O.C.G.A. § 19-15-2 — GA Code / Title 19 / Chapter 15 / Section 19-15-2
Georgia Code Title 19. Domestic Relations § 19-15-2
Status: in_force

(a) Except as provided in paragraph (3) of subsection (b) of this Code section, each county shall be required to establish a protocol for the investigation and prosecution of alleged cases of child abuse as provided in this Code section.

(a) Except as provided in paragraph (3) of subsection (b) of this Code section, each county shall be required to establish a protocol for the investigation and prosecution of alleged cases of child abuse as provided in this Code section.

(b)(1) The chief superior court judge of the circuit in which the county is located shall establish a protocol committee as provided in subsection (c) of this Code section and shall appoint an interim chairperson who shall preside over the first meeting, and the chief superior court judge shall appoint persons to fill any vacancies on the protocol committee. (2) After the establishment of a protocol committee, the committee members shall elect a chairperson from the protocol committee's membership. The protocol committee shall be charged with developing local protocols for the investigation and prosecution of alleged cases of child abuse. (3) When a judicial circuit is composed of more than one county, the protocol committee shall determine if it shall be established for each county in the judicial circuit or if it will serve all of the counties within the judicial circuit.

(b)(1) The chief superior court judge of the circuit in which the county is located shall establish a protocol committee as provided in subsection (c) of this Code section and shall appoint an interim chairperson who shall preside over the first meeting, and the chief superior court judge shall appoint persons to fill any vacancies on the protocol committee.

(b)(1) The chief superior court judge of the circuit in which the county is located shall establish a protocol committee as provided in subsection (c) of this Code section and shall appoint an interim chairperson who shall preside over the first meeting, and the chief superior court judge shall appoint persons to fill any vacancies on the protocol committee.

(2) After the establishment of a protocol committee, the committee members shall elect a chairperson from the protocol committee's membership. The protocol committee shall be charged with developing local protocols for the investigation and prosecution of alleged cases of child abuse.

(2) After the establishment of a protocol committee, the committee members shall elect a chairperson from the protocol committee's membership. The protocol committee shall be charged with developing local protocols for the investigation and prosecution of alleged cases of child abuse.

(3) When a judicial circuit is composed of more than one county, the protocol committee shall determine if it shall be established for each county in the judicial circuit or if it will serve all of the counties within the judicial circuit.

(3) When a judicial circuit is composed of more than one county, the protocol committee shall determine if it shall be established for each county in the judicial circuit or if it will serve all of the counties within the judicial circuit.

(c)(1) Each of the following individuals, agencies, and entities shall designate a representative to serve on a protocol committee established pursuant to paragraph (1) of subsection (b) of this Code section: (A) The sheriff; (B) The county department of family and children services; (C) The district attorney for the judicial circuit; (D) The presiding juvenile court judge; (E) The chief magistrate; (F) The county board of education; (G) The county mental health organization; (H) The chief of police of a county in counties which have a county police department; (I) The chief of police of the largest municipality in the county; (J) The county public health department; and (K) The coroner or county medical examiner. (2) Each of the following individuals, agencies, and entities shall designate a representative to serve on a protocol committee established pursuant to paragraph (3) of subsection (b) of this Code section: (A) The sheriff of each county in the judicial circuit; (B) The county department of family and children services of each county in the judicial circuit; (C) The district attorney for the judicial circuit; (D) The presiding juvenile court judge of each county in the judicial circuit; (E) The chief magistrate of each county in the judicial circuit; (F) Each board of education in the judicial circuit; (G) The county mental health organization of each county in the judicial circuit; (H) The chief of police of each county in the judicial circuit, if any; (I) The chief of police of the largest municipality in the judicial circuit; (J) The county public health department of each county in the judicial circuit; and (K) The coroner or county medical examiner of each county in the judicial circuit. (3) A representative of a local child advocacy center shall serve on a protocol committee established under paragraph (1) or (3) of subsection (b) of this Code section if one exists in such location. (4) A representative of a sexual assault center shall serve on a protocol committee established under paragraph (1) or (3) of subsection (b) of this Code section if one exists in such location. (5) In addition to the representatives serving on the protocol committee as provided for in paragraphs (1) through (4) of this subsection, the chief superior court judge shall designate a representative from a local citizen or advocacy group which focuses on child abuse awareness and prevention to serve on such protocol committee. (6) If any designated agency fails to carry out its duties relating to participation on the protocol committee, the chief superior court judge of the circuit may issue an order requiring the participation of such agency. Failure to comply with such order shall be cause for punishment as for contempt of court.

(c)(1) Each of the following individuals, agencies, and entities shall designate a representative to serve on a protocol committee established pursuant to paragraph (1) of subsection (b) of this Code section: (A) The sheriff; (B) The county department of family and children services; (C) The district attorney for the judicial circuit; (D) The presiding juvenile court judge; (E) The chief magistrate; (F) The county board of education; (G) The county mental health organization; (H) The chief of police of a county in counties which have a county police department; (I) The chief of police of the largest municipality in the county; (J) The county public health department; and (K) The coroner or county medical examiner.

(c)(1) Each of the following individuals, agencies, and entities shall designate a representative to serve on a protocol committee established pursuant to paragraph (1) of subsection (b) of this Code section:

(A) The sheriff;

(A) The sheriff;

(B) The county department of family and children services;

(B) The county department of family and children services;

(C) The district attorney for the judicial circuit;

(C) The district attorney for the judicial circuit;

(D) The presiding juvenile court judge;

(D) The presiding juvenile court judge;

(E) The chief magistrate;

(E) The chief magistrate;

(F) The county board of education;

(F) The county board of education;

(G) The county mental health organization;

(G) The county mental health organization;

(H) The chief of police of a county in counties which have a county police department;

(H) The chief of police of a county in counties which have a county police department;

(I) The chief of police of the largest municipality in the county;

(I) The chief of police of the largest municipality in the county;

(J) The county public health department; and

(J) The county public health department; and

(K) The coroner or county medical examiner.

(K) The coroner or county medical examiner.

(2) Each of the following individuals, agencies, and entities shall designate a representative to serve on a protocol committee established pursuant to paragraph (3) of subsection (b) of this Code section: (A) The sheriff of each county in the judicial circuit; (B) The county department of family and children services of each county in the judicial circuit; (C) The district attorney for the judicial circuit; (D) The presiding juvenile court judge of each county in the judicial circuit; (E) The chief magistrate of each county in the judicial circuit; (F) Each board of education in the judicial circuit; (G) The county mental health organization of each county in the judicial circuit; (H) The chief of police of each county in the judicial circuit, if any; (I) The chief of police of the largest municipality in the judicial circuit; (J) The county public health department of each county in the judicial circuit; and (K) The coroner or county medical examiner of each county in the judicial circuit.

(2) Each of the following individuals, agencies, and entities shall designate a representative to serve on a protocol committee established pursuant to paragraph (3) of subsection (b) of this Code section:

(A) The sheriff of each county in the judicial circuit;

(A) The sheriff of each county in the judicial circuit;

(B) The county department of family and children services of each county in the judicial circuit;

(B) The county department of family and children services of each county in the judicial circuit;

(C) The district attorney for the judicial circuit;

(C) The district attorney for the judicial circuit;

(D) The presiding juvenile court judge of each county in the judicial circuit;

(D) The presiding juvenile court judge of each county in the judicial circuit;

(E) The chief magistrate of each county in the judicial circuit;

(E) The chief magistrate of each county in the judicial circuit;

(F) Each board of education in the judicial circuit;

(F) Each board of education in the judicial circuit;

(G) The county mental health organization of each county in the judicial circuit;

(G) The county mental health organization of each county in the judicial circuit;

(H) The chief of police of each county in the judicial circuit, if any;

(H) The chief of police of each county in the judicial circuit, if any;

(I) The chief of police of the largest municipality in the judicial circuit;

(I) The chief of police of the largest municipality in the judicial circuit;

(J) The county public health department of each county in the judicial circuit; and

(J) The county public health department of each county in the judicial circuit; and

(K) The coroner or county medical examiner of each county in the judicial circuit.

(K) The coroner or county medical examiner of each county in the judicial circuit.

(3) A representative of a local child advocacy center shall serve on a protocol committee established under paragraph (1) or (3) of subsection (b) of this Code section if one exists in such location.

(3) A representative of a local child advocacy center shall serve on a protocol committee established under paragraph (1) or (3) of subsection (b) of this Code section if one exists in such location.

(4) A representative of a sexual assault center shall serve on a protocol committee established under paragraph (1) or (3) of subsection (b) of this Code section if one exists in such location.

(4) A representative of a sexual assault center shall serve on a protocol committee established under paragraph (1) or (3) of subsection (b) of this Code section if one exists in such location.

(5) In addition to the representatives serving on the protocol committee as provided for in paragraphs (1) through (4) of this subsection, the chief superior court judge shall designate a representative from a local citizen or advocacy group which focuses on child abuse awareness and prevention to serve on such protocol committee.

(5) In addition to the representatives serving on the protocol committee as provided for in paragraphs (1) through (4) of this subsection, the chief superior court judge shall designate a representative from a local citizen or advocacy group which focuses on child abuse awareness and prevention to serve on such protocol committee.

(6) If any designated agency fails to carry out its duties relating to participation on the protocol committee, the chief superior court judge of the circuit may issue an order requiring the participation of such agency. Failure to comply with such order shall be cause for punishment as for contempt of court.

(6) If any designated agency fails to carry out its duties relating to participation on the protocol committee, the chief superior court judge of the circuit may issue an order requiring the participation of such agency. Failure to comply with such order shall be cause for punishment as for contempt of court.

(d) Each protocol committee chairperson shall be responsible for ensuring that written protocol procedures are followed by all agencies. Such person may be independent of agencies listed in paragraph (1) of subsection (c) of this Code section. The protocol committee may appoint such additional members as necessary and proper to accomplish the purposes of the protocol committee.

(d) Each protocol committee chairperson shall be responsible for ensuring that written protocol procedures are followed by all agencies. Such person may be independent of agencies listed in paragraph (1) of subsection (c) of this Code section. The protocol committee may appoint such additional members as necessary and proper to accomplish the purposes of the protocol committee.

(e) The protocol committee shall adopt a written protocol which shall be filed with the Division of Family and Children Services of the Department of Human Services and the Office of the Child Advocate for the Protection of Children, a copy of which shall be furnished to each agency in the county handling the cases of abused children. The protocol shall be a written document outlining in detail the procedures to be used in investigating and prosecuting cases arising from alleged child abuse and the methods to be used in coordinating treatment programs for the perpetrator, the family, and the child. The protocol shall also outline procedures to be used when child abuse occurs in a household where there is violence between past or present spouses, persons who are parents of the same child, parents and children, stepparents and stepchildren, foster parents and foster children, or other persons living or formerly living in the same household. The protocol adopted shall not be inconsistent with the policies and procedures of the Division of Family and Children Services of the Department of Human Services.

(e) The protocol committee shall adopt a written protocol which shall be filed with the Division of Family and Children Services of the Department of Human Services and the Office of the Child Advocate for the Protection of Children, a copy of which shall be furnished to each agency in the county handling the cases of abused children. The protocol shall be a written document outlining in detail the procedures to be used in investigating and prosecuting cases arising from alleged child abuse and the methods to be used in coordinating treatment programs for the perpetrator, the family, and the child. The protocol shall also outline procedures to be used when child abuse occurs in a household where there is violence between past or present spouses, persons who are parents of the same child, parents and children, stepparents and stepchildren, foster parents and foster children, or other persons living or formerly living in the same household. The protocol adopted shall not be inconsistent with the policies and procedures of the Division of Family and Children Services of the Department of Human Services.

