ATLANTA — Georgia Chief Justice Harold Melton will step down from the state Supreme Court effective July 1, Melton announced today.

In a statement to court staff and the Georgia Judicial Council, Melton said he doesn’t know what he’s going to do next.

“July 31 will mark my 30th year working in state government, 16 years with the Court,” Melton said. “This fall, all of our three children will be attending college at the same time. Now is the best time for me to explore opportunities for the next season of life that will allow me to best serve our legal community and my extended family.

“I do not now know what my next move will be. With this announcement, I can begin the search process in earnest.”

Melton will be leaving one year and two months before his four-year term as chief justice comes to an end. He was appointed to the Supreme Court in 2005 by then-Gov. Sonny Perdue, who he had served as executive counsel, and became chief justice in 2018.

“It has not been easy to decide the best time to leave a job with a mission that I believe in and people I love working with,” Melton said to court staff.

“We have done great work together for the benefit of the citizens of this great state, and this Court is well-positioned to continue the high calling that has clearly been set before us.”

Gov. Brian Kemp will appoint a new justice.