PROBATE COURT
201 N Davis Street, Room 175
Nashville, GA 31639
Location: First Floor of Administration Building
Office: (229) 686-5213
Fax: (229) 686-9495
Hours: 8:00am – 4:30pm Monday – Friday
The Honorable Christina S. Allen
Judge of Probate Court
The Berrien County Probate Court is honored to serve our citizens in an effective, efficient, impartial, and professional manner, and to perform the duties assigned to the Court under the Constitution and the laws of Georgia. The Berrien County Probate Court is a Court of Record with exclusive jurosdictiopn over Estates, Guardianships and Conservatorships of incapacitated adults, Temporary and Permanent guardianships of minors, conservatorships of minors, evaluation orders in mental health, drug and alcohol cases, Invouktary Sterilization proceedings, the issuance of Fireworks Permits, the Issuance of Georgia Weapons Carry License, the Issuance of Marriage Licenses, and the Issuance of Birth and Death Certificates. Probate Court also performs numerous other and varied duties.
The Court does not handle traffic, elections, or game and fish law violation cases. The Berrien County Clerk of Court’s office handles traffic cases and game and fish law violations, and the Berrien County Board of Elections and Registrations handles elections.
Probate Court Exercises Jurisdiction Over:
Birth and Death Certificates· Fireworks Permits
Involuntary Hospitalization/Outpatient Evaluation· Probate of Wills
Weapons Carry License
Various other Administrative Duties
Temporary and Permanent Guardians of Minors
Marriage License
Guardians and Conservators of Adults
Probate Court Staff
Christina Allen
Probate Judge
Martha Messenger
Clerk
Regina Webb
Clerk
Marriage Licenses
Any Georgia resident may apply for a license in any county in Georgia. However, if neither applicant is a resident of Georgia, applicants must obtain a marriage license in the county where the ceremony is held. Both parties must be present to complete the process in our office.
TO APPLY FOR A GEORGIA MARRIAGE LICENSE:
Applicants must provide a valid Photo I.D., Birth Certificate or Passport
Applicants whose last marriage ended in Divorce shall provide a copy of their Final Judgement and Decree of Divorce.
Applicants must be 18 years of age.
Marriage License Fees, Cost and Procedure
Marriage License with Certificate of Counseling attached: $36.00
Marriage License without Certificate of Counseling: $76.00
These fees include a Certified Copy of the Marriage Application and the Marriage Certificate
There is a $10.00 fee for each additional Certified Copy
Please click the following link to order a certified copy of your Marriage License. Please allow 3-5 days processing and mailing time. The Probate Court does not issue refunds.
If the Applicants have completed a qualifying premarital education program in accordance with O.C.G.A § 19-3-30, the certificate must be presented at the time the marriage license is obtained to receive the reduced price rate for the license.
HB 228 MARRIAGE LICENSE CHANGES
EFFECTIVE: JULY 1, 2019
UNDERAGE APPLICANTS
1. REMOVES PARENTAL CONSENT TO MARRY FOR UNDER AGE 18 APPLICANTS. (THERE REMAINS NO PROVISION IN
THE LAW FOR UNDERAGE APPLICANTS FOR REASON OF PREGNANCY.)
2. A 17 YEAR OLD MAY BE ISSUED A MARRIAGE LICENSE IF All OF THE FOLLOWING ARE MET:
A. A PETITION IS GRANTED IN JUVENILE COURT FOR EMANCIPATION AND A CERTIFIED COPY OF SUCH ORDER IS
PRESENTED. (SEE §15-11-720)
B. 15 DAYS HAVE PASSED SINCE THE DATE THE ORDER GRANTING EMANCIPATION WAS GRANTED.
C. THE OLDER PARTY TO THE MARRIAGE IS NO MORE THAN 4 YEARS OLDER THAN THE YOUNGER PARTY.
D. APPLICANTS HAVE COMPLETED PREMARITAL EDUCATION ACCORDING TO §19-3-30.1 (THERE ARE ADDITIONAL
COUNSELING REQUIREMENTS FOR THOSE 17 YEARS OLD)
Premarital Education Certificate for Applicants 17 years of age
PROOF OF AGE
19-3-36 IS AMENDED TO REQUIRE ALL APPLICANTS TO PRESENT DOCUMENTARY EVIDENCE OF PROOF
OF AGE.
Click here for the affidavit for underage marriage applicant
Click here to Order a Certified copy of your Marriage License
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE APPLICATION:
Marriage Application
NOTE: Once you receive your confirmation number, you will print that page and bring it into our office to complete your application process.
Weapons Permit Information
BASIC REQUIREMENTS FOR A WEAPON CARRY LICENSE:
Applicant must be not less than 21 years of age UNLESS he or she:
Is at least 18 years of age; and
Provides proof that he or she has completed basic training in the armed forces of the United States; and
Provides proof that he or she is actively serving in the armed forces of the United States or has been honorably discharged from such service;
Applicant must be a resident of Berrien County
Applicant who is not a citizen of the United States must provide proof of legal presence in the U.S.
Naturalized citizens of the United States must provide naturalization certificate and original INS number
Applicants who were born outside the United States must bring a certified birth certificate or a passport showing the country of birth
Applicant must provide picture I.D. and proof of residence in Berrien County if your current address does not match the address listed on your picture I.D.
Applicant must not currently be on probation for any offense
Applicant must be fingerprinted and submit to a criminal and mental health records check
Applicant must not have any legal disqualification to receipt of the license
*** WCL Renewal: Any application made prior to expiration of the license or within 30 days after expiration of the license. Fingerprinting is not required only name and identifier check will be performed.
Weapons Permit Fees, Costs and Procedure
Weapons Carry License Application Fee for first time applicants: $73.25
Weapons Carry License Renewal Fee: $30.00
Other Important Information
NO REFUNDS
· If an applicant’s Weapon Carry License is denied, they will not be provided a refund of any fees paid for the application process.
· If an applicant’s fingerprints are rejected as illegible by the GBI, the applicant must return for reprinting within 90 days.
· An applicant is allowed to pick up their Weapons Carry License to avoid delay in mailing.
· A lost or stolen license may be replaced upon payment of a fee. A sworn statement that the license has been lost or stolen is required; if the license was stolen, the theft must be reported to the law enforcement agency where the theft occurred.
· A determination of eligibility can only be made by the Judge of the Probate Court AFTER receipt of the required criminal and mental health records and immigrant alien inquiry, if applicable.
COURT PERSONNEL CANNOT GIVE ADVICE OR OPINIONS CONCERNING YOUR ELIGIBILITY.
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE APPLICATION:
Firearms Application
Need to Contact a Department or Employee?
Need to Contact a Department or Employee?