(f) The purpose of the protocol shall be to ensure coordination and cooperation between all agencies involved in a child abuse case so as to increase the efficiency of all agencies handling such cases, to minimize the stress created for the allegedly abused child by the legal and investigatory process, and to ensure that more effective treatment is provided for the perpetrator, the family, and the child, including counseling.

(f) The purpose of the protocol shall be to ensure coordination and cooperation between all agencies involved in a child abuse case so as to increase the efficiency of all agencies handling such cases, to minimize the stress created for the allegedly abused child by the legal and investigatory process, and to ensure that more effective treatment is provided for the perpetrator, the family, and the child, including counseling.

(g) Upon completion of the writing of the protocol, the protocol committee shall continue in existence and shall meet at least semiannually for the purpose of evaluating the effectiveness of the protocol and appropriately modifying and updating the same. The protocol committee shall file the updated protocol with the Division of Family and Children Services of the Department of Human Services and the Office of the Child Advocate for the Protection of Children not later than the first day of September each year.

(g) Upon completion of the writing of the protocol, the protocol committee shall continue in existence and shall meet at least semiannually for the purpose of evaluating the effectiveness of the protocol and appropriately modifying and updating the same. The protocol committee shall file the updated protocol with the Division of Family and Children Services of the Department of Human Services and the Office of the Child Advocate for the Protection of Children not later than the first day of September each year.

(h) Each protocol committee shall adopt or amend its written protocol to specify the circumstances under which law enforcement officers shall and shall not be required to accompany investigators from the county department of family and children services when these investigators investigate reports of child abuse. In determining when law enforcement officers shall and shall not accompany investigators, the protocol committee shall consider the need to protect the alleged victim and the need to preserve the confidentiality of the report. Each protocol committee shall establish joint work efforts between the law enforcement and investigative agencies in child abuse investigations. The adoption or amendment of the protocol shall also describe measures which can be taken within the county or circuit, as the case may be, to prevent child abuse and shall be filed with and furnished to the same entities with or to which an original protocol is required to be filed or furnished. The protocol shall be further amended to specify procedures to be adopted by the protocol committee to ensure that written protocol procedures are followed.

(h) Each protocol committee shall adopt or amend its written protocol to specify the circumstances under which law enforcement officers shall and shall not be required to accompany investigators from the county department of family and children services when these investigators investigate reports of child abuse. In determining when law enforcement officers shall and shall not accompany investigators, the protocol committee shall consider the need to protect the alleged victim and the need to preserve the confidentiality of the report. Each protocol committee shall establish joint work efforts between the law enforcement and investigative agencies in child abuse investigations. The adoption or amendment of the protocol shall also describe measures which can be taken within the county or circuit, as the case may be, to prevent child abuse and shall be filed with and furnished to the same entities with or to which an original protocol is required to be filed or furnished. The protocol shall be further amended to specify procedures to be adopted by the protocol committee to ensure that written protocol procedures are followed.

(i) The protocol committee shall issue a report no later than the first day of July each year. Such report shall evaluate the extent to which investigations of child abuse during the 12 months prior to the report have complied with the protocols of the protocol committee, recommend measures to improve compliance, and describe which measures taken within the county or circuit, as the case may be, to prevent child abuse have been successful. The report shall be transmitted to the county governing authority, the fall term grand jury of the judicial circuit, the Office of the Child Advocate for the Protection of Children, and the chief superior court judge of the circuit.

(i) The protocol committee shall issue a report no later than the first day of July each year. Such report shall evaluate the extent to which investigations of child abuse during the 12 months prior to the report have complied with the protocols of the protocol committee, recommend measures to improve compliance, and describe which measures taken within the county or circuit, as the case may be, to prevent child abuse have been successful. The report shall be transmitted to the county governing authority, the fall term grand jury of the judicial circuit, the Office of the Child Advocate for the Protection of Children, and the chief superior court judge of the circuit.

(j) Each member of each protocol committee shall receive appropriate training within 12 months after his or her appointment. The Office of the Child Advocate for the Protection of Children shall provide such training.

(j) Each member of each protocol committee shall receive appropriate training within 12 months after his or her appointment. The Office of the Child Advocate for the Protection of Children shall provide such training.

(k) The protocol committee shall include a written sexual abuse and sexual exploitation section within its protocol which shall be filed with the Division of Family and Children Services of the Department of Human Services and the Office of the Child Advocate for the Protection of Children, a copy of which shall be furnished to each agency in the county handling the cases of sexually abused or exploited children. The sexual abuse and sexual exploitation section of the protocol shall outline in detail the procedures to be used in investigating and prosecuting cases arising from alleged sexual abuse and sexual exploitation and the procedures to be followed concerning the obtainment of and payment for sexual assault examinations. The sexual abuse and sexual exploitation section of the protocol shall be consistent with the policies and procedures of the Division of Family and Children Services of the Department of Human Services. The sexual abuse and sexual exploitation section of the protocol is not intended to, does not, and may not be relied upon to create any rights, substantive or procedural, enforceable at law by any party in any matter civil or criminal. Such section of the protocol shall not limit or otherwise restrict a prosecuting attorney in the exercise of his or her discretion nor in the exercise of any otherwise lawful litigative prerogatives.

(k) The protocol committee shall include a written sexual abuse and sexual exploitation section within its protocol which shall be filed with the Division of Family and Children Services of the Department of Human Services and the Office of the Child Advocate for the Protection of Children, a copy of which shall be furnished to each agency in the county handling the cases of sexually abused or exploited children. The sexual abuse and sexual exploitation section of the protocol shall outline in detail the procedures to be used in investigating and prosecuting cases arising from alleged sexual abuse and sexual exploitation and the procedures to be followed concerning the obtainment of and payment for sexual assault examinations. The sexual abuse and sexual exploitation section of the protocol shall be consistent with the policies and procedures of the Division of Family and Children Services of the Department of Human Services. The sexual abuse and sexual exploitation section of the protocol is not intended to, does not, and may not be relied upon to create any rights, substantive or procedural, enforceable at law by any party in any matter civil or criminal. Such section of the protocol shall not limit or otherwise restrict a prosecuting attorney in the exercise of his or her discretion nor in the exercise of any otherwise lawful litigative prerogatives.
O.C.G.A. § 19-9-88 — GA Code / Title 19 / Chapter 9 / Section 19-9-88
Georgia Code Title 19. Domestic Relations § 19-9-88
Status: in_force

(a) A petition under this part must be verified. Certified copies of all orders sought to be enforced and of any order confirming registration must be attached to the petition. A copy of a certified copy of an order may be attached instead of the original.

(a) A petition under this part must be verified. Certified copies of all orders sought to be enforced and of any order confirming registration must be attached to the petition. A copy of a certified copy of an order may be attached instead of the original.

(b) A petition for enforcement of a child custody determination must state: (1) Whether the court that issued the determination identified the jurisdictional basis it relied upon in exercising jurisdiction and, if so, what the basis was; (2) Whether the determination for which enforcement is sought has been vacated, stayed, or modified by a court whose decision must be enforced under this article and, if so, identify the court, the case number, and the nature of the proceeding; (3) Whether any proceeding has been commenced that could affect the current proceeding, including proceedings relating to family violence, protective orders, termination of parental rights, and adoptions and, if so, identify the court, the case number, and the nature of the proceeding; (4) The present physical address of the child and the respondent, if known, except in cases involving a parent who has been the subject of a finding of family violence by a court of this state or another state; (5) Whether relief in addition to the immediate physical custody of the child and attorney's fees is sought, including a request for assistance from law enforcement officials and, if so, the relief sought; and (6) If the child custody determination has been registered and confirmed under Code Section 19-9-85 , the date and place of registration.

(b) A petition for enforcement of a child custody determination must state:

(1) Whether the court that issued the determination identified the jurisdictional basis it relied upon in exercising jurisdiction and, if so, what the basis was;

(1) Whether the court that issued the determination identified the jurisdictional basis it relied upon in exercising jurisdiction and, if so, what the basis was;

(2) Whether the determination for which enforcement is sought has been vacated, stayed, or modified by a court whose decision must be enforced under this article and, if so, identify the court, the case number, and the nature of the proceeding;

(2) Whether the determination for which enforcement is sought has been vacated, stayed, or modified by a court whose decision must be enforced under this article and, if so, identify the court, the case number, and the nature of the proceeding;

(3) Whether any proceeding has been commenced that could affect the current proceeding, including proceedings relating to family violence, protective orders, termination of parental rights, and adoptions and, if so, identify the court, the case number, and the nature of the proceeding;

(3) Whether any proceeding has been commenced that could affect the current proceeding, including proceedings relating to family violence, protective orders, termination of parental rights, and adoptions and, if so, identify the court, the case number, and the nature of the proceeding;

(4) The present physical address of the child and the respondent, if known, except in cases involving a parent who has been the subject of a finding of family violence by a court of this state or another state;

(4) The present physical address of the child and the respondent, if known, except in cases involving a parent who has been the subject of a finding of family violence by a court of this state or another state;

(5) Whether relief in addition to the immediate physical custody of the child and attorney's fees is sought, including a request for assistance from law enforcement officials and, if so, the relief sought; and

(5) Whether relief in addition to the immediate physical custody of the child and attorney's fees is sought, including a request for assistance from law enforcement officials and, if so, the relief sought; and

(6) If the child custody determination has been registered and confirmed under Code Section 19-9-85 , the date and place of registration.

(6) If the child custody determination has been registered and confirmed under Code Section 19-9-85 , the date and place of registration.

(c) If a party alleges in an affidavit or pleading under oath that the health, safety, or liberty of a party or child would be jeopardized by disclosure of information required by this Code section, the information must be sealed and may not be disclosed to the other party or the public unless the court orders the disclosure to be made after a hearing in which the court takes into consideration the health, safety, or liberty of the party or child and determines that the disclosure is in the interest of justice.

(c) If a party alleges in an affidavit or pleading under oath that the health, safety, or liberty of a party or child would be jeopardized by disclosure of information required by this Code section, the information must be sealed and may not be disclosed to the other party or the public unless the court orders the disclosure to be made after a hearing in which the court takes into consideration the health, safety, or liberty of the party or child and determines that the disclosure is in the interest of justice.

(d) Upon the filing of a petition, the court shall issue an order directing the respondent to appear in person with or without the child at a hearing and may enter any order necessary to ensure the safety of the parties and the child. The hearing must be held on the next judicial day after service of the order unless that date is impossible. In that event, the court shall hold the hearing on the first judicial day possible. The court may extend the date of hearing at the request of the petitioner.

(d) Upon the filing of a petition, the court shall issue an order directing the respondent to appear in person with or without the child at a hearing and may enter any order necessary to ensure the safety of the parties and the child. The hearing must be held on the next judicial day after service of the order unless that date is impossible. In that event, the court shall hold the hearing on the first judicial day possible. The court may extend the date of hearing at the request of the petitioner.

