---
title: O.C.G.A. § 53-4-2. When will takes effect.
collection: code
id: 53-4-2
cite_as: O.C.G.A. § 53-4-2 (2025)
canonical_url: https://georgiacommons.org/code/53-4-2
md_url: https://georgiacommons.org/code/53-4-2.md
text_url: https://georgiacommons.org/code/53-4-2/text
source_url: https://www.legis.ga.gov/api/document/docs/default-source/joint-features-document-library/t52-t53-(v40)-2021-pdf.pdf?sfvrsn=d23ba203_0#page=333
date: 2025
status: active
corpus_version: 2025-supplement-89aa39ab3c68
license: CC0-1.0
publisher: Georgia Commons, an independent project of Georgia Civic Data. Not the State of Georgia. Not legal advice.
up: https://georgiacommons.org/code/53-4.md
previous: https://georgiacommons.org/code/53-4-1.md
next: https://georgiacommons.org/code/53-4-3.md
index: https://georgiacommons.org/code/index.md
version: the only printed version
in_force: true
current_through: Including Acts of the 2025 Regular Session of the General Assembly
heading_path: WILLS, TRUSTS, AND ADMINISTRATION OF ESTATES / WILLS / GENERAL PROVISIONS
---

# O.C.G.A. § 53-4-2. When will takes effect.

A will shall take effect instantly upon the death of the testator however long probate may be postponed.

## History

Code 1981, § 53-4-2, enacted by Ga. L. 1996, p. 504, § 10.

## Law Reviews

For annual survey of law of wills, trusts, guardianships, and fiduciary administration, see 56 Mercer L. Rev. 457 (2004).

For comment on Jenkins v. United States, 296 F. Supp. 203 (M.D. Ga. 1968), see 3 Ga. L. Rev. 766 (1969).