Quick answer: the filing fee to open a probate estate in Georgia is typically $165–$210, set under O.C.G.A. § 15-9-60 and set by each county's Probate Court. On top of that, publishing the required creditor notice costs about $80 (four-week notice), and certified copies run a few dollars each.
Why filing fees vary by county
Georgia has no single statewide filing fee. Each of the state's 159 county Probate Courts sets its own charges for opening the estate, recording documents, certifying letters and publishing notices. That's why the fee in Fulton County (Atlanta) differs slightly from the one in Chatham County (Savannah) or Muscogee County (Columbus). The statewide statutes are identical — only the local court fee moves.
| County (main city) | Typical filing fee |
|---|---|
| Fulton (Atlanta) | ~$209 |
| DeKalb | ~$185 |
| Gwinnett | ~$180 |
| Cobb | ~$190 |
| Chatham (Savannah) | ~$185 |
| Richmond (Augusta) | ~$180 |
| Muscogee (Columbus) | ~$180 |
| Most other Georgia counties | $165–$210 |
Figures are typical ranges; each county sets and updates its own schedule. Confirm the exact fee with your county's Probate Court before filing.
Other court-related costs
- Creditor publication — Georgia requires publishing a notice to creditors in a local legal newspaper (O.C.G.A. § 53-7-41), about $80 (four-week notice).
- Certified copies / Letters Testamentary — you'll need several official copies to deal with banks and title; a few dollars each.
- Recording fees — for transferring real estate titles.
- Executor's bond — sometimes required (often waived for family), priced on the estate value.
Where filing fees sit in the total
Filing and publication are the smallest part of Georgia probate — the big costs are the executor commission and attorney fees. See the whole picture in the Georgia probate cost breakdown, learn about attorney fees, or estimate your total with the Georgia probate cost calculator.