Wills by state
How to Make a Will in Georgia
What Georgia law requires for a valid will, how signing works, and the details that trip people up — in plain English.
Georgia will requirements at a glance
14+
Georgia allows wills from age 14 — younger than the usual 18.
2 witnesses
Two adult witnesses must watch you sign (or acknowledge) your will and sign it themselves. Witnesses generally should not be people who inherit under the will.
Not required for validity
A notary is not what makes the will valid — but notarizing a self-proving affidavit (below) is strongly recommended.
Available
A short notarized statement signed with your witnesses. It lets the probate court accept the will without tracking your witnesses down later.
Not recognized
Georgia does not accept unwitnessed handwritten wills.
Signing your will in Georgia
- 1
Put your wishes in writing
Decide who inherits, who serves as your personal representative (executor), and who would care for minor children. Our guided questions walk you through every decision.
- 2
Gather two adult witnesses
Choose adults who don't inherit under the will. You sign (or acknowledge your signature) in front of them; they sign in front of you.
- 3
Add the self-proving affidavit
You and your witnesses sign a short sworn statement before a notary — usually in the same sitting. This one step saves your family from having to locate witnesses during probate.
- 4
Store it well and tell your executor
Keep the signed original somewhere safe and findable — a fireproof box at home beats a bank safe-deposit box your family can't open. Tell your executor where it is.
Georgia specifics worth knowing
Georgia sets the minimum age to make a will at 14 — the lowest in the country. Probate in solemn form becomes immediately binding, with no waiting period, when every heir acknowledges service (O.C.G.A. §53-5-22).
Georgia will FAQs
Does a will need to be notarized in Georgia?
No. In Georgia, a will is made valid by your signature and two witnesses — not by a notary. However, adding a notarized self-proving affidavit is strongly recommended: it lets the probate court accept your will without needing your witnesses to testify later.
Can I write my own will in Georgia?
You don't need a lawyer to make a valid will in Georgia, but it must be properly executed: in writing, signed by you, and signed by two witnesses. Georgia does not accept unwitnessed handwritten wills, so skipping the formalities means dying intestate — the state's default rules decide who inherits.
What happens if I die without a will in Georgia?
Your estate passes under Georgia's intestacy laws — a fixed priority list (usually spouse first, then children, then parents, then siblings). Unmarried partners, stepchildren, friends, and charities receive nothing under these defaults, and the court chooses your estate's administrator and your minor children's guardian without your input.
How much does a will cost in Georgia?
An attorney-drafted will in Georgia typically runs several hundred to a few thousand dollars. With Plan Your After you build your complete estate plan — will, trust, powers of attorney, living will, and HIPAA authorization — free, and pay $149 only when you're ready to finalize and download, including a year of unlimited updates.
This page is general information about Georgia law, not legal advice, and laws change. For advice about your specific situation, consult a licensed Georgia attorney.
Georgia estate planning
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