On July 5th, 2025, the state of Georgia announced significant changes to its wills and probate process aimed at simplifying and expediting the administration of estates. The new legislation, known as the Simplified Probate Act, was signed into law by Governor Sarah White and is set to take effect on January 1st, 2026.The Simplified Probate Act is designed to make the probate process more efficient and cost-effective for families dealing with the estate of a deceased loved one. One of the key provisions of the new law is the introduction of a simplified probate process for estates with assets valued at $100,000 or less. Under this new process, families will be able to file a simplified probate petition with the court, bypassing the need for a full probate proceeding.In addition to streamlining the probate process for smaller estates, the Simplified Probate Act also includes provisions aimed at reducing the administrative burden on executors and beneficiaries. For example, the new law allows for the electronic filing of probate documents, making it easier for parties to submit necessary paperwork and track the progress of their case online.Furthermore, the Simplified Probate Act includes measures to ensure that the wishes of the deceased are respected and that their assets are distributed in a timely manner. The new law requires executors to provide regular updates to beneficiaries on the status of the estate administration, as well as detailed accountings of all financial transactions.Overall, the introduction of the Simplified Probate Act has been widely praised by legal experts and estate planning professionals in Georgia. Many believe that the new legislation will help to reduce the time and expense associated with the probate process, allowing families to focus on grieving and healing rather than navigating complex legal proceedings.As Georgia prepares to implement the Simplified Probate Act, the state is also taking steps to educate the public about the new legislation and how it will impact estate administration. Information sessions and workshops are being planned to help families understand their rights and obligations under the new law, ensuring a smooth transition to the updated probate process.