Any person knowledgeable about and interested in the ward’s welfare may institute guardianship proceedings. The person petitioning for the appointment of a guardian must use the applicable Georgia Probate Court Standard Form (GPCSF), which is available at the courthouse or online at the official statewide
Probate Court website.
Court Procedures
If the facts stated in the petition sufficiently support the petitioner’s claim that the proposed ward is incapacitated, the court orders an evaluation by a doctor or other medical professional, as appropriate. The petition and the order must be served personally on the proposed ward.
Unless the court is notified within 2 days that the ward has an attorney, the court appoints one.
If the evaluation report and the pleadings together establish probable cause of incapacity, the court holds a hearing to determine whether a guardianship should be ordered.
Filing Fees
The fees for any guardianship proceeding must be paid upon filing the petition with the Probate Court. The Probate Court will accept cash, money orders, or personal checks made payable to “Probate Court.”