Written by Sarah Mitchell
Estate Planning Editor, Law-Trust.com
Legally reviewed by James Hartley, J.D.
Texas Bar · Estate Planning Attorney
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Georgia is a great state for estate planning — no state estate tax, an efficient probate court system, and clear will requirements. But there's one critical difference from most other states: Georgia requires a notary public at your will signing, in addition to two witnesses. This is one of the most common mistakes Georgia residents make with online wills. Get the notary wrong, and your will could be challenged.
This guide covers Georgia's specific requirements, which online services handle the notarization step correctly, what you'll pay, and how Georgia's Probate Court process works. If you're a Georgia resident, read the notarization section carefully before you sign anything.
Is an Online Will Legal in Georgia?
Yes — an online will is fully legal in Georgia, but the execution requirements are slightly more involved than most states. Under Georgia Code §53-4-20, a valid Georgia will must be signed by the testator and attested by at least two witnesses in the testator's presence. Additionally, Georgia is one of a small number of states that requires notarization as part of the standard will execution process.
⚠️ Georgia-Specific Requirement: Unlike most states, Georgia requires a notary public present during will signing (in addition to two witnesses). A will signed without a notary in Georgia may not be valid. Make sure your chosen online service explicitly covers Georgia's notarization requirement.
The good news: notaries are easy to find and inexpensive. Banks, UPS Stores, libraries, law offices, and real estate agents commonly offer notary services for $5–$25. Many online services provide a signing ceremony checklist that walks Georgia residents through the exact steps needed.
Georgia Will Requirements Checklist
- Testator age: Must be 14 years or older (though 18 is standard for adults).
- Sound mind: Must be of sound mind and disposing memory at the time of signing.
- Signature: Must be signed by the testator, or by another person at the testator's direction and in their presence.
- Two witnesses: Must be attested and signed by at least two competent witnesses in the testator's presence.
- Notarization: REQUIRED — a notary public must be present and sign as part of the execution.
- All present simultaneously: Testator, both witnesses, and the notary should all be present together.
- Holographic wills: NOT valid in Georgia — witnesses and notary are required.
💡 Where to find a notary in Georgia: Bank of America, Wells Fargo, Chase, and most credit unions offer free or low-cost notary services to account holders. UPS Stores charge $5–$10 per signature. Georgia also has mobile notary services that come to your home — typically $25–$75 for an estate document signing.
Best Online Will Services for Georgia Residents
Not all online will services clearly handle Georgia's notarization requirement. We evaluated which services provide the clearest Georgia-specific execution instructions:
Best overall for Georgia residents — clear notarization instructions, state-specific documents
Individual will from
$69
Georgia-Specific Documents
Notarization Guidance
Free Updates
Trust Plans Available
Attorney-Drafted
Trust & Will is our top pick for Georgia. Their platform generates Georgia-specific documents with proper witness and notary signature blocks, and their execution instructions clearly walk Georgia residents through the notarization requirement. Individual will plan starts at $69; comprehensive plan at $199 includes healthcare directive and financial power of attorney.
Start Your Georgia Will at Trust & Will →
Solid Georgia option with attorney access available
Basic will from
$89
Attorney Network
Georgia-Specific
Notarization Service Available
LegalZoom produces Georgia-compliant will documents and can connect you with notarization services through their partner network. Their attorney access via subscription is helpful if you have questions about Georgia-specific requirements. Pricing is higher than Trust & Will, but the breadth of support is valuable for more complex situations.
Visit LegalZoom →
Budget-friendly option — Georgia templates available
Subscription from
$9.95/mo
Low Cost
Georgia Templates
Multiple Documents
LawDepot offers Georgia-specific will templates at the lowest price point. The experience is more forms-based and less guided, but the documents include the proper Georgia notary signature block. Good option for Georgia residents comfortable with a DIY approach who will independently arrange notarization.
Visit LawDepot →
How Much Does an Online Will Cost in Georgia?
| Option | Cost Range | Notes |
|---|
| Trust & Will (Individual Will) | $69 | + ~$10–$25 for notary |
| Trust & Will (Comprehensive) | $199 | Will + POA + directive + notary |
| LegalZoom Basic Will | $89 | + notarization if not arranged |
| LegalZoom Estate Bundle | $299–$499 | Will + trust + POA + directive |
| LawDepot (subscription) | $9.95–$39.95/mo | + arrange notary separately |
| Georgia Estate Planning Attorney | $1,200–$3,000+ | Full custom estate plan |
Even factoring in the notary fee ($10–$25 at most), online will services offer substantial savings over Georgia estate planning attorneys who typically charge $1,500–$3,000 for a full estate plan. An attorney makes sense for complex estates, blended families, or business succession planning.
