Conyers, 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.
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:
Stay tuned!
In 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:
On 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:
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.