Anyone with interest in the estate can start the probate proceeding by filing a petition and supporting documentation as required, with the Clerk of the Superior Court. The Petition is filed in the county where the decedent resided at the time of death, no matter where he or she died or left property. The person requesting to be appointed the estate representative usually files the probate petition. That person is called the petitioner until the court formally appoints them as personal representative of the estate.