(e) An order issued under subsection (d) of this Code section must state the time and place of the hearing and advise the respondent that at the hearing the court will order that the petitioner may take immediate physical custody of the child and the payment of fees, costs, and expenses under Code Section 19-9-92 , and may schedule a hearing to determine whether further relief is appropriate, unless the respondent appears and establishes that: (1) The child custody determination has not been registered and confirmed under Code Section 19-9-85 and that: (A) The issuing court did not have jurisdiction under Part 2 of this article; (B) The child custody determination for which enforcement is sought has been vacated, stayed, or modified by a court having jurisdiction to do so under Part 2 of this article; (C) The respondent was entitled to notice, but notice was not given in accordance with the standards of Code Section 19-9-47 , in the proceedings before the court that issued the order for which enforcement is sought; or (2) The child custody determination for which enforcement is sought was registered and confirmed under Code Section 19-9-85 , but has been vacated, stayed, or modified by a court of a state having jurisdiction to do so under Part 2 of this article.

(e) An order issued under subsection (d) of this Code section must state the time and place of the hearing and advise the respondent that at the hearing the court will order that the petitioner may take immediate physical custody of the child and the payment of fees, costs, and expenses under Code Section 19-9-92 , and may schedule a hearing to determine whether further relief is appropriate, unless the respondent appears and establishes that:

(1) The child custody determination has not been registered and confirmed under Code Section 19-9-85 and that: (A) The issuing court did not have jurisdiction under Part 2 of this article; (B) The child custody determination for which enforcement is sought has been vacated, stayed, or modified by a court having jurisdiction to do so under Part 2 of this article; (C) The respondent was entitled to notice, but notice was not given in accordance with the standards of Code Section 19-9-47 , in the proceedings before the court that issued the order for which enforcement is sought; or

(1) The child custody determination has not been registered and confirmed under Code Section 19-9-85 and that:

(A) The issuing court did not have jurisdiction under Part 2 of this article;

(A) The issuing court did not have jurisdiction under Part 2 of this article;

(B) The child custody determination for which enforcement is sought has been vacated, stayed, or modified by a court having jurisdiction to do so under Part 2 of this article;

(B) The child custody determination for which enforcement is sought has been vacated, stayed, or modified by a court having jurisdiction to do so under Part 2 of this article;

(C) The respondent was entitled to notice, but notice was not given in accordance with the standards of Code Section 19-9-47 , in the proceedings before the court that issued the order for which enforcement is sought; or

(C) The respondent was entitled to notice, but notice was not given in accordance with the standards of Code Section 19-9-47 , in the proceedings before the court that issued the order for which enforcement is sought; or

(2) The child custody determination for which enforcement is sought was registered and confirmed under Code Section 19-9-85 , but has been vacated, stayed, or modified by a court of a state having jurisdiction to do so under Part 2 of this article.

(2) The child custody determination for which enforcement is sought was registered and confirmed under Code Section 19-9-85 , but has been vacated, stayed, or modified by a court of a state having jurisdiction to do so under Part 2 of this article.
O.C.G.A. § 19-3-5 — GA Code / Title 19 / Chapter 3 / Section 19-3-5
Georgia Code Title 19. Domestic Relations § 19-3-5
Status: in_force

(a) Marriages of persons unable to contract, unwilling to contract, or fraudulently induced to contract shall be void. However, the issue of such a marriage born before the marriage is annulled and declared void by a competent court shall be legitimate.

(a) Marriages of persons unable to contract, unwilling to contract, or fraudulently induced to contract shall be void. However, the issue of such a marriage born before the marriage is annulled and declared void by a competent court shall be legitimate.

(b) In the case of persons unwilling to contract or fraudulently induced to do so, a subsequent consent and ratification of the marriage, freely and voluntarily made, accompanied by cohabitation as husband and wife shall render the marriage valid. In the case of a marriage void on one of the grounds specified in paragraphs (1) through (3) of Code Section 19-3-2 , after removal of the impediment to marriage, a subsequent free and voluntary consent and ratification of the marriage accompanied by cohabitation as husband and wife shall likewise render the marriage valid.

(b) In the case of persons unwilling to contract or fraudulently induced to do so, a subsequent consent and ratification of the marriage, freely and voluntarily made, accompanied by cohabitation as husband and wife shall render the marriage valid. In the case of a marriage void on one of the grounds specified in paragraphs (1) through (3) of Code Section 19-3-2 , after removal of the impediment to marriage, a subsequent free and voluntary consent and ratification of the marriage accompanied by cohabitation as husband and wife shall likewise render the marriage valid.
O.C.G.A. § 19-7-23 — GA Code / Title 19 / Chapter 7 / Section 19-7-23
Georgia Code Title 19. Domestic Relations § 19-7-23
Status: in_force

The term “child born out of wedlock” means:

(1) A child whose parents are not married when that child is born or who do not subsequently intermarry;

(1) A child whose parents are not married when that child is born or who do not subsequently intermarry;

(2) A child who is the issue of adulterous intercourse of the wife during wedlock; or

(2) A child who is the issue of adulterous intercourse of the wife during wedlock; or

(3) A child who is not legitimate within the meaning of Code Section 19-7-20 .

(3) A child who is not legitimate within the meaning of Code Section 19-7-20 .
O.C.G.A. § 19-15-6 — GA Code / Title 19 / Chapter 15 / Section 19-15-6
Georgia Code Title 19. Domestic Relations § 19-15-6
Status: in_force

(a) Records and other documents which are made public records pursuant to any other provisions of law shall remain public records notwithstanding their being obtained, considered, or both, by a protocol committee, a review committee, or the panel.

(a) Records and other documents which are made public records pursuant to any other provisions of law shall remain public records notwithstanding their being obtained, considered, or both, by a protocol committee, a review committee, or the panel.

(b) Notwithstanding any other provision of law to the contrary, reports of a review committee made pursuant to Code Section 19-15-3 and reports of the panel made pursuant to Code Section 19-15-4 shall be public records and shall be released to any person making a request therefor, but the protocol committee, review committee, or panel having possession of such records or reports shall only release them after expunging therefrom all information contained therein which would permit identifying the deceased or abused child, any family member of the child, any alleged or suspected perpetrator of abuse upon the child, or any reporter of suspected child abuse.

(b) Notwithstanding any other provision of law to the contrary, reports of a review committee made pursuant to Code Section 19-15-3 and reports of the panel made pursuant to Code Section 19-15-4 shall be public records and shall be released to any person making a request therefor, but the protocol committee, review committee, or panel having possession of such records or reports shall only release them after expunging therefrom all information contained therein which would permit identifying the deceased or abused child, any family member of the child, any alleged or suspected perpetrator of abuse upon the child, or any reporter of suspected child abuse.

(c) Statistical compilations of data by a review committee or the panel based upon information received thereby and containing no information which would permit the identification of any person shall be public records.

(c) Statistical compilations of data by a review committee or the panel based upon information received thereby and containing no information which would permit the identification of any person shall be public records.

(d) Members of a protocol committee, a review committee, or of the panel shall not disclose what transpires at any meeting other than one made public by Code Section 19-15-5 nor disclose any information the disclosure of which is prohibited by this Code section, except to carry out the purposes of this chapter. Any person who knowingly violates this subsection shall be guilty of a misdemeanor.

(d) Members of a protocol committee, a review committee, or of the panel shall not disclose what transpires at any meeting other than one made public by Code Section 19-15-5 nor disclose any information the disclosure of which is prohibited by this Code section, except to carry out the purposes of this chapter. Any person who knowingly violates this subsection shall be guilty of a misdemeanor.

(e) A person who presents information to a protocol committee, a review committee, or the panel or who is a member of any such body shall not be questioned in any civil or criminal proceeding regarding such presentation or regarding opinions formed by or confidential information obtained by such person as a result of serving as a member of any such body. This subsection shall not be construed to prohibit any person from testifying regarding information obtained independently of a protocol committee, a review committee, or the panel. In any proceeding in which testimony of such a member is offered the court shall first determine the source of such witness's knowledge.

(e) A person who presents information to a protocol committee, a review committee, or the panel or who is a member of any such body shall not be questioned in any civil or criminal proceeding regarding such presentation or regarding opinions formed by or confidential information obtained by such person as a result of serving as a member of any such body. This subsection shall not be construed to prohibit any person from testifying regarding information obtained independently of a protocol committee, a review committee, or the panel. In any proceeding in which testimony of such a member is offered the court shall first determine the source of such witness's knowledge.

(f) Except as otherwise provided in this Code section, information acquired by and records of a protocol committee, a review committee, or the panel shall be confidential, shall not be disclosed, and shall not be subject to Article 4 of Chapter 18 of Title 50, relating to open records, or subject to subpoena, discovery, or introduction into evidence in any civil or criminal proceeding.

(f) Except as otherwise provided in this Code section, information acquired by and records of a protocol committee, a review committee, or the panel shall be confidential, shall not be disclosed, and shall not be subject to Article 4 of Chapter 18 of Title 50, relating to open records, or subject to subpoena, discovery, or introduction into evidence in any civil or criminal proceeding.

(g) A member of a protocol committee, a review committee, or the panel shall not be civilly liable or subject to criminal prosecution for any disclosure of information made by such member as authorized by this Code section.

(g) A member of a protocol committee, a review committee, or the panel shall not be civilly liable or subject to criminal prosecution for any disclosure of information made by such member as authorized by this Code section.

(h) Members of the review committee, persons attending a review committee meeting, and persons who present information to a review committee may release information to such government agencies as is necessary for the purpose of carrying out assigned review committee duties.

(h) Members of the review committee, persons attending a review committee meeting, and persons who present information to a review committee may release information to such government agencies as is necessary for the purpose of carrying out assigned review committee duties.

(i) Notwithstanding any other provisions of law, information acquired by and documents, records, and reports of the panel and protocol committees and review committees applicable to a child who at the time of his or her death was in the custody of a state department or agency or foster parent shall not be confidential and shall be subject to Article 4 of Chapter 18 of Title 50, relating to open records.

(i) Notwithstanding any other provisions of law, information acquired by and documents, records, and reports of the panel and protocol committees and review committees applicable to a child who at the time of his or her death was in the custody of a state department or agency or foster parent shall not be confidential and shall be subject to Article 4 of Chapter 18 of Title 50, relating to open records.
O.C.G.A. § 19-13-4 — GA Code / Title 19 / Chapter 13 / Section 19-13-4
Georgia Code Title 19. Domestic Relations § 19-13-4
Status: in_force

(a) The court may, upon the filing of a verified petition, grant any protective order or approve any consent agreement to bring about a cessation of acts of family violence. The court shall not have the authority to issue or approve mutual protective orders concerning paragraph (1), (2), (5), (9), or (11) of this subsection, or any combination thereof, unless the respondent has filed a verified petition as a counter petition pursuant to Code Section 19-13-3 no later than three days, not including Saturdays, Sundays, and legal holidays, prior to the hearing and the provisions of Code Section 19-13-3 have been satisfied. The orders or agreements may: (1) Direct the respondent to refrain from such acts; (2) Grant to a party possession of the residence or household of the parties and exclude the other party from the residence or household; (3) Require a party to provide suitable alternate housing for a spouse, former spouse, or parent and the parties' child or children; (4) Award temporary custody of minor children and establish temporary visitation rights; (5) Order the eviction of a party from the residence or household and order assistance to the victim in returning to it, or order assistance in retrieving personal property of the victim if the respondent's eviction has not been ordered; (6) Order either party to make payments for the support of a minor child as required by law; (7) Order either party to make payments for the support of a spouse as required by law; (8) Provide for possession of personal property of the parties; (9) Order the respondent to refrain from harassing or interfering with the victim; (10) Award costs and attorney's fees to either party; and (11) Order the respondent to receive appropriate psychiatric or psychological services as a further measure to prevent the recurrence of family violence.

