© 2026 SimplyTrust Software Inc.
In-depth guides covering Georgia probate laws, trust requirements, and estate planning strategies.
Georgia revocable living trust: avoid probate, name beneficiaries, set distribution rules, appoint a successor trustee. State-specific execution.
Step 1 of 6
Tell us about yourself to get started.
SELF-HELP SERVICE: SimplyTrust provides a self-help document preparation service. We are not a law firm and cannot provide legal advice, select forms for you, or tell you how to complete forms. Our role is limited to providing a platform where you input your own information into document templates.
NOT LEGAL ADVICE:This document was created entirely based on your selections. SimplyTrust does not review, analyze, or verify your entries, nor do we verify your identity, capacity, or authority to act. You are solely responsible for determining whether this document meets your needs and for completing all required execution formalities (signatures, witnesses, notarization, or recording) in accordance with your state's laws. For any legal questions, consult a licensed attorney in your state.
Yes. Assets held in a revocable living trust bypass Georgia probate entirely — no court supervision, no public record, no statutory fees.O.C.G.A. § 53-12-1 et seq.Verified May 30, 2026 Full probate in Georgia typically takes 9-12 months. Use the Georgia probate cost calculator to see what probate would cost without a trust.
Georgia accepts a certificate of trust in lieu of the full trust instrument.O.C.G.A. § 53-12-280Verified May 30, 2026 The certificate confirms the trust exists, identifies the trustee, and states the trustee's powers — without disclosing beneficiaries or distribution terms. Third parties who rely on the certificate in good faith are protected by statute.O.C.G.A. § 53-12-280(e)Verified May 30, 2026
Many families with a trust also use a pour-over will — one way to direct assets not transferred into the trust during your lifetime. Pour-over assets go through probate before reaching the trust. Create a Georgia pour-over will if needed.
The successor trustee takes over and the trust becomes irrevocable. The trustee manages the 3-month creditor claim window and distributes assets according to the trust terms — all without probate court involvement.O.C.G.A. § 53-12-1 et seq.Verified May 30, 2026 Georgia requires beneficiary notification within 60 days of death. Use the Trust EIN application tool to get the tax ID.
Most assets can be transferred: Georgia real estate (via a Warranty Deed or Transfer on Death Deed), bank accounts, investment accounts, vehicles, and personal property.O.C.G.A. § 53-12-1 et seq.Verified May 30, 2026 Retirement accounts (401k, IRA) use beneficiary designations rather than being retitled. Life insurance policies can name the trust as beneficiary. The key is funding — only assets actually transferred into the trust bypass probate.
It depends on your estate size and goals. Georgia allows simplified probate for estates under $15,000,O.C.G.A. § 7-1-239 (small estate), § 53-2-40 (no administration necessary), § 53-6-50 (bond), § 53-6-53 (testate bond exemption), § 53-6-60 (executor fees), § 53-7-6 (attorney fees), § 53-7-41 (creditor claims/publication)Verified May 30, 2026 so smaller estates may not need a trust for cost savings alone. Use the Georgia trust vs. will comparison to see which fits your situation.
Georgia offers transfer-on-death deeds for real estate,O.C.G.A. 44-17-1 to 44-17-7Verified May 30, 2026 which transfer property at death without probate. A TOD deed is simpler for a single property, but a trust covers all asset types, provides incapacity protection, and keeps distributions private. Check eligibility with the TOD deed checker.
While you're alive, a revocable trust uses your Social Security number. After the grantor dies, the trust needs its own EIN from the IRS. Use the Trust EIN application to prepare the paperwork.
Get a complete guide for your specific circumstances.

Starting a life together means planning for it. Beneficiary updates, asset titling, powers of attorney, and what blended families need to know.
Learn more
Your home is probably your biggest asset. Protect it like one. Property titling, trust ownership, and how to keep your home out of probate.
Learn more