How does one handle the paperwork for probate filing when the personal representative lives out of state?

If the nominated Executor or desired Administrator lives out of state, that really poses only some logistics issues. Yes, you do use the same Georgia standard forms to have an out-of-state nominee appointed. If the nominee lives outside Georgia, you can make a special motion to ask the Georgia probate court where the petition will be filed to authorize the appropriate court in the state and county where the nominee lives to take the oath on behalf of the Georgia court, but this isn't necessary. If it isn't requested, then the nominee will have to come to the Georgia probate court in person to take the oath. The "appropriate" court for the nominee's home state and county would be the one which would handle a probate matter in that location, so it won't necessarily be a probate court. As for how you find out what the fee is, generally, with most Georgia counties, you can call the court and they can help you estimate the fees to send in. With the larger counties, such as DeKalb and Fulton, however, it can be difficult to get someone to do that. Best at that point to send in a check (Fulton usually asks for $250 to be sent in, and says they will bill for the rest). I do very strongly suggest that the nominee hire an experienced probate attorney for help before filling out or filing anything. There are a lot of little things which can help make a probate and administration easier but that aren't easy to catch with self-help. Even if the nominee just consults the attorney about how to fill out the forms and what the general issues are, instead of hiring the attorney to do all of the filings, it can save a lot of time, trouble, and expense.