Access Brooks County Death Records

Death records for Brooks County are available from the Probate Court in Quitman, Georgia. The court is the local vital records registrar and issues certified copies of death certificates for deaths in Brooks County and throughout the state. Judge Kathy Shiver oversees the office, and the staff can help you search for a death record in person. You can also use the state's online ROVER system or send a request by mail. Brooks County death records go back to 1919 through the state system, and the local office may hold older files as well. The Probate Court on East Courtland Avenue is the best starting point for anyone who needs a death certificate from this county.

Brooks County Probate Court

The Brooks County Probate Court is at 500 East Courtland Avenue in Quitman. Judge Kathy Shiver runs the office with help from Deputy Clerk Lauren Simpson. The office is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. They close for lunch from noon to 12:30 PM. Walk in during business hours with your photo ID to request a death certificate. Staff can search for the record and print a certified copy while you wait in most cases.

The Brooks County Probate Court contact page provides details about the office and staff.

That page lists the office hours, address, and contact info you need to request Brooks County death records. Under Georgia Code § 31-10-26, the Probate Court as local registrar issues certified copies of death records upon written application. You fill out a form, pay $25 for the first copy, and $5 for each extra copy of the same record. If you need to reach the office before your visit, call (229) 263-5567 or fax (229) 263-5058. You can also email the Deputy Clerk at brooksprobate@gmail.com for basic questions about Brooks County death records.

Ways to Get Brooks County Death Records

In-person visits to the Probate Court in Quitman are the fastest route. You walk in, fill out the form, pay, and leave with your death certificate. Same-day service is typical. This is ideal if you live in Brooks County or southern Georgia.

The ROVER online system lets you order from home. ROVER is the official state portal. Enter the details about the person who died, pay $25 plus $8 for the processing fee, and the certificate comes by mail in 8 to 10 weeks. The system works for deaths from any Georgia county. It connects to the same database the Brooks County Probate Court uses to pull death records.

Mail orders go to the Georgia Department of Public Health at 1680 Phoenix Boulevard, Suite 100, Atlanta, GA 30349. Use Form 3912 and include a copy of your photo ID. Pay by money order or certified check for $25. Personal checks are not accepted. The DPH death records page has the form you need. Processing takes 8 to 10 weeks for Brooks County death records ordered by mail. Under § 31-10-27, all fees are prepaid and not refundable once the search is done.

Who Can Access Brooks County Death Certificates

Georgia law divides requestors into two groups. Family members and people with a direct interest get full certified copies. That list includes the surviving spouse, adult children, parents, siblings, grandparents, grandchildren, and legal reps. Insurance companies filing a claim and estate attorneys also qualify. These certified copies come on security paper and work for all legal purposes.

The public can get Brooks County death records too. Public copies are printed on plain paper with the Social Security number redacted. Under § 31-10-25, the state balances access with privacy to protect the records. Public copies are fine for genealogy and research. The fee is the same $25 at the Brooks County Probate Court.

Note: You must bring a valid photo ID for any death record request in Brooks County.

What Brooks County Death Records Contain

A death certificate from Brooks County includes the full name of the deceased, their date of birth, age, sex, race, and marital status. It lists where the death happened and the person's home address. The medical section shows the cause of death, contributing factors, and manner of death. A physician or medical examiner signs this part. The certificate also names the funeral home that handled the arrangements and the informant who provided the personal details.

Under § 31-10-15, the funeral director files the death certificate with the local registrar within 72 hours of taking custody. The attending physician completes the cause of death within 72 hours as well. For deaths that need investigation, the coroner has up to 30 days to certify the cause. Once filed, the Brooks County Probate Court transmits the record to the state office under § 31-10-2, and it enters the statewide vital records system.

State Office for Brooks County Death Records

The Georgia Department of Public Health main office in Atlanta keeps death records from 1919 onward. Call (404) 679-4702 for questions. Walk-in hours are 9 AM to 4 PM, Monday through Friday. You can also order by mail or online through ROVER. The state office handles all Georgia counties, including Brooks County. For records before 1919, contact the Georgia Archives at (678) 364-3700.

Cities in Brooks County

Quitman is the county seat and largest city in Brooks County. Other communities include Morven, Pavo, and Barwick. No cities in Brooks County reach the 25,000 population mark. All death record requests go through the single Probate Court office in Quitman.

Nearby Counties

These counties border Brooks County in south Georgia. Each has its own vital records office. The Brooks County Probate Court can also issue death certificates for deaths that happened in any neighboring county through the statewide system.