Guide / 30-day checklist
The first 30 days.
A plain-language checklist for the executor — or for anyone in the family who's trying to figure out what to do. Print it. Cross things off. Forward it to whoever needs it.
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Mr. Probate — The first 30 days
Georgia probate concierge for families with a house in a loved one's name. Free 15-minute consultation.
(470) MR-PROBATE · hello@callgaprobate.com · callgaprobate.com
Week 1
Logistical, before any paperwork.
- Funeral home contacted; arrangements set.
- Will located (or confirmed there isn't one).
- Home locks changed if you're unsure who has keys.
- Mail forwarded to your address.
- Homeowner's insurance confirmed paid and active.
- Pets and indoor plants cared for.
- Family members notified (immediate + close).
- Workplace notified if the deceased was employed.
- Pre-paid funeral plan checked for (with funeral home).
Week 2
Death certificates and the bank.
- 6–10 certified copies of the death certificate ordered.
- Mortgage servicer notified (death certificate in hand). Garn-St. Germain protection confirmed in writing.
- Bank where the deceased held accounts: death certificate submitted; auto-pays inventory requested.
- Social Security Administration notified (1-800-772-1213).
- Veterans Affairs notified if applicable (1-800-827-1000).
- Life insurance carriers contacted (one certified copy per policy).
- Auto-pay subscriptions and utilities: list compiled for transfer/cancel.
- Property tax bill checked for the home (often Sep/Oct in Georgia).
Week 3
Identifying the estate.
- Real estate inventory: county tax assessor sites searched in every Georgia county the deceased lived in or near.
- Statewide Real Estate Index checked at gsccca.org.
- Bank and investment statements collected for the past 60 days.
- Safe deposit box keys located (access requires Letters from the court).
- Vehicles, boats, and titled property identified.
- Outstanding debts compiled (credit cards, medical bills, personal loans).
- Georgia Unclaimed Property database checked.
- Heirs and their contact information confirmed.
Week 4
The probate path becomes clear.
- Decision: file probate with the will (Letters Testamentary), without a will (Letters of Administration), as Year's Support (for spouse/minor child), or as No Administration Necessary (no debt + heirs agree).
- Georgia probate attorney engaged for the county where the deceased lived.
- Petition prepared and filed with the probate court.
- Notice to heirs distributed (or in process).
- Mortgage payments current. Insurance current. Property taxes current.
- Heirs informed of the path forward.
Don't
Things to avoid in the first 30 days.
- Don't sign a 'cash for the house' offer.
- Don't list the house with a realtor before Letters issue.
- Don't stop paying the mortgage, taxes, or insurance.
- Don't withdraw money from the deceased's accounts without Letters.
- Don't move into the house and start renovating.
- Don't let one sibling 'just handle it' without paperwork from the court.
Want a real person to map this for your situation?
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