(a) The court may, upon the filing of a verified petition, grant any protective order or approve any consent agreement to bring about a cessation of acts of family violence. The court shall not have the authority to issue or approve mutual protective orders concerning paragraph (1), (2), (5), (9), or (11) of this subsection, or any combination thereof, unless the respondent has filed a verified petition as a counter petition pursuant to Code Section 19-13-3 no later than three days, not including Saturdays, Sundays, and legal holidays, prior to the hearing and the provisions of Code Section 19-13-3 have been satisfied. The orders or agreements may:

(1) Direct the respondent to refrain from such acts;

(1) Direct the respondent to refrain from such acts;

(2) Grant to a party possession of the residence or household of the parties and exclude the other party from the residence or household;

(2) Grant to a party possession of the residence or household of the parties and exclude the other party from the residence or household;

(3) Require a party to provide suitable alternate housing for a spouse, former spouse, or parent and the parties' child or children;

(3) Require a party to provide suitable alternate housing for a spouse, former spouse, or parent and the parties' child or children;

(4) Award temporary custody of minor children and establish temporary visitation rights;

(4) Award temporary custody of minor children and establish temporary visitation rights;

(5) Order the eviction of a party from the residence or household and order assistance to the victim in returning to it, or order assistance in retrieving personal property of the victim if the respondent's eviction has not been ordered;

(5) Order the eviction of a party from the residence or household and order assistance to the victim in returning to it, or order assistance in retrieving personal property of the victim if the respondent's eviction has not been ordered;

(6) Order either party to make payments for the support of a minor child as required by law;

(6) Order either party to make payments for the support of a minor child as required by law;

(7) Order either party to make payments for the support of a spouse as required by law;

(7) Order either party to make payments for the support of a spouse as required by law;

(8) Provide for possession of personal property of the parties;

(8) Provide for possession of personal property of the parties;

(9) Order the respondent to refrain from harassing or interfering with the victim;

(9) Order the respondent to refrain from harassing or interfering with the victim;

(10) Award costs and attorney's fees to either party; and

(10) Award costs and attorney's fees to either party; and

(11) Order the respondent to receive appropriate psychiatric or psychological services as a further measure to prevent the recurrence of family violence.

(11) Order the respondent to receive appropriate psychiatric or psychological services as a further measure to prevent the recurrence of family violence.

(b) A copy of the order shall be issued by the clerk of the superior court to the sheriff of the county wherein the order was entered and shall be retained by the sheriff as long as that order shall remain in effect.

(b) A copy of the order shall be issued by the clerk of the superior court to the sheriff of the county wherein the order was entered and shall be retained by the sheriff as long as that order shall remain in effect.

(c) Any order granted under this Code section shall remain in effect for up to one year; provided, however, that upon the motion of a petitioner and notice to the respondent and after a hearing, the court in its discretion may convert a temporary order granted under this Code section to an order effective for not more than three years or to a permanent order.

(c) Any order granted under this Code section shall remain in effect for up to one year; provided, however, that upon the motion of a petitioner and notice to the respondent and after a hearing, the court in its discretion may convert a temporary order granted under this Code section to an order effective for not more than three years or to a permanent order.

(d) A protective order issued pursuant to this Code section shall apply and shall be effective throughout this state. It shall be the duty of every superior court and of every sheriff, every deputy sheriff, and every state, county, or municipal law enforcement officer within this state to enforce and carry out the terms of any valid protective order issued by any court under the provisions of this Code section.

(d) A protective order issued pursuant to this Code section shall apply and shall be effective throughout this state. It shall be the duty of every superior court and of every sheriff, every deputy sheriff, and every state, county, or municipal law enforcement officer within this state to enforce and carry out the terms of any valid protective order issued by any court under the provisions of this Code section.
O.C.G.A. § 19-11-124 — GA Code / Title 19 / Chapter 11 / Section 19-11-124
Georgia Code Title 19. Domestic Relations § 19-11-124
Status: in_force

(a) When a responding tribunal of Georgia receives a petition or comparable pleading from an initiating tribunal or directly pursuant to subsection (b) of Code Section 19-11-120 , it shall cause the petition or pleading to be filed and notify the petitioner where and when it was filed.

(a) When a responding tribunal of Georgia receives a petition or comparable pleading from an initiating tribunal or directly pursuant to subsection (b) of Code Section 19-11-120 , it shall cause the petition or pleading to be filed and notify the petitioner where and when it was filed.

(b) A responding tribunal of Georgia, to the extent not prohibited by other law, may do one or more of the following: (1) Establish or enforce a support order, modify a child support order, determine the controlling child support order, or determine parentage of a child; (2) Order an obligor to comply with a support order, specifying the amount and the manner of compliance; (3) Order income withholding; (4) Determine the amount of any arrearages and specify a method of payment; (5) Enforce orders by civil or criminal contempt, or both; (6) Set aside property for satisfaction of the support order; (7) Place liens and order execution on the obligor's property; (8) Order an obligor to keep the tribunal informed of the obligor's current residential address, e-mail address, telephone number, employer, address of employment, and telephone number at the place of employment; (9) Issue an order for the arrest of an obligor who has failed after proper notice to appear at a hearing ordered by the tribunal and enter the arrest order in any local and state computer systems for criminal warrants; (10) Order the obligor to seek appropriate employment by specified methods; (11) Award reasonable attorney's fees and other fees and costs; and (12) Grant any other available remedy.

(b) A responding tribunal of Georgia, to the extent not prohibited by other law, may do one or more of the following:

(1) Establish or enforce a support order, modify a child support order, determine the controlling child support order, or determine parentage of a child;

(1) Establish or enforce a support order, modify a child support order, determine the controlling child support order, or determine parentage of a child;

(2) Order an obligor to comply with a support order, specifying the amount and the manner of compliance;

(2) Order an obligor to comply with a support order, specifying the amount and the manner of compliance;

(3) Order income withholding;

(3) Order income withholding;

(4) Determine the amount of any arrearages and specify a method of payment;

(4) Determine the amount of any arrearages and specify a method of payment;

(5) Enforce orders by civil or criminal contempt, or both;

(5) Enforce orders by civil or criminal contempt, or both;

(6) Set aside property for satisfaction of the support order;

(6) Set aside property for satisfaction of the support order;

(7) Place liens and order execution on the obligor's property;

(7) Place liens and order execution on the obligor's property;

(8) Order an obligor to keep the tribunal informed of the obligor's current residential address, e-mail address, telephone number, employer, address of employment, and telephone number at the place of employment;

(8) Order an obligor to keep the tribunal informed of the obligor's current residential address, e-mail address, telephone number, employer, address of employment, and telephone number at the place of employment;

(9) Issue an order for the arrest of an obligor who has failed after proper notice to appear at a hearing ordered by the tribunal and enter the arrest order in any local and state computer systems for criminal warrants;

(9) Issue an order for the arrest of an obligor who has failed after proper notice to appear at a hearing ordered by the tribunal and enter the arrest order in any local and state computer systems for criminal warrants;

(10) Order the obligor to seek appropriate employment by specified methods;

(10) Order the obligor to seek appropriate employment by specified methods;

(11) Award reasonable attorney's fees and other fees and costs; and

(11) Award reasonable attorney's fees and other fees and costs; and

(12) Grant any other available remedy.

(12) Grant any other available remedy.

(c) A responding tribunal of Georgia shall include in a support order issued under this article, or in the documents accompanying the order, the calculations on which the support order is based.

(c) A responding tribunal of Georgia shall include in a support order issued under this article, or in the documents accompanying the order, the calculations on which the support order is based.

(d) A responding tribunal of Georgia may not condition the payment of a support order issued under this article upon compliance by a party with provisions for visitation.

(d) A responding tribunal of Georgia may not condition the payment of a support order issued under this article upon compliance by a party with provisions for visitation.

(e) If a responding tribunal of Georgia issues an order under this article, the tribunal shall send a copy of the order to the petitioner and the respondent and to the initiating tribunal, if any.

(e) If a responding tribunal of Georgia issues an order under this article, the tribunal shall send a copy of the order to the petitioner and the respondent and to the initiating tribunal, if any.

(f) If requested to enforce a support order, arrears, or judgment or modify a support order stated in a foreign currency, a responding tribunal of Georgia shall convert the amount stated in the foreign currency to the equivalent amount in dollars under the applicable official or market exchange rate as publicly reported.

(f) If requested to enforce a support order, arrears, or judgment or modify a support order stated in a foreign currency, a responding tribunal of Georgia shall convert the amount stated in the foreign currency to the equivalent amount in dollars under the applicable official or market exchange rate as publicly reported.
O.C.G.A. § 19-7-41 — GA Code / Title 19 / Chapter 7 / Section 19-7-41
Georgia Code Title 19. Domestic Relations § 19-7-41
Status: in_force

In a proceeding under this article, the court, pursuant to Chapter 11 of Title 9, may order service upon a person outside the state upon a finding that there is a constitutionally permissible basis for jurisdiction over the person, including those enumerated in Article 3 of Chapter 11 of this title.
O.C.G.A. § 19-11-2 — GA Code / Title 19 / Chapter 11 / Section 19-11-2
Georgia Code Title 19. Domestic Relations § 19-11-2
Status: in_force

(a) The underlying purposes of this article are: (1) To provide that public assistance to needy children is a supplement to the contribution of the responsible parents; (2) To provide for a determination that a responsible parent is able to support his children; and (3) To provide for the enforcement of an able parent's obligation to furnish support.

(a) The underlying purposes of this article are:

(1) To provide that public assistance to needy children is a supplement to the contribution of the responsible parents;

(1) To provide that public assistance to needy children is a supplement to the contribution of the responsible parents;

(2) To provide for a determination that a responsible parent is able to support his children; and

(2) To provide for a determination that a responsible parent is able to support his children; and

(3) To provide for the enforcement of an able parent's obligation to furnish support.

(3) To provide for the enforcement of an able parent's obligation to furnish support.

(b) This article shall be liberally construed to promote its underlying purposes.

(b) This article shall be liberally construed to promote its underlying purposes.
O.C.G.A. § 19-11-138 — GA Code / Title 19 / Chapter 11 / Section 19-11-138
Georgia Code Title 19. Domestic Relations § 19-11-138
Status: in_force

(a) A support enforcement agency or tribunal in Georgia shall disburse promptly any amounts received pursuant to a support order, as directed by the order. The agency or tribunal shall furnish to a requesting party or tribunal of another state or a foreign country a certified statement by the custodian of the record of the amounts and dates of all payments received.

(a) A support enforcement agency or tribunal in Georgia shall disburse promptly any amounts received pursuant to a support order, as directed by the order. The agency or tribunal shall furnish to a requesting party or tribunal of another state or a foreign country a certified statement by the custodian of the record of the amounts and dates of all payments received.

(b) If neither the obligor, nor the obligee who is an individual, nor the child resides in this state, upon request from the support enforcement agency of Georgia or another state, the support enforcement agency of this state or a tribunal of this state shall: (1) Direct that the support payment be made to the support enforcement agency in the state in which the obligee is receiving services; and (2) Issue and send to the obligor's employer a conforming income withholding order or an administrative notice of change of payee, reflecting the redirected payments.

