Georgia small estate affidavit: limits & how it works
Georgia offers a 'no administration necessary' petition when the estate is small enough — $100,000 or less with a surviving spouse or minor child, or $50,000 or less without — letting assets transfer without a full probate.
GA small-estate limit
$100,000 (with surviving spouse or minor child) / $50,000 (without)
- If the estate doesn't exceed $100,000 (with a surviving spouse or minor child) or $50,000 (without), heirs can petition for 'no administration necessary' — a simplified court process.
- A year's support can also reduce the probate estate by setting aside property for the surviving spouse or minor children first.
- If the estate exceeds these limits, a formal administration is the usual path.
- Kindred checks whether your estate qualifies for a simplified path and handles it accordingly.
Common questions
Do I need a lawyer for probate in Georgia?
Not strictly — Georgia allows an executor to handle an uncontested probate without an attorney, and the Probate Court is designed to be accessible to families. Kindred handles the administrative work for a flat fee. If a dispute or complex issue arises, we flag it so you can bring in an attorney of your choosing. Kindred is not a law firm.
How much does probate cost in Georgia?
Georgia has no statutory percentage fee — attorneys typically bill $200-$400/hour or a flat fee. Court filing fees run about $215-$300. A year's support petition or a 'no administration necessary' petition for smaller estates can reduce costs significantly. These are illustrative figures; actual costs vary by estate.
How long does probate take in Georgia?
Typically 8 to 14 months. Creditors have about 4 months from publication of notice to file claims. An estate can potentially close in 6 months if everything moves quickly. A year's support petition must be filed within 24 months of death.
What is a year's support in Georgia probate?
It's a Georgia-specific benefit where a surviving spouse or minor child can petition the Probate Court to set aside property for their support — up to a year's worth of living expenses — before creditors and other heirs are paid. It can significantly reduce the probate estate and is often the first thing to file.
Last verified June 2026. Figures are illustrative and vary by estate — not a quote or legal advice. Kindred is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice; we handle the administrative work and coordinate an independent attorney where one is legally required.
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