Georgia-Specific Considerations
No State Estate Tax
Georgia has no state estate tax and no inheritance tax. Georgia residents are only subject to the federal estate tax, with an exemption exceeding $13 million per individual in 2026. For the overwhelming majority of Georgia residents, estate taxes are simply not a factor in planning.
Georgia Probate Court
Georgia probate is handled through the Probate Court in the county where the decedent was domiciled at death. Georgia's Probate Court system is generally considered well-organized and relatively efficient. With a valid will, the named executor (called a "Personal Representative" in Georgia) applies to the court, provides notice to heirs, and administers the estate. Georgia also has solemn form and common form probate procedures — common form is simpler but can be challenged for up to four years.
Year's Support for Surviving Spouses
Georgia has a unique "year's support" provision that allows a surviving spouse (and minor children) to claim a portion of the estate sufficient for 12 months of maintenance, regardless of what the will says. This is an important consideration for Georgia residents in blended families or second marriages — it's something to address explicitly in your estate plan with professional guidance if it applies to you.
Not a Community Property State
Georgia is a common law property state. Each spouse owns what's in their name. The year's support provision provides some spousal protection, but Georgia does not automatically split marital property equally between spouses for estate planning purposes.
Step-by-Step: How to Make a Will in Georgia Online
Choose Trust & Will and start your account Visit Trust & Will and select the Individual Will or Comprehensive plan. The comprehensive plan ($199) is the better value for Georgia residents, as it includes the healthcare directive and power of attorney that everyone should have alongside their will.
Complete the guided questionnaire Answer questions about your assets, beneficiaries, executor, and (if applicable) guardians for minor children. Have full legal names ready. Takes 15–25 minutes.
Review and print your Georgia will Review the document carefully before printing. Confirm all names are correct, beneficiaries are accurately described, and your Georgia-specific notary signature block is present on the document.
Arrange two witnesses AND a notary This is Georgia's key step. Find two adult witnesses (not beneficiaries) and a notary public. All four parties — you, both witnesses, and the notary — should be together in the same room. Sign the will, then have each witness sign, then the notary signs and stamps. Do not pre-sign before everyone is present.
Store the original and notify your executor Store the signed, notarized original in a secure location — fireproof safe, safety deposit box, or with your attorney. Tell your executor exactly where to find it. Review and update the will whenever your circumstances change significantly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is an online will legally valid in Georgia?
Yes, with the right execution. Georgia requires two witnesses AND a notary public at the signing — this is more than most states require. As long as your online will document includes a notary signature block and you follow the full execution process, an online will is fully valid in Georgia.
Does Georgia require a notary for a will?
Yes. This is Georgia's unique requirement. A standard Georgia will requires two witnesses and a notary public present at signing. Without the notary, your will may not be valid. This requirement is one reason Georgia residents need to pay careful attention to execution instructions from their online service.
How many witnesses does a Georgia will require?
Two witnesses, both of whom must sign in the testator's presence. Georgia also requires a notary in addition to the two witnesses. All parties should be present simultaneously during the signing ceremony.
Are handwritten wills valid in Georgia?
No. Georgia does not recognize holographic (unwitnessed, unnotarized handwritten) wills. A will in Georgia must be formally executed with two witnesses and a notary. A handwritten document that was also properly witnessed and notarized would technically be valid, but unwitnessed handwritten documents will not be accepted by Georgia probate courts.
Does Georgia have a state estate tax?
No. Georgia has no state estate tax or inheritance tax. Georgia residents are only subject to federal estate taxes, which have an exemption over $13 million per individual. Estate taxes are not a concern for the vast majority of Georgia residents.
What is the best online will service for Georgia residents?
Trust & Will is our top pick. Their platform provides Georgia-specific documents with proper notary signature blocks, and their execution guidance clearly addresses Georgia's notarization requirement. Plans start at $69 for an individual will and $199 for a comprehensive estate plan.
How does Georgia probate work?
Georgia probate is handled through the county Probate Court. With a valid will, the named executor (personal representative) petitions for letters testamentary, notifies heirs, inventories assets, pays debts, and distributes property according to the will. Georgia's Probate Court system is generally efficient. A revocable living trust avoids probate entirely.
What is Georgia's year's support provision?
Georgia's year's support law allows a surviving spouse and minor children to claim assets sufficient for 12 months of support from the estate, regardless of what the will says. This provision can override a will in some circumstances. Residents with blended families or complex family situations should consult an estate planning attorney about how this may affect their plan.
Ready to Make Your Georgia Will?
Trust & Will creates Georgia-specific, attorney-drafted documents with full notarization guidance. Plans start at $69.
Start Your Will at Trust & Will →
Legal Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Laws change and individual circumstances vary. For advice specific to your situation, consult a licensed Georgia estate planning attorney.