Best Probate Lawyers in Macon

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is the non-emergency contact number for the local police station in Macon, Georgia?

  For non-emergency matters in Macon, call the Bibb County Sheriff’s Office at 478-751-7500.

• Where can I get a copy of police reports for incidents related to my case in Macon, Georgia?

  To obtain a copy of a Macon police report, submit a request at https://maconbibbcountysheriffga.justfoia.com/publicportal/home/newrequest.

• How does probate work in Macon if there is no will?

  If the decedent did not leave a will in Macon, their assets would be distributed according to the intestate succession laws of Georgia. Most of the time, the estate is passed on to the spouse, children, grandchildren, and other relatives. However, if the decedent has no surviving relatives, the state of Georgia will take over all the property and assets included in the estate.

• Are you eligible for support in Macon if your spouse died and you have minor children?

  Yes. You may be eligible for a year’s worth of support from the estate, whether or not your spouse left a will in Macon. To be able to receive this form of relief, you must file a proceeding for yourself or your children under the age of 18. Your petition should specify the property you wish to be awarded to you and your children. Keep in mind that notice must be given to all “interested persons.”

• When is probate required in Macon?

  While there are some ways to bypass probate in Macon, most assets in an estate still go through the complex probate process, and there are cases when probate is absolutely necessary. An example would be if the estate’s assets belonged to the decedent and no one else, with no named beneficiary. Moreover, if a will exists, it must be filed in a timely manner and should not go past five years from the death of its creator.

• What are you supposed to do if you are named as the executor of a will in Macon?

  If the decedent named you as the executor of their will in Macon, you have the duty to settle their estate. You are to keep track of assets and expenditures that are in accordance with state and federal law. In the event that you are not willing to serve, the Probate Court of Macon-Bibb County will appoint an alternate executor who will perform the same job.

• Is a personal representative always necessary to divide the estate of a deceased person in Macon?

  A “No Administration Necessary” proceeding may be filed by heirs in Macon if all the debts of the decedent have been settled, if there is no other need for formal administration, and if all the heirs have already agreed on how the estate will be divided. The heirs are then required to sign an agreement disposing of the entire estate, and creditors who have not consented in writing must be given legal notice of this filing.