(b) If neither the obligor, nor the obligee who is an individual, nor the child resides in this state, upon request from the support enforcement agency of Georgia or another state, the support enforcement agency of this state or a tribunal of this state shall:

(1) Direct that the support payment be made to the support enforcement agency in the state in which the obligee is receiving services; and

(1) Direct that the support payment be made to the support enforcement agency in the state in which the obligee is receiving services; and

(2) Issue and send to the obligor's employer a conforming income withholding order or an administrative notice of change of payee, reflecting the redirected payments.

(2) Issue and send to the obligor's employer a conforming income withholding order or an administrative notice of change of payee, reflecting the redirected payments.

(c) The support enforcement agency of this state receiving redirected payments from another state pursuant to a law similar to subsection (b) of this Code section shall furnish to a requesting party or tribunal of the other state a certified statement by the custodian of the record of the amount and dates of all payments received.

(c) The support enforcement agency of this state receiving redirected payments from another state pursuant to a law similar to subsection (b) of this Code section shall furnish to a requesting party or tribunal of the other state a certified statement by the custodian of the record of the amount and dates of all payments received.
O.C.G.A. § 19-8-14 — GA Code / Title 19 / Chapter 8 / Section 19-8-14
Georgia Code Title 19. Domestic Relations § 19-8-14
Status: in_force

(a) It is the policy of this state that, in the best interests of the child, uncontested adoption petitions shall be heard as soon as possible but not later than 120 days after the date of filing, unless the petitioner has failed to arrange for the court to receive the report required by Code Section 19-8-16 or has otherwise failed to provide the court with all exhibits, surrenders of rights, or certificates required by this article within that time period. It is the policy of this state that, in contested adoption petitions, the parties shall make every effort to have the petition considered by the court as soon as practical after the date of filing, taking into account the circumstances of the petition and the best interests of the child.

(a) It is the policy of this state that, in the best interests of the child, uncontested adoption petitions shall be heard as soon as possible but not later than 120 days after the date of filing, unless the petitioner has failed to arrange for the court to receive the report required by Code Section 19-8-16 or has otherwise failed to provide the court with all exhibits, surrenders of rights, or certificates required by this article within that time period. It is the policy of this state that, in contested adoption petitions, the parties shall make every effort to have the petition considered by the court as soon as practical after the date of filing, taking into account the circumstances of the petition and the best interests of the child.

(b) Upon the filing of the petition for adoption, accompanied by the filing fee unless such fee is waived, it shall be the responsibility of the clerk to accept such petition as filed. Such petition shall not be subject to court approval before it is filed.

(b) Upon the filing of the petition for adoption, accompanied by the filing fee unless such fee is waived, it shall be the responsibility of the clerk to accept such petition as filed. Such petition shall not be subject to court approval before it is filed.

(c) Upon the filing of the petition for adoption, the court shall fix a date upon which such petition shall be considered, which date shall be not less than 45 days from the date of the filing of such petition and shall not be less than 30 days following the last date a parent or biological father is deemed to have received service of notice as required in those cases when Code Section 19-8-10 or 19-8-12 , or both, is applicable.

(c) Upon the filing of the petition for adoption, the court shall fix a date upon which such petition shall be considered, which date shall be not less than 45 days from the date of the filing of such petition and shall not be less than 30 days following the last date a parent or biological father is deemed to have received service of notice as required in those cases when Code Section 19-8-10 or 19-8-12 , or both, is applicable.

(d) In those cases where the court is required to appoint an agent pursuant to subsection (a) of Code Section 19-8-16 to conduct an investigation and make a written report and recommendation to the court, it shall be the petitioner's responsibility to request that the court appoint the agent if the court does not do so sua sponte. Notwithstanding subsections (a) and (c) of this Code section, it shall be the petitioner's responsibility to request that the court hear the petition for adoption on a date that allows sufficient time for fulfillment of the notice requirements of Code Sections 19-8-10 and 19-8-12 and for receipt of the agent's written report and recommendation prior to the hearing, when applicable.

(d) In those cases where the court is required to appoint an agent pursuant to subsection (a) of Code Section 19-8-16 to conduct an investigation and make a written report and recommendation to the court, it shall be the petitioner's responsibility to request that the court appoint the agent if the court does not do so sua sponte. Notwithstanding subsections (a) and (c) of this Code section, it shall be the petitioner's responsibility to request that the court hear the petition for adoption on a date that allows sufficient time for fulfillment of the notice requirements of Code Sections 19-8-10 and 19-8-12 and for receipt of the agent's written report and recommendation prior to the hearing, when applicable.

(e) In the best interests of the child, the court may hear the petition for adoption less than 45 days from the date of its filing upon a showing by the petitioner that no further notice is required or any statutory requirement of notice to any individual will be fulfilled at an earlier date, and provided that any report required by Code Section 19-8-16 has been completed or will be completed at an earlier date.

(e) In the best interests of the child, the court may hear the petition for adoption less than 45 days from the date of its filing upon a showing by the petitioner that no further notice is required or any statutory requirement of notice to any individual will be fulfilled at an earlier date, and provided that any report required by Code Section 19-8-16 has been completed or will be completed at an earlier date.

(f) The court in the child's best interests may grant such expedited hearings or continuances as may be necessary for completion of applicable notice requirements, investigations, a home study, and reports or for other good cause shown.

(f) The court in the child's best interests may grant such expedited hearings or continuances as may be necessary for completion of applicable notice requirements, investigations, a home study, and reports or for other good cause shown.

(g) Copies of the petition for adoption and all documents filed in connection therewith, including, but not limited to, the order fixing the date upon which such petition shall be considered, motions, other pleadings filed, all orders entered in connection with such petition, and all exhibits, surrenders of rights, or certificates required by this article, shall be forwarded by the clerk to the department within 15 days after the date of such filing for retention by the State Adoption Unit of the department.

(g) Copies of the petition for adoption and all documents filed in connection therewith, including, but not limited to, the order fixing the date upon which such petition shall be considered, motions, other pleadings filed, all orders entered in connection with such petition, and all exhibits, surrenders of rights, or certificates required by this article, shall be forwarded by the clerk to the department within 15 days after the date of such filing for retention by the State Adoption Unit of the department.

(h) Copies of the petition for adoption, the order fixing the date upon which such petition shall be considered, and all exhibits, surrenders of rights, or certificates required by this article shall be forwarded by the clerk to the agent appointed by the court pursuant to Code Section 19-8-16 within 15 days after the filing of the petition for adoption, together with a request that a report and investigation be made as required by Code Section 19-8-16 .

(h) Copies of the petition for adoption, the order fixing the date upon which such petition shall be considered, and all exhibits, surrenders of rights, or certificates required by this article shall be forwarded by the clerk to the agent appointed by the court pursuant to Code Section 19-8-16 within 15 days after the filing of the petition for adoption, together with a request that a report and investigation be made as required by Code Section 19-8-16 .

(i) The clerk of court shall provide the petitioner or his or her attorney with a copy of the petition for adoption and of each amendment, motion, and other pleading filed with a stamp confirming the date each pleading was filed with the court and shall also provide the petitioner or his or her attorney with a copy of each order entered by the court in the adoption proceeding, confirming the date the order was filed of record by the court.

(i) The clerk of court shall provide the petitioner or his or her attorney with a copy of the petition for adoption and of each amendment, motion, and other pleading filed with a stamp confirming the date each pleading was filed with the court and shall also provide the petitioner or his or her attorney with a copy of each order entered by the court in the adoption proceeding, confirming the date the order was filed of record by the court.
O.C.G.A. § 19-13-33 — GA Code / Title 19 / Chapter 13 / Section 19-13-33
Georgia Code Title 19. Domestic Relations § 19-13-33
Status: in_force

(a) The commission shall hold regular meetings at least once every calendar quarter. Special meetings may be called by the chairperson or a majority of the members of the commission. The commission shall meet at such times and at such designated places in the state as it may determine.

(a) The commission shall hold regular meetings at least once every calendar quarter. Special meetings may be called by the chairperson or a majority of the members of the commission. The commission shall meet at such times and at such designated places in the state as it may determine.

(b) A quorum for transacting business shall be determined by the members of the commission.

(b) A quorum for transacting business shall be determined by the members of the commission.

(c) The members of the commission may be reimbursed for expenses incurred while conducting the business of the commission from public or private grants, devises, or bequests received by the commission.

(c) The members of the commission may be reimbursed for expenses incurred while conducting the business of the commission from public or private grants, devises, or bequests received by the commission.
O.C.G.A. § 19-3-7 — GA Code / Title 19 / Chapter 3 / Section 19-3-7
Georgia Code Title 19. Domestic Relations § 19-3-7
Status: in_force

The policy of the law being opposed equally to restrictions on marriage and to marriages not the result of free choice, all contracts or bonds made to hinder or to force marriage are deemed fraudulent and void.
O.C.G.A. § 19-8-10 — GA Code / Title 19 / Chapter 8 / Section 19-8-10
Georgia Code Title 19. Domestic Relations § 19-8-10
Status: in_force

(a) Surrender or termination of rights of a living parent pursuant to Code Section 19-8-4 , 19-8-5 , 19-8-6 , or 19-8-7 shall not be required as a prerequisite to the granting of a petition for adoption of a child of such living parent pursuant to Code Section 19-8-13 when the court determines by clear and convincing evidence that the: (1) Child has been abandoned by that parent; (2) Parent cannot be found after a diligent search has been made; (3) Parent is insane or otherwise incapacitated from surrendering such rights; (4) Parent caused his child to be conceived as a result of having nonconsensual sexual intercourse with the biological mother of his child or when the biological mother is less than ten years of age; or (5) Parent, without justifiable cause, has failed to exercise proper parental care or control due to misconduct or inability, as set out in paragraph (3), (4), or (5) of subsection (a) of Code Section 15-11-310 , and the court is of the opinion that the adoption is in the best interests of that child, after considering the physical, mental, emotional, and moral condition and needs of the child who is the subject of the proceeding, including the need for a secure and stable home.

(a) Surrender or termination of rights of a living parent pursuant to Code Section 19-8-4 , 19-8-5 , 19-8-6 , or 19-8-7 shall not be required as a prerequisite to the granting of a petition for adoption of a child of such living parent pursuant to Code Section 19-8-13 when the court determines by clear and convincing evidence that the:

(1) Child has been abandoned by that parent;

(1) Child has been abandoned by that parent;

(2) Parent cannot be found after a diligent search has been made;

(2) Parent cannot be found after a diligent search has been made;

(3) Parent is insane or otherwise incapacitated from surrendering such rights;

(3) Parent is insane or otherwise incapacitated from surrendering such rights;

(4) Parent caused his child to be conceived as a result of having nonconsensual sexual intercourse with the biological mother of his child or when the biological mother is less than ten years of age; or

(4) Parent caused his child to be conceived as a result of having nonconsensual sexual intercourse with the biological mother of his child or when the biological mother is less than ten years of age; or

(5) Parent, without justifiable cause, has failed to exercise proper parental care or control due to misconduct or inability, as set out in paragraph (3), (4), or (5) of subsection (a) of Code Section 15-11-310 ,

(5) Parent, without justifiable cause, has failed to exercise proper parental care or control due to misconduct or inability, as set out in paragraph (3), (4), or (5) of subsection (a) of Code Section 15-11-310 ,

and the court is of the opinion that the adoption is in the best interests of that child, after considering the physical, mental, emotional, and moral condition and needs of the child who is the subject of the proceeding, including the need for a secure and stable home.

