Scott Chastain named Outstanding Probate Judge

The Council of Probate Court Judges of Georgia (CPCJG) honored Gilmer County Probate Judge Scott Chastain as its 2023-2024 Outstanding Probate Judge of the Year honoree.

The Outstanding Probate Judge Award is voted on by probate judges across the state of Georgia. The goal of the award is to recognize a judge who has made a significant contribution to Georgia’s probate courts.

Chastain currently serves as CPCJG vice president, a member of the Probate Judges’ Training Council, the chair of the CPCJG Technology Committee, chair of the training council’s traffic subcommittee and a member of the CPCJG Legislative Committee. He previously served as district director for District 1 Probate Judges. 

Danielle McRae, CPCJG president and Upson County Probate Judge, described Chastain as a respected judge and leader.

“Simply put, Judge Chastain is a first-rate colleague and not surprisingly, I, along with our other judicial colleagues, hold him in high regard,” said McRae. “He has shown himself to be an able and thoughtful leader. Honestly, I could not think of a more fitting judge who represents the best of probate judges in Georgia.”

Chastain was also honored for being a member of the Probate Judges’ Training Council, as its respective members were honored as recipients of the 2024 Distinguished Service Award. 

Also, Chastain was recently sworn in by Justice John J. Ellington of the Supreme Court of Georgia as the council’s incoming president elect.

The CPCJG was established and given jurisdiction by O.C.G.A. 15-9-15 to further improve the administration of probate courts across the state. The council lends assistance to its respective judges in the execution of their duties and promotes professional training. Each elected probate judge in each respective county in Georgia is a member of the council.