Probate courts; modify certain requirements for probate judges

Stricter probate judge rules with incumbent protections

The law adds probate judge requirements in Georgia counties with more than 90,000 people under the 2010 or future decennial census. The county's probate court must also meet the definition in Article 6 of Georgia's probate court law. When qualifying, candidates must be at least 30 and have been admitted to practice law for seven years before election. They must be in good standing with the State Bar of Georgia and reinstated after any disbarment. Before or when qualifying, candidates must file an extra sworn statement with the qualifying officer confirming they meet these requirements. Elected probate judges cannot practice law privately. Judges holding office on or after June 30, 2000, can continue serving and seek reelection under the law's grandfather protection. Their official actions cannot be overturned solely because they fail to meet the seven-year requirement.