(b) A surrender of rights of a living parent pursuant to Code Section 19-8-6 or 19-8-7 shall not be required as a prerequisite to the granting of a petition for adoption of a child of such living parent pursuant to Code Section 19-8-13 , when the court determines by clear and convincing evidence that the parent, for a period of one year or longer immediately prior to the filing of the petition for adoption, without justifiable cause, has significantly failed: (1) To communicate or to make a bona fide attempt to communicate with that child in a meaningful, supportive, parental manner; or (2) To provide for the care and support of that child as required by law or judicial decree, and the court is of the opinion that the adoption is in the best interests of that child, after considering the physical, mental, emotional, and moral condition and needs of the child who is the subject of the proceeding, including the need for a secure and stable home.

(b) A surrender of rights of a living parent pursuant to Code Section 19-8-6 or 19-8-7 shall not be required as a prerequisite to the granting of a petition for adoption of a child of such living parent pursuant to Code Section 19-8-13 , when the court determines by clear and convincing evidence that the parent, for a period of one year or longer immediately prior to the filing of the petition for adoption, without justifiable cause, has significantly failed:

(1) To communicate or to make a bona fide attempt to communicate with that child in a meaningful, supportive, parental manner; or

(1) To communicate or to make a bona fide attempt to communicate with that child in a meaningful, supportive, parental manner; or

(2) To provide for the care and support of that child as required by law or judicial decree,

(2) To provide for the care and support of that child as required by law or judicial decree,

and the court is of the opinion that the adoption is in the best interests of that child, after considering the physical, mental, emotional, and moral condition and needs of the child who is the subject of the proceeding, including the need for a secure and stable home.

(c)(1) Whenever it is alleged by any petitioner that surrender or termination of rights of a living parent is not a prerequisite to the granting of a petition for adoption of a child of such parent in accordance with subsection (a) or (b) of this Code section, such parent shall be personally served with a conformed copy of the adoption petition, together with a copy of the court's order thereon specified in Code Section 19-8-14 , or, if personal service cannot be perfected, by certified mail or registered mail, return receipt requested, or statutory overnight delivery, one-day service not required, at his or her last known address. If service cannot be made by these methods, such parent shall be given notice by publication once a week for three weeks in the official organ of the county where such petition has been filed and of the county of his or her last known address. In the interest of time, publication may be initiated simultaneously with efforts to perfect service personally, by certified mail or registered mail, or by statutory overnight delivery. The court shall continue to have the inherent authority to determine the sufficiency of service. A parent who receives notification pursuant to this paragraph shall not be a party to the adoption and shall have no obligation to file an answer, but shall have the right to appear in the pending adoption proceeding and show cause why such parent's rights to the child who is the subject of the proceeding should not be terminated by that adoption. Notice shall be deemed to have been received on the earliest date: (A) Personal service is perfected; (B) Of delivery shown on the return receipt of certified mail or registered mail or proof of delivery by statutory overnight delivery; or (C) Of the last publication. (2) No prior order of court shall be required to publish notice pursuant to this Code section; provided, however, that before publication may be relied upon as a means of service, it shall be averred that, after diligent efforts, service could not be perfected personally, by certified mail, by registered mail, or by statutory overnight delivery.

(c)(1) Whenever it is alleged by any petitioner that surrender or termination of rights of a living parent is not a prerequisite to the granting of a petition for adoption of a child of such parent in accordance with subsection (a) or (b) of this Code section, such parent shall be personally served with a conformed copy of the adoption petition, together with a copy of the court's order thereon specified in Code Section 19-8-14 , or, if personal service cannot be perfected, by certified mail or registered mail, return receipt requested, or statutory overnight delivery, one-day service not required, at his or her last known address. If service cannot be made by these methods, such parent shall be given notice by publication once a week for three weeks in the official organ of the county where such petition has been filed and of the county of his or her last known address. In the interest of time, publication may be initiated simultaneously with efforts to perfect service personally, by certified mail or registered mail, or by statutory overnight delivery. The court shall continue to have the inherent authority to determine the sufficiency of service. A parent who receives notification pursuant to this paragraph shall not be a party to the adoption and shall have no obligation to file an answer, but shall have the right to appear in the pending adoption proceeding and show cause why such parent's rights to the child who is the subject of the proceeding should not be terminated by that adoption. Notice shall be deemed to have been received on the earliest date: (A) Personal service is perfected; (B) Of delivery shown on the return receipt of certified mail or registered mail or proof of delivery by statutory overnight delivery; or (C) Of the last publication.

(c)(1) Whenever it is alleged by any petitioner that surrender or termination of rights of a living parent is not a prerequisite to the granting of a petition for adoption of a child of such parent in accordance with subsection (a) or (b) of this Code section, such parent shall be personally served with a conformed copy of the adoption petition, together with a copy of the court's order thereon specified in Code Section 19-8-14 , or, if personal service cannot be perfected, by certified mail or registered mail, return receipt requested, or statutory overnight delivery, one-day service not required, at his or her last known address. If service cannot be made by these methods, such parent shall be given notice by publication once a week for three weeks in the official organ of the county where such petition has been filed and of the county of his or her last known address. In the interest of time, publication may be initiated simultaneously with efforts to perfect service personally, by certified mail or registered mail, or by statutory overnight delivery. The court shall continue to have the inherent authority to determine the sufficiency of service. A parent who receives notification pursuant to this paragraph shall not be a party to the adoption and shall have no obligation to file an answer, but shall have the right to appear in the pending adoption proceeding and show cause why such parent's rights to the child who is the subject of the proceeding should not be terminated by that adoption. Notice shall be deemed to have been received on the earliest date:

(A) Personal service is perfected;

(A) Personal service is perfected;

(B) Of delivery shown on the return receipt of certified mail or registered mail or proof of delivery by statutory overnight delivery; or

(B) Of delivery shown on the return receipt of certified mail or registered mail or proof of delivery by statutory overnight delivery; or

(C) Of the last publication.

(C) Of the last publication.

(2) No prior order of court shall be required to publish notice pursuant to this Code section; provided, however, that before publication may be relied upon as a means of service, it shall be averred that, after diligent efforts, service could not be perfected personally, by certified mail, by registered mail, or by statutory overnight delivery.

(2) No prior order of court shall be required to publish notice pursuant to this Code section; provided, however, that before publication may be relied upon as a means of service, it shall be averred that, after diligent efforts, service could not be perfected personally, by certified mail, by registered mail, or by statutory overnight delivery.

(d) Consistent with the requirement of paragraph (7) of subsection (a) of Code Section 19-8-13 , when the petitioner is seeking to involuntarily terminate the rights of a parent as a prerequisite to the granting of the petition for adoption, the petitioner shall, in lieu of obtaining and attaching those otherwise required surrenders of rights, acknowledgments, and affidavits, allege facts in the petition seeking to involuntarily terminate parental rights that demonstrate the applicability of the grounds set forth in subsection (a) or (b), or both, of this Code section and shall also allege compliance with subsection (c) of this Code section.

(d) Consistent with the requirement of paragraph (7) of subsection (a) of Code Section 19-8-13 , when the petitioner is seeking to involuntarily terminate the rights of a parent as a prerequisite to the granting of the petition for adoption, the petitioner shall, in lieu of obtaining and attaching those otherwise required surrenders of rights, acknowledgments, and affidavits, allege facts in the petition seeking to involuntarily terminate parental rights that demonstrate the applicability of the grounds set forth in subsection (a) or (b), or both, of this Code section and shall also allege compliance with subsection (c) of this Code section.
O.C.G.A. § 19-8-16 — GA Code / Title 19 / Chapter 8 / Section 19-8-16
Georgia Code Title 19. Domestic Relations § 19-8-16
Status: in_force

(a) Prior to the date set by the court for a hearing on the petition for adoption, it shall be the duty of the agent appointed by the court to verify the allegations in the petition for adoption, to make a complete and thorough investigation of the entire matter, including any specific issue the court requests to be investigated, and to report its findings and recommendations in writing to the court where the petition for adoption was filed. The petitioner may assist the court by providing names of qualified individuals or agencies to serve as the court's agent. The agent may be the department, a child-placing agency, an evaluator, or an individual who the court determines is qualified to conduct the required investigation. The agent appointed by the court shall also provide the petitioner or his or her attorney with a copy of its report. If for any reason the agent appointed by the court finds itself unable to make or arrange for the proper investigation and report, it shall be the duty of the agent to notify the court immediately, or at least within 20 days after receipt of the request for investigation service, that it is unable to make the report and investigation, so that the court may take such other steps as in its discretion are necessary to have the investigation and report prepared. The investigation required by this Code section shall be in addition to the requirement of a home study in the case of a petition for adoption filed pursuant to Code Section 19-8-5 .

(a) Prior to the date set by the court for a hearing on the petition for adoption, it shall be the duty of the agent appointed by the court to verify the allegations in the petition for adoption, to make a complete and thorough investigation of the entire matter, including any specific issue the court requests to be investigated, and to report its findings and recommendations in writing to the court where the petition for adoption was filed. The petitioner may assist the court by providing names of qualified individuals or agencies to serve as the court's agent. The agent may be the department, a child-placing agency, an evaluator, or an individual who the court determines is qualified to conduct the required investigation. The agent appointed by the court shall also provide the petitioner or his or her attorney with a copy of its report. If for any reason the agent appointed by the court finds itself unable to make or arrange for the proper investigation and report, it shall be the duty of the agent to notify the court immediately, or at least within 20 days after receipt of the request for investigation service, that it is unable to make the report and investigation, so that the court may take such other steps as in its discretion are necessary to have the investigation and report prepared. The investigation required by this Code section shall be in addition to the requirement of a home study in the case of a petition for adoption filed pursuant to Code Section 19-8-5 .

(b) If the petition for adoption has been filed pursuant to Code Section 19-8-6 or 19-8-7 , the court shall be authorized but shall not be required to appoint an agent to make an investigation pursuant to subsection (a) of this Code section; provided, however, that a home study shall not be required.

(b) If the petition for adoption has been filed pursuant to Code Section 19-8-6 or 19-8-7 , the court shall be authorized but shall not be required to appoint an agent to make an investigation pursuant to subsection (a) of this Code section; provided, however, that a home study shall not be required.

(c)(1) If the petition for adoption has been filed pursuant to Code Section 19-8-8 , the appointment of an agent to make an investigation and render a report pursuant to subsection (a) of this Code section shall not be required. (2) If the petition for adoption has been filed pursuant to Code Section 19-8-4 and the department or child-placing agency has consented to the adoption, the appointment of an agent to make an investigation and render a report pursuant to subsection (a) of this Code section shall not be required.

(c)(1) If the petition for adoption has been filed pursuant to Code Section 19-8-8 , the appointment of an agent to make an investigation and render a report pursuant to subsection (a) of this Code section shall not be required.

(c)(1) If the petition for adoption has been filed pursuant to Code Section 19-8-8 , the appointment of an agent to make an investigation and render a report pursuant to subsection (a) of this Code section shall not be required.

(2) If the petition for adoption has been filed pursuant to Code Section 19-8-4 and the department or child-placing agency has consented to the adoption, the appointment of an agent to make an investigation and render a report pursuant to subsection (a) of this Code section shall not be required.

