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Probate court seeks North Fulton associate judge to shorten months-long delays
Summary
Fulton County Probate Court Judge Kenya Johnson asked commissioners for a budget enhancement of under $500,000 to staff a new associate judge and trial team at the North Fulton Annex, saying contested matters can take as long as six months to be heard and that most probate customers travel from northern zip codes.
Probate Court Judge Kenya Johnson asked the Fulton County Board of Commissioners for a budget enhancement of less than $500,000 to fund an associate judge and a trial team to be housed at the North Fulton Annex.
Judge Johnson said the court has the largest caseload of any probate court in the state but the fewest judges, which creates long waits for contested matters. "Probate court has the largest case load of any probate court in the state, yet we have the least judges and it takes the longest time for contested matters to be heard up to 6 months, which is unacceptable," Johnson said. She told commissioners that most of the court's lawyers and customers come from zip codes north of the downtown courthouse and that an annex team would reduce travel burdens for families and attorneys.
Supporters in the public comment period included Stanley Turner, a Sandy Springs resident and probate practitioner, and Lauren Bryant, an attorney who previously served as a hearing officer. Turner said he has practiced in North Fulton for decades and that a North Fulton courtroom would be more accessible for older clients. Bryant said she has represented many clients delayed by six to eight months and argued that local access would save travel time and attorneys' fees.
Why it matters: Probate-court delays affect estate settlements, guardianship petitions and other time-sensitive family matters. Commissioners heard that shorter scheduling times would benefit seniors, heirs and families with urgent financial or guardianship needs.
Request details Judge Johnson requested less than $500,000 to establish an associate judge and trial team at the North Fulton Annex; she asked the board to consider the enhancement as a convenience and access measure for North County residents and attorneys.
Next steps The probate enhancement was presented during public comment and advocacy by court users. It was discussed during the broader budget debate; commissioners did not vote separately on a named probate enhancement during the board's vote on the fiscal year 2025 budget. The judge and supporters asked the commission to consider the request at midyear review if the full enhancement was not funded now.
