT?
The Probate Court has exclusive jurisdiction over the probate of wills, the administration of estates, the appointment of guardians and conservators for incapacitated adults and minor children, and commitments to involuntary evaluation and treatment for people with mental health, drug or alcohol issues. The Probate Court also issues both marriage and firearms licenses and performs a number of other administrative duties. The Bibb County Probate Court is an “Article 6” court and has expanded jurisdiction. Under Article 6 of Title 15, Chapter 9, Official Code of Georgia, Probate Judges in counties with populations of 96,000 or greater generally must have qualifications equal to those of a Superior Court Judge, including being a licensed attorney for seven years. Article 6 Courts have limited concurrent jurisdiction with Superior Courts and may conduct jury trials in some matters. Appeals in Article 6 Courts are directly to the Court of Appeals or the Supreme Court.