Georgia § 53-3-5 - Filing of petition.
Full text of Georgia Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 53-3-5 — Filing of petition., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 53-3-5. Filing of petition.
Upon the death of any individual leaving an estate solvent or insolvent, the surviving spouse or a guardian or other person acting in behalf of the surviving spouse or in behalf of a minor child may file a petition for year's support in the probate court having jurisdiction over the decedent's estate. If the petition is brought by a guardian acting on behalf of a minor child, no additional guardian ad litem shall be appointed for such minor child unless ordered by the court. (For effective date, see note.) The petition shall set forth, as applicable, the full name of the surviving spouse, the full name and birthdate of each surviving minor child, and a schedule of the property, including household furniture, that the petitioner proposes to have set apart as year's support. The petition shall describe fully and accurately any real property the petitioner proposes to have set apart as year's support with a legal description sufficient under the laws of this state to pass title to the real property. A petition for year's support shall be filed within 24 months of the date of death of the decedent. (Code 1981, § 53-3-5 , enacted by Ga. L. 1996, p. 504, § 10; Ga. L. 1998, p. 1586, § 13; Ga. L. 2020, p. 377, § 1-6/HB 865.) The 2020 amendment, effective January 1, 2021, in subsection (b), substituted "apart as year's support" for "aside" twice; in the first sentence, inserted a comma following "child" and substituted "which" for "that"; and substituted "describe fully and accurately" for "fully and accurately describe" in the second sentence. Law reviews. - For survey article on wills, trusts, guardianships, and fiduciary administration, see 60 Mercer L. Rev. 417 (2008). For annual survey on wills, trusts, guardianships, and fiduciary administration, see 65 Mercer L. Rev. 295 (2013).
Source: official Georgia text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Georgia § 53-3-5
What does Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 53-3-5 cover?
Section 53-3-5 ("Filing of petition.") is part of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, the codified statutory law of Georgia. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Georgia § 53-3-5?
A common citation format is "Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 53-3-5" (Georgia). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Georgia law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Georgia official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Georgia attorney.
How does Georgia § 53-3-5 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Georgia can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Georgia.