Probate courts, formerly called courts of ordinary, have original jurisdiction in the probation of wills,
administration of estates, appointment of guardians, and
involuntary hospitalization of mentally incapacitated
adults. They administer oaths of office and issue marriage
licenses. They also supervise the printing of election
ballots and the counting of votes, and in some counties
they have jurisdiction over traffic and compulsory school
attendance laws. They may hold habeas corpus hearings
or preside over criminal preliminary hearings. In
counties with a population greater than 96,000, a party
to a civil case may request a jury trial in the probate
court. Probate judges may handle certain misdemeanor
cases, traffic cases, and violations of state game and fish
laws in counties where there is no state court.
- Judicial Branch: Overview.
Gwen Y. Wood
Which areas do Georgia's probate courts oversee?
Check all that apply.
estate inheritance
the appointment of judges
the appointment of guardians
the hospitalization of mentally ill adults
wedding ceremonies and divorce decrees