Olde Town Fall Festival
October 19, 2024Due to the Olde Town Fall Festival on October 19, 2024, we have postponed the Law Library Series event, From Court Orders to Access: A Panel Discussion on Adult Emergency Mental Health Resources Available in Rockdale County.
We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause. We're actively working to reschedule this important event for 2025. Please check back for updates on the new date and time.
PUBLIC NOTICE
October 05, 2024Please be advised that due to a fire at the Bio-Lab facility, ALL Rockdale County Government facilities, including the Probate Court, will be closed through Friday, October 7th. See Judicial Order below.
ORDER CLOSING PROBATE COURT
October 04, 2024In response to the gas clouds resulting from a fire at a nearby Bio-Lab facility, and in accordance with the judicial emergency declared by the Chief Judge of the Rockdale County Superior Court, which has been extended through Friday, October 4, 2024, it is
HEREBY ORDERED that the Probate Court of Rockdale County shall be CLOSED from October 1, 2024, through Friday, October 4, 2024. The Court will reopen on October 7, 2024, unless otherwise ordered.
IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that all filing deadlines currently set for October 1, 2, 3 or 4 are herby extended to October 7, 2024
SO ORDERED this 1st day of October, 2024
Rockdale County’s Chief Probate Clerk: More Than Just a Public Servant
September 10, 2024
The Rockdale County Probate Court is pleased to announce that Mary Hawk, our esteemed Chief Probate Clerk, has been recognized for her outstanding performance in the Rockdale County PEARL Program MDT. Ms. Hawk’s dedication and hard work have significantly impacted the program's mission to protect elderly and disabled adults. We are grateful for her commitment to our community.
We extend our heartfelt congratulations to Ms. Hawk on this well-deserved recognition. Her accomplishments are a source of pride for our court and the community we serve.
Untagling the Estate - Behind the Bench
September 10, 2024
Legacy Planning - Behind the Bench
August 06, 2024
Certified Mail Set to Increase July 14, 2024
July 14, 2024The USPS has increased the price of stamps and mailing services. You may find more information about that here (link to article https://www.pitneybowes.com/us/postal-information/usps-rate-change-overview.html).
Beginning July 14, 2024, the Rockdale County Probate Court will now charge $10 for certified mail services needed for estate, guardianship, and conservatorship cases.
In Safe Hands - Behind the Bench
June 25, 2024
Behind the Bench: A Speaker Series on Probate Court Functions and Services
May 15, 2024“Rockdale Probate Court is pleased to announce Behind the Bench: A Speaker Series on Probate Court Functions and Services coming soon!
Chief Probate Court Judge Gary Washington Revolutionizes Access to Vital Records with Launch of User-Friendly Platform on the Anniversary of the End of Civil War
April 08, 2024Conyers, Georgia – On April 9th, 2024, Chief Probate Court Judge Gary Washington proudly introduces VitalDirector, an innovative platform provided by Permitium, set to elevate accessibility and efficiency for probate court customers. This cutting-edge solution empowers individuals to manage the processing, payment, and issuance of vital records, all from the convenience of their own homes.
"We are excited to partner with Permitium and introduce VitalDirector to the State of Georgia and the citizens of Rockdale County," expressed Judge Washington. "This user-friendly platform offers residents a fast, easy, and cost-effective method to request certified copies of birth, death, and marriage certificates online. VitalDirector not only ensures compliance with statutory requirements but also expedites processing times, enhances security measures, and provides a seamless experience for all applicants."
"Launching this user-friendly platform during the week of the 159th anniversary of the Civil War's end on April 9, 1865, underscores the vital role the judiciary should play in ensuring equal access to justice and the courts for all," remarked Judge Washington. "By embracing technological advancements, our aim is to empower all individuals with a seamless process for accessing vital records, thereby fostering inclusivity and efficiency within our community."
Judge Washington’s decision to implement VitalDirector reflects a proactive approach to meeting the evolving needs of the community. “We commend Judge Washington for recognizing the growing demand for online access to vital records,” remarked Chris Perez, Vice President of Sales at Permitium. “This forward-thinking solution allows citizens to initiate requests through a unified interface, whether applying in person or online. It aligns perfectly with his commitment to exceptional probate court service delivery."
To utilize the platform, individuals can visit the Probate Court's official website and follow the intuitive instructions for submitting their certificate requests. Once processed, certificates will be securely delivered to the applicant's designated address, ensuring confidentiality and peace of mind.
Vital Records Going Digital:
March 27, 2024Vital Records Going Digital:
New Online Ordering System Coming Soon!We’re excited to announce the upcoming launch of our new online system for purchasing vital records! We have partnered with Permitium to provide VitalDirector, a user-friendly platform that will allow you to request birth, death, and marriage certificates, all from the comfort of your own home.
A few benefits of the upcoming system:
- Faster processing times
- Secure and convenient online application
- Track you order status in real-time
- Multiple payment options
Stay tuned!
Publication Rates Set to Increase in January 2024
November 07, 2023In the 2023 legislative session of the Georgia General Assembly, HB 254 was passed and signed by Governor Brain Kemp on May 3, 2023. This Bill includes an amendment to O.C.G.A. § 9-13-143(a) changing the rates for legal advertisements.
Beginning January 1, 2024, the publication fee schedule is as follows:
Rockdale County Probate Court becomes an Article 6 Court
July 01, 2022On July 1, 2022, as a result of the 2020 United States Census, the Rockdale County Probate Court became an Article 6 Probate Court. Under the Georgia law, Article VI Probate Courts are those courts in any Georgia county having a population of more than 90,000 according to the most recent United States decennial census. See O.C.G.A . Sections 15-9-4 and 15-9-6. According to the 2020 United States Census Rockdale County’s population is 93,570.
Rockdale County Probate Court now has expanded jurisdiction beyond its former jurisdiction as a non-Article 6 Probate Court. As an Article 6 Probate Court, Rockdale County Probate Court now has concurrent jurisdiction with the Rockdale County Superior court in proceedings regarding:
- Declaratory judgments involving fiduciaries;
- Tax motivated estate planning of wards’ property;
- Approval of certain settlement agreements;
- Adjudication of actions involving trusts, trustees and trust directors;
- Adjudication of petitions to construe a power of attorney or review the agent’s actions;
- Adjudication of petitions to grant an agent authority under a power of attorney;
- Adjudication of petitions for direction or construction of will or trust;
Whereas non-Article 6 Courts cannot conduct jury trials, Rockdale County Probate Court can now conduct jury trials. Further, whereas appeals from non-Article 6 Courts are made to the county superior court, appeals from the Rockdale County Probate Court are now made to the Georgia Court of Appeals or the Georgia Supreme Court, as is appropriate.
Cases filed or opened after July 1, 2022, will be considered an Article 6 case and will file Article 6 procedures for the history of the case. The opening of the case means the first pleading that is filed for the case. See Porter v. Frazier, 57 Ga. 614 (1987).
Further, the Georgia Code requires Article 6 Probate Court judges to have the same qualifications as the county Superior Court judge, including being an attorney admitted to practice law for at least seven years.
Rockdale County Probate Judge Gary Washington has been admitted to practice law in Georgia for more than thirty years.