Join the Fund

We invite the Probate Judge of each county in the state of Georgia to join the Judges of the Probate Courts Retirement Fund of Georgia. Membership in the Fund begins either on the day you are sworn in or any month within the first 12 months of taking office. After the initial 12 months, membership becomes effective upon receipt of your application. Monthly dues of $105.00 are required by the 20th of each month.

If you choose to join the Fund, please include the following items with your Application for Membership:

  1. Pre-retirement Option Choice Form: ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​This form must be completed, signed, and notarized. It allows you to select your Survivor’s retirement option, which would only take effect if you were to die while in office and have met the vesting requirement. You may change this option at any point before retirement, and you will have a final opportunity to update your Retirement Option choice upon completing your retirement package.
  2. Payment of dues: Include payment of dues for each month claimed, up to 12 months. You can either:
    • Send a check or money order for the full amount, or
    • Complete and return the Automatic Withdrawal Authorization Form, allowing our office to draft your account for the monthly dues payment on the 20th of each month.
  3. Copy of Oath of Office.
  4. Copy of Birth Certificate.

 

If a member ceases to serve as a duly qualified Probate Judge, they may:

  • Request retirement benefits if they are at least 60 years old.
  • Be placed in a vested status to start receiving benefits upon turning 60.
  • Request a refund of dues if they have not yet vested.