Advance Directive Form

Georgia’s Advance Directive form specifies an individual’s living and last will along with instructions on their health care and treatment. The form also authorizes a healthcare proxy. It must be signed by the individual, proxy, and two witnesses unrelated to the individual.

How to Order a Death Certificate

Only people who can prove a tangible interest can request a death certificate in Georgia, primarily immediate family members and legal representatives. The following information is required to request a certificate:

• Deceased’s legal name and sex
• Place and date of death
• Applicant’s relationship to the deceased
• Number of copies required

A certificate and one certified copy cost $25, and each additional copy comes at $5. Checks and cash aren’t accepted.

The request can be made in-person or via mail at:

Georgia Department of Public Health

Vital Records 2600 Skyland Drive, NE

Atlanta, GA 30319-3640

Digital Estate Planning Law

Georgia Revised Uniform Fiduciary Access to Digital Assets Act authorizes an individual’s legal representative who can access and control their digital assets and communications. This bill became effective on July 1st, 2018.

Death With Dignity Legislation or Aid-in-Dying or Physician-Assisted Death

Currently, Georgia has no legislation regarding assisted death. Updates can be found here.

Organ Donation Registries

Georgia’s organ donation registry can be accessed here.

Physician Order for Life Sustaining Treatment (POLST)

Georgia’s POLST form can be downloaded here. This form must be completed only after a conversation with a patient or their representative. It’s necessary for patients who are at risk of a life-threatening clinical event due to a life-limiting medical condition.

Probate Laws

Information on Georgia’s legislation on decedent’s will regarding their estate and other assets can be found in Title 53: Wills, Trusts, and Administration of Estates Act.

Estate and Inheritance Tax

Georgia has no estate or inheritance tax. More information can be found on the Georgia Department of Revenue official site.