(2) If the petition for adoption has been filed pursuant to Code Section 19-8-4 and the department or child-placing agency has consented to the adoption, the appointment of an agent to make an investigation and render a report pursuant to subsection (a) of this Code section shall not be required.

(d) The court shall require the petitioner to submit to a criminal history records check except when the petitioner is brought pursuant to either Code Section 19-8-8 or Code Section 19-8-21 . The petitioner shall submit his or her fingerprints to the Georgia Crime Information Center with the appropriate fee. The center shall promptly transmit the fingerprints to the Federal Bureau of Investigation for a search of bureau records and shall obtain an appropriate report. The Georgia Crime Information Center shall also promptly conduct a search of its records and any records to which it has access. The center shall notify the court in writing of the presence or absence of any criminal record from the state fingerprint records check. In those cases when the petitioner has submitted a fingerprint based criminal history report that includes the results of a records search of both the Georgia Crime Information Center and the Federal Bureau of Investigation to the department, child-placing agency, or evaluator as part of the home study and such results are dated within 12 months of filing of the petition for adoption and are included in the home study report filed with or otherwise made available to the court, such results shall satisfy the requirements of this subsection. Because the court shall not be authorized to share the results of the fingerprint records check with the agent appointed by the court pursuant to subsection (a) or (e) of this Code section, the court shall determine the acceptability of the petitioner's criminal history, inform the petitioner or his or her attorney at least five days prior to the final hearing on the petition for adoption if the court will require additional evidence with respect to the petitioner's criminal history or if the court is inclined to deny such petition because of such criminal history, and afford the petitioner or his or her attorney an opportunity to present evidence as to why the petitioner's criminal history should not be grounds for denial of such petition.

(d) The court shall require the petitioner to submit to a criminal history records check except when the petitioner is brought pursuant to either Code Section 19-8-8 or Code Section 19-8-21 . The petitioner shall submit his or her fingerprints to the Georgia Crime Information Center with the appropriate fee. The center shall promptly transmit the fingerprints to the Federal Bureau of Investigation for a search of bureau records and shall obtain an appropriate report. The Georgia Crime Information Center shall also promptly conduct a search of its records and any records to which it has access. The center shall notify the court in writing of the presence or absence of any criminal record from the state fingerprint records check. In those cases when the petitioner has submitted a fingerprint based criminal history report that includes the results of a records search of both the Georgia Crime Information Center and the Federal Bureau of Investigation to the department, child-placing agency, or evaluator as part of the home study and such results are dated within 12 months of filing of the petition for adoption and are included in the home study report filed with or otherwise made available to the court, such results shall satisfy the requirements of this subsection. Because the court shall not be authorized to share the results of the fingerprint records check with the agent appointed by the court pursuant to subsection (a) or (e) of this Code section, the court shall determine the acceptability of the petitioner's criminal history, inform the petitioner or his or her attorney at least five days prior to the final hearing on the petition for adoption if the court will require additional evidence with respect to the petitioner's criminal history or if the court is inclined to deny such petition because of such criminal history, and afford the petitioner or his or her attorney an opportunity to present evidence as to why the petitioner's criminal history should not be grounds for denial of such petition.

(e) The court shall require the petitioner to reimburse the agent appointed by the court, including the department, for the full cost of conducting the investigation and preparing its report. Such cost shall not exceed $250.00 unless specifically authorized by the court, provided that the court shall furnish the petitioner or his or her attorney with written notice of the name of the agent that the court intends to appoint and the amount of any increased costs, together with a request to agree to pay such increased costs. If the petitioner does not agree to pay the increased costs, then the petitioner shall have an opportunity to present to the court information regarding other persons that are qualified to conduct the investigation and render the report to the court and the cost of their services, and the court shall appoint the person that is qualified to conduct the investigation and render the report to the court at the lowest cost to the petitioner.

(e) The court shall require the petitioner to reimburse the agent appointed by the court, including the department, for the full cost of conducting the investigation and preparing its report. Such cost shall not exceed $250.00 unless specifically authorized by the court, provided that the court shall furnish the petitioner or his or her attorney with written notice of the name of the agent that the court intends to appoint and the amount of any increased costs, together with a request to agree to pay such increased costs. If the petitioner does not agree to pay the increased costs, then the petitioner shall have an opportunity to present to the court information regarding other persons that are qualified to conduct the investigation and render the report to the court and the cost of their services, and the court shall appoint the person that is qualified to conduct the investigation and render the report to the court at the lowest cost to the petitioner.
O.C.G.A. § 19-1-1 — GA Code / Title 19 / Chapter 1 / Section 19-1-1
Georgia Code Title 19. Domestic Relations § 19-1-1
Status: in_force

(a) As used in this Code section, the term “domestic relations action” shall include any action for divorce, alimony, equitable division of assets and liabilities, child custody, child support, legitimation, annulment, determination of paternity, termination of parental rights in connection with an adoption proceeding filed in a superior court, any contempt proceeding relating to enforcement of a decree or order, a petition in respect to modification of a decree or order, an action on a foreign judgment based on alimony or child support, and adoption. The term “domestic relations action” shall also include any direct or collateral attack on a judgment or order entered in any such action.

(a) As used in this Code section, the term “domestic relations action” shall include any action for divorce, alimony, equitable division of assets and liabilities, child custody, child support, legitimation, annulment, determination of paternity, termination of parental rights in connection with an adoption proceeding filed in a superior court, any contempt proceeding relating to enforcement of a decree or order, a petition in respect to modification of a decree or order, an action on a foreign judgment based on alimony or child support, and adoption. The term “domestic relations action” shall also include any direct or collateral attack on a judgment or order entered in any such action.

(b) Upon the filing of any domestic relations action, the court may issue a standing order in such action which: (1) Upon notice, binds the parties in such action, their agents, servants, and employees, and all other persons acting in concert with such parties; (2) Enjoins and restrains the parties from unilaterally causing or permitting the minor child or children of the parties to be removed from the jurisdiction of the court without the permission of the court, except in an emergency which has been created by the other party to the action; (3) Enjoins and restrains each party from doing or attempting to do or threatening to do any act which injures, maltreats, vilifies, molests, or harasses or which may, upon judicial determination, constitute threats, harassment, or stalking the adverse party or the child or children of the parties or any act which constitutes a violation of other civil or criminal laws of this state; and (4) Enjoins and restrains each party from selling, encumbering, trading, contracting to sell, or otherwise disposing of or removing from the jurisdiction of the court, without the permission of the court, any of the property belonging to the parties except in the ordinary course of business or except in an emergency which has been created by the other party to the action.

(b) Upon the filing of any domestic relations action, the court may issue a standing order in such action which:

(1) Upon notice, binds the parties in such action, their agents, servants, and employees, and all other persons acting in concert with such parties;

(1) Upon notice, binds the parties in such action, their agents, servants, and employees, and all other persons acting in concert with such parties;

(2) Enjoins and restrains the parties from unilaterally causing or permitting the minor child or children of the parties to be removed from the jurisdiction of the court without the permission of the court, except in an emergency which has been created by the other party to the action;

(2) Enjoins and restrains the parties from unilaterally causing or permitting the minor child or children of the parties to be removed from the jurisdiction of the court without the permission of the court, except in an emergency which has been created by the other party to the action;

(3) Enjoins and restrains each party from doing or attempting to do or threatening to do any act which injures, maltreats, vilifies, molests, or harasses or which may, upon judicial determination, constitute threats, harassment, or stalking the adverse party or the child or children of the parties or any act which constitutes a violation of other civil or criminal laws of this state; and

(3) Enjoins and restrains each party from doing or attempting to do or threatening to do any act which injures, maltreats, vilifies, molests, or harasses or which may, upon judicial determination, constitute threats, harassment, or stalking the adverse party or the child or children of the parties or any act which constitutes a violation of other civil or criminal laws of this state; and

(4) Enjoins and restrains each party from selling, encumbering, trading, contracting to sell, or otherwise disposing of or removing from the jurisdiction of the court, without the permission of the court, any of the property belonging to the parties except in the ordinary course of business or except in an emergency which has been created by the other party to the action.

(4) Enjoins and restrains each party from selling, encumbering, trading, contracting to sell, or otherwise disposing of or removing from the jurisdiction of the court, without the permission of the court, any of the property belonging to the parties except in the ordinary course of business or except in an emergency which has been created by the other party to the action.

(c) Upon written motion of a party, the standing order provided for in this Code section shall be reviewed by the court at any rule nisi hearing.

(c) Upon written motion of a party, the standing order provided for in this Code section shall be reviewed by the court at any rule nisi hearing.
O.C.G.A. § 19-11-39 — GA Code / Title 19 / Chapter 11 / Section 19-11-39
Georgia Code Title 19. Domestic Relations § 19-11-39
Status: in_force

(a) The department shall create by contract, cooperative agreement, or otherwise a computerized central case registry for all support orders entered by any court or administrative tribunal of this state. All support orders obtained by the child support enforcement agency as well as those support orders not within the child support enforcement agency shall be registered in such data base. The department may enter into a cooperative agreement with the Administrative Office of the Courts so as to obtain information needed to create and maintain the state registry of support orders as required by federal law.

(a) The department shall create by contract, cooperative agreement, or otherwise a computerized central case registry for all support orders entered by any court or administrative tribunal of this state. All support orders obtained by the child support enforcement agency as well as those support orders not within the child support enforcement agency shall be registered in such data base. The department may enter into a cooperative agreement with the Administrative Office of the Courts so as to obtain information needed to create and maintain the state registry of support orders as required by federal law.

(b) The registry of orders shall include the following information for each case: the full names of each party and minor child, the date of birth and social security number for each such person, the last known address for each person at the time the order was entered, the name of the county in which the order was entered, any and all case identification numbers, including civil action filing numbers and child support enforcement agency assigned case numbers, and any such information as may be later required under federal law.

(b) The registry of orders shall include the following information for each case: the full names of each party and minor child, the date of birth and social security number for each such person, the last known address for each person at the time the order was entered, the name of the county in which the order was entered, any and all case identification numbers, including civil action filing numbers and child support enforcement agency assigned case numbers, and any such information as may be later required under federal law.

(c) In any case handled by the child support enforcement agency, the registry shall include payment records as well as the amount of child support liens. The payment record shall include: (1) The amount of monthly or other periodic support owed under the order and other amounts including arrearages, interest or late payment penalties, and fees due or overdue under the order; (2) Any amount described in paragraph (1) of this subsection that has been collected; (3) The distribution of such collected amounts; (4) The birth date of any child for whom the order requires the provision of support; and (5) The amount of any lien imposed with respect to a child support order.

(c) In any case handled by the child support enforcement agency, the registry shall include payment records as well as the amount of child support liens. The payment record shall include:

(1) The amount of monthly or other periodic support owed under the order and other amounts including arrearages, interest or late payment penalties, and fees due or overdue under the order;

(1) The amount of monthly or other periodic support owed under the order and other amounts including arrearages, interest or late payment penalties, and fees due or overdue under the order;

(2) Any amount described in paragraph (1) of this subsection that has been collected;

(2) Any amount described in paragraph (1) of this subsection that has been collected;

(3) The distribution of such collected amounts;

(3) The distribution of such collected amounts;

(4) The birth date of any child for whom the order requires the provision of support; and

(4) The birth date of any child for whom the order requires the provision of support; and

(5) The amount of any lien imposed with respect to a child support order.

