The creditor claim period of 3 monthsO.C.G.A. §§ 53-7-40, 53-7-41, 53-7-42, 53-7-43, 9-3-36Verified Sep 15, 2026View source protects the personal representative who distributes after it; it is not a bar, and late claims can still reach undistributed assets. Every claim is barred 72 monthsO.C.G.A. §§ 53-7-40, 53-7-41, 53-7-42, 53-7-43, 9-3-36Verified Sep 15, 2026View source after the date of death, whether or not notice was given.

Within 180 daysO.C.G.A. §§ 53-7-30, 53-7-31, 53-7-32, 53-7-33Verified Sep 15, 2026View source of the personal representative's appointment.

The personal representative closes the estate by filing a Petition for Discharge of Personal Representative (GPCSF 33) under O.C.G.A. § 53-7-50, certifying full administration, payment of all claims, and filing of all required inventory and returns (or relief from them); after citation to the heirs/beneficiaries and one-time publication, the probate court enters an order discharging the personal representative from office and from all liability if no objection is filedO.C.G.A. §§ 53-7-50, 53-7-52, 53-7-53 (Discharge and Resignation); §§ 53-7-60, 53-7-62, 53-7-63 (Settlement of Accounts)Verified Sep 15, 2026View source.

A person named as executor who will not serve declines the appointment before anyone is appointed; the instrument is a written renunciation filed with the courtO.C.G.A. § 53-6-12Verified Sep 23, 2026View source.