Fulton County probate court asks commissioners for North Fulton associate judge and under-$500,000 budget enhancement

Chief Probate Judge Kenya Johnson told the Board of Commissioners that Fulton County Probate Court carries the state's largest probate caseload and that contested matters can take "up to 6 months," a delay she called unacceptable. Judge Johnson requested 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 so hearings can be scheduled sooner.

"Probate court humbly asked for a budget enhancement in the amount of less than $500,000 which would allow us to provide benefit and convenience to the North County residents," Judge Johnson said. She said many probate court users live in northern zip codes and avoid downtown traffic and parking; a North Fulton team would reduce travel burdens and speed case resolution.

Several local practitioners and residents supported the request during public comment. Stanley Turner, a probate-practicing attorney from Sandy Springs, told the board an associate judge in North Fulton would shorten waits and help older clients avoid long drives downtown. Attorney Lauren Bryant, who previously worked as a hearing officer in Judge Johnson's court, described delays of six to eight months and urged the board to approve the enhancement to reduce hardship for families handling death, guardianship and minor-settlement matters.

The request was presented as part of the public-comment record and the budget discussion; the probate court asked for one-time and operating funding to staff a North Fulton associate judge and accompanying staff. The board considered budget priorities and competing enhancements during the formal FY2025 budget debate and vote later in the meeting.

Ending: Commissioners heard direct witness testimony from Judge Johnson and local lawyers supporting a North Fulton probate team; any formal funding decision was part of the board's broader FY2025 budget action.