Probate Court

Probate Court dates back to the early constitution of the State of Georgia and deals with the issue of passing property and belongings of the deceased to the living. The word "probate" comes from the Latin term "probatio" and refers to the court procedure by which a will is proved to be valid or invalid. Probate Court is a court of limited jurisdiction responsible for the probating or proving of all wills of Wilkes County residents. Probate Court is a court of record, meaning all documents filed in Probate Court must be recorded in minute books and kept permanently available to the public.

Wilkes County Probate Court's mission is to perform its constitutional duties in a fair, professional,compassionate and fiscally responsible way.

In Wilkes County, the Probate Judge is the Vital Records Registrar and Custodian (birth and death records) as well as the Elections Superintendent and Traffic Court Judge.

Judge Thomas Charping and his staff are committed to providing excellent customer service and are happy to answer any questions or concerns about services or procedures. However, state law prohibits court staff from rendering legal advice. Many matters of law are quite complex and may require special knowledge of legal principles and procedures. Although we cannot recommend a specific attorney, it is often in your best interest to seek legal counsel.