Probate Court

Current Presiding Probate Judge:

Honorable Teresa Odum

P.O. Box 426 / 447 S. McDonald St.
Ludowici, Georgia 31316
tel: (912) 545-2131
fax: (912) 545-2029
E-Mail: todum.longcoprobatejudge@gmail.com

CLICK HERE! For Downloadable Probate Court Forms

Long County County Probate Courts exercise exclusive, original jurisdiction in the probate of wills, administration of estates, the appointment of guardians and involuntary hospitalization of incapacitated adults and other individuals for Long County.

Long County Probate Court, Judge, Teresa Odum duties also includes administering oaths of office and issuing marriage licenses. Probate Court judges may hold habeas corpus hearings or preside over criminal preliminary hearings. Unless a jury trial is requested, Probate Court judges may also hear certain misdemeanors, traffic cases and violations of state game and fish laws in counties where there is no state court. When authorized by local statute, probate judges serve as election supervisors and make appointments to certain local public offices. In counties with a population greater than 96,000, a party to a civil case may request a jury trial in the Probate Court by a written demand with the first pleading. Appeals from such civil cases may be to the Supreme Court or the Court of Appeals depending on the particular matter.

Most Probate Court judges are elected to four-year terms in countywide, partisan elections. A candidate for judge of the probate court must be at least 25 years of age, a high school graduate, a U.S. citizen and a county resident for at least two years preceding the election. In counties with a population over 96,000, a candidate for Probate judge must have practiced law for seven years and be at least 30 years of age.