GA SB232

Repeals and replaces the existing Georgia probate court fee schedule (Code Section 15-9-60) with a comprehensive new fee structure, setting specific amounts for estate filings ($175 for petitions), guardianship/conservatorship filings, involuntary treatment filings, miscellaneous items such as marriage licenses ($40 without premarital education, no fee with), weapons carry license applications ($30), and copies ($1/page), among others.

Imposes a one-time fee of 8 percent of a fund when a probate court judge accepts custodianship of an account for a minor, incapacitated adult, or missing/unknown heir or beneficiary, with proceeds paid to the county treasury.

Requires an additional $15.00 fee on each marriage license to be collected by probate judges and remitted to the Georgia Superior Court Clerks' Cooperative Authority for deposit into the State Children's Trust Fund, with quarterly reporting to legislative and budget offices.

Removes the separate fireworks permit fee previously paid directly to the probate judge ($10 for granting/refusing a permit, $1 per copy) and consolidates it into the new fee schedule at $50 per fireworks application.

Effective January 1, 2025, applying to all fees paid in probate court on or after that date, and repeals the prior provision regarding separate compensation of probate judges as custodians of certain funds.