Welcome To Probate Court
Monday 09/26/11 04:54 PM
Hancock County Probate Court has prided itself on serving its citizens and others efficiently and with a smile. Probate Court has original jurisdiction over actions concerning the issuance of marriage licenses, firearm licenses, the estate of a deceased person, the will of an individual, the estate of a minor or incapacitated person, trusts, elections, traffic court, birth and death records, and involuntary commitments. Most Probate matters are handled without a jury trial, but probate court does have the authority to conduct a jury trial.
The objective of probate court office is to be responsive to the people we serve. It is crucial to put a face on the court and to convey a sense of responsibility, respect, and compassion towards the people this office serves.
The office is under the guidance and leadership of the Honorable Judge Marva L. Rice. She is a native of Philadelphia, but has made Sparta her home. She has worked for the Probate Court office for 30+ years and served as Probate Judge for 7 years.
Welcome
Monday 09/26/11 03:15 PM
*^*Frequently Asked Questions*^*
*1) How do I obtain a marriage license?
Requirements for Applying for a Marriage License
RESIDENCE: If either of the applicants is a resident of the State of Georgia, the marriage license may be obtained from the Probate Court in any county in the State. It is not required that the license be obtained from the county of the legal resident of the State of Georgia, the license must be obtained from the Probate Court in the county in which the ceremony is to be performed.
BLOOD TESTS: As of July 1, 2003, premarital blood tests are no longer required under Georgia law.
PROOF OF AGE: Both applicants must be 18 years of age or older to apply for a marriage license without parental consent. As of July 1, 2006, the pregnancy of a female applicant no longer authorizes the issuance of a license to a 16 or 17 year old without consent.
PROOF OF DISSOLUTION OF PRIOR MARRIAGE: If either applicant has been previously married and the marriage was dissolved by divorce or annulment, a copy of the decree of divorce or annulment must be presented at the time of application.
PROOF OF CITIZENSHIP OR LAWFUL PRESENCE: Applicants who were born outside the United States will be required to show proof of citizenship or proof of lawful presence in the United States.
FEES: The fee for a marriage license is $66.00, which includes a certified copy of the marriage license after the ceremony has been preformed.
However, if the couple presents to the court, at the time of making the application, a certificate of completion of a premarital education program, the total cost for the marriage license will be $26.00. You may contact our office for specific counseling details.
GETTING MARRIED AT THE COURTHOUSE: Please contact our office to set an appointment. The Probate Court Judge does not perform weddings, except by appointment and after a meeting with the Judge about the ceremony.
*2) How can I obtain information or copies from a previously filed estate?
A written request must be submitted with the full name on the estate and the year the estate was filed. The information will be mailed back to you upon receipt of your request. There is a $15 research fee.
*3) How can I obtain a certified copy of a birth or death certificate?
You may mail in a written request or come into the Probate Court office. The Request Forms are available online. There is a $25 fee for these documents. No information pertaining to these documents will be given over the phone.
*4) How can I obtain legal guardianship of a minor?
A petition must be filed in the Probate Court office or with an attorney. The fee for this petition ranges from $75 - $155.
*5) What is the fine for my speeding citation?
**Traffic Fines**
Up to 10 mph over limit.................$163.00
11-15 mph over limit.....................$173.00
16-20 mph over limit.....................$193.00
21-30 mph over limit.....................$207.00
31-40 mph over limit.....................$274.00
Over 41 mph over limit..................$351.00
No seatbelt ...................................$15.00
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