(5) The amount of any lien imposed with respect to a child support order.

(d) The state agency operating the state case registry shall promptly establish and update, maintain, and regularly monitor case records in the state case registry with respect to which services are being provided by the child support enforcement agency. Services to be monitored include: information on administrative actions and administrative and judicial proceedings and orders related to paternity and support; information obtained from comparison with federal, state, or local sources of information; information on support collections and distributions; and any other relevant information.

(d) The state agency operating the state case registry shall promptly establish and update, maintain, and regularly monitor case records in the state case registry with respect to which services are being provided by the child support enforcement agency. Services to be monitored include: information on administrative actions and administrative and judicial proceedings and orders related to paternity and support; information obtained from comparison with federal, state, or local sources of information; information on support collections and distributions; and any other relevant information.

(e) The information contained in the state case registry shall be available to state and federal agencies as authorized by law for the enforcement of support orders. The information shall be available for data comparisons with case registries of other states.

(e) The information contained in the state case registry shall be available to state and federal agencies as authorized by law for the enforcement of support orders. The information shall be available for data comparisons with case registries of other states.
O.C.G.A. § 19-11-15 — GA Code / Title 19 / Chapter 11 / Section 19-11-15
Georgia Code Title 19. Domestic Relations § 19-11-15
Status: in_force

(a) When the department has completed its investigation, has determined the ability of the absent parent to support his or her child or children in accordance with guidelines prescribed in Code Section 19-6-15 , and believes that the absent parent is able to furnish a certain amount of support, the department may, as an exception to Code Section 9-12-18 , request the absent parent to enter into a proposed consent order and income deduction order to provide the support amount and accident and sickness insurance coverage consistent with Code Section 19-11-26 prior to the filing of an action with the superior court. The orders may not be set aside on the grounds that the parties consented thereto prior to the filing of the action. An income deduction order shall issue consistent with Code Sections 19-6-30 through 19-6-33.1 . If the department is unable to secure a proposed consent order from the parent, the department may file an action in superior court or may initiate an administrative action pursuant to Chapter 13 of Title 50, the “Georgia Administrative Procedure Act.”

(a) When the department has completed its investigation, has determined the ability of the absent parent to support his or her child or children in accordance with guidelines prescribed in Code Section 19-6-15 , and believes that the absent parent is able to furnish a certain amount of support, the department may, as an exception to Code Section 9-12-18 , request the absent parent to enter into a proposed consent order and income deduction order to provide the support amount and accident and sickness insurance coverage consistent with Code Section 19-11-26 prior to the filing of an action with the superior court. The orders may not be set aside on the grounds that the parties consented thereto prior to the filing of the action. An income deduction order shall issue consistent with Code Sections 19-6-30 through 19-6-33.1 . If the department is unable to secure a proposed consent order from the parent, the department may file an action in superior court or may initiate an administrative action pursuant to Chapter 13 of Title 50, the “Georgia Administrative Procedure Act.”

(b) The administrative hearing shall be conducted within 20 days of the filing date, the absent parent shall be notified of the hearing at least ten days before it is held, and the hearing decision shall issue not more than ten days after the hearing.

(b) The administrative hearing shall be conducted within 20 days of the filing date, the absent parent shall be notified of the hearing at least ten days before it is held, and the hearing decision shall issue not more than ten days after the hearing.

(c) The determination of the administrative law judge regarding the ability to provide support and the ability to provide accident and sickness insurance coverage shall be delivered to the absent parent personally or shall be sent by first-class mail. The final order shall include an income deduction order consistent with Code Sections 19-6-30 through 19-6-33.1 , and shall inform the absent parent in plain language: (1) That failure to support may result in the foreclosure of liens on his or her personal or real property, in garnishment of his or her earnings or other personalty, or in other collection actions; and (2) That the absent parent has the right to appeal the determination within 30 days.

(c) The determination of the administrative law judge regarding the ability to provide support and the ability to provide accident and sickness insurance coverage shall be delivered to the absent parent personally or shall be sent by first-class mail. The final order shall include an income deduction order consistent with Code Sections 19-6-30 through 19-6-33.1 , and shall inform the absent parent in plain language:

(1) That failure to support may result in the foreclosure of liens on his or her personal or real property, in garnishment of his or her earnings or other personalty, or in other collection actions; and

(1) That failure to support may result in the foreclosure of liens on his or her personal or real property, in garnishment of his or her earnings or other personalty, or in other collection actions; and

(2) That the absent parent has the right to appeal the determination within 30 days.

(2) That the absent parent has the right to appeal the determination within 30 days.

(d) The final administrative order for support shall have the full force and effect of an order of a superior court of this state and shall be enforceable upon filing with such court under an action for contempt. All other remedies available under the law shall be available for the enforcement of such administrative orders.

(d) The final administrative order for support shall have the full force and effect of an order of a superior court of this state and shall be enforceable upon filing with such court under an action for contempt. All other remedies available under the law shall be available for the enforcement of such administrative orders.
O.C.G.A. § 19-11-22 — GA Code / Title 19 / Chapter 11 / Section 19-11-22
Georgia Code Title 19. Domestic Relations § 19-11-22
Status: in_force

The procedures, actions, and remedies provided in this article shall in no way be exclusive but shall be in addition to and not in substitution of other proceedings provided by law.
O.C.G.A. § 19-9-124 — GA Code / Title 19 / Chapter 9 / Section 19-9-124
Georgia Code Title 19. Domestic Relations § 19-9-124
Status: in_force

(a)(1) A parent of a child may delegate to an agent in a power of attorney any power and authority regarding the care and custody of such child, except the power to consent to the marriage or adoption of such child, the performance or inducement of an abortion on or for such child, or the termination of parental rights to such child. Such power and authority may be delegated without the approval of a court, provided that such delegation of power and authority shall not operate to change or modify any parental or legal rights, obligations, or authority established by an existing court order, including a standing order, or deprive a parent of a child of any parental or legal rights, obligations, or authority regarding the custody, parenting time, visitation, or support of such child. Such delegation of power and authority shall not deprive or limit any support for a child that should be received by such child pursuant to a court order or for any other reason. When support is being collected for the child by the Child Support Enforcement Agency of the department, such agency shall be authorized to redirect support payments to the agent for the duration of the power of attorney or until the power of attorney is revoked or superseded by a court order. (2) A power of attorney executed under this article during the pendency of a divorce or custody action shall be void ab initio unless executed or agreed upon by both parties to such action, if both parties have custodial rights to the child or the court presiding over such divorce or custody action enters an order allowing the execution of the power of attorney as being in the best interests of such child.

(a)(1) A parent of a child may delegate to an agent in a power of attorney any power and authority regarding the care and custody of such child, except the power to consent to the marriage or adoption of such child, the performance or inducement of an abortion on or for such child, or the termination of parental rights to such child. Such power and authority may be delegated without the approval of a court, provided that such delegation of power and authority shall not operate to change or modify any parental or legal rights, obligations, or authority established by an existing court order, including a standing order, or deprive a parent of a child of any parental or legal rights, obligations, or authority regarding the custody, parenting time, visitation, or support of such child. Such delegation of power and authority shall not deprive or limit any support for a child that should be received by such child pursuant to a court order or for any other reason. When support is being collected for the child by the Child Support Enforcement Agency of the department, such agency shall be authorized to redirect support payments to the agent for the duration of the power of attorney or until the power of attorney is revoked or superseded by a court order.

(a)(1) A parent of a child may delegate to an agent in a power of attorney any power and authority regarding the care and custody of such child, except the power to consent to the marriage or adoption of such child, the performance or inducement of an abortion on or for such child, or the termination of parental rights to such child. Such power and authority may be delegated without the approval of a court, provided that such delegation of power and authority shall not operate to change or modify any parental or legal rights, obligations, or authority established by an existing court order, including a standing order, or deprive a parent of a child of any parental or legal rights, obligations, or authority regarding the custody, parenting time, visitation, or support of such child. Such delegation of power and authority shall not deprive or limit any support for a child that should be received by such child pursuant to a court order or for any other reason. When support is being collected for the child by the Child Support Enforcement Agency of the department, such agency shall be authorized to redirect support payments to the agent for the duration of the power of attorney or until the power of attorney is revoked or superseded by a court order.

(2) A power of attorney executed under this article during the pendency of a divorce or custody action shall be void ab initio unless executed or agreed upon by both parties to such action, if both parties have custodial rights to the child or the court presiding over such divorce or custody action enters an order allowing the execution of the power of attorney as being in the best interests of such child.

(2) A power of attorney executed under this article during the pendency of a divorce or custody action shall be void ab initio unless executed or agreed upon by both parties to such action, if both parties have custodial rights to the child or the court presiding over such divorce or custody action enters an order allowing the execution of the power of attorney as being in the best interests of such child.

(b) Except as limited by federal law, this article, or the direction of a parent of a child as expressed in the power of attorney, an agent shall have the same rights, duties, and responsibilities that would otherwise be exercised by such parent of a child pursuant to the laws of this state.

(b) Except as limited by federal law, this article, or the direction of a parent of a child as expressed in the power of attorney, an agent shall have the same rights, duties, and responsibilities that would otherwise be exercised by such parent of a child pursuant to the laws of this state.

(c) An agent shall acknowledge in writing his or her acceptance of the responsibility for caring for a child for the duration of the power of attorney and, if applicable, shall identify his or her association with a child-placing agency or nonprofit entity or faith based organization.

(c) An agent shall acknowledge in writing his or her acceptance of the responsibility for caring for a child for the duration of the power of attorney and, if applicable, shall identify his or her association with a child-placing agency or nonprofit entity or faith based organization.

(d) An agent shall certify that he or she is not currently on the state sexual offender registry of this state or the sexual offender registry or child abuse registry for any other state, a United States territory, the District of Columbia, or any American Indian tribe nor has he or she ever been required to register for any such registry.

(d) An agent shall certify that he or she is not currently on the state sexual offender registry of this state or the sexual offender registry or child abuse registry for any other state, a United States territory, the District of Columbia, or any American Indian tribe nor has he or she ever been required to register for any such registry.

(e) The individual executing a power of attorney shall require a prospective agent to provide him or her with a criminal background check if such agent is a nonrelative. At the time of executing such power of attorney, the individual executing it shall acknowledge having read and reviewed the prospective agent's criminal background check or shall waive such requirement if the prospective agent is the grandparent, great-grandparent, stepparent, former stepparent, step-grandparent, aunt, uncle, great aunt, great uncle, cousin, or sibling of such child.

(e) The individual executing a power of attorney shall require a prospective agent to provide him or her with a criminal background check if such agent is a nonrelative. At the time of executing such power of attorney, the individual executing it shall acknowledge having read and reviewed the prospective agent's criminal background check or shall waive such requirement if the prospective agent is the grandparent, great-grandparent, stepparent, former stepparent, step-grandparent, aunt, uncle, great aunt, great uncle, cousin, or sibling of such child.

(f) The agent under a power of attorney shall act in the best interests of the child. Such agent shall not be liable to the individual executing the power of attorney for consenting or refusing to consent to medical, dental, or mental health care for a child when such decision is made in good faith and is exercised in the best interests of the child.

(f) The agent under a power of attorney shall act in the best interests of the child. Such agent shall not be liable to the individual executing the power of attorney for consenting or refusing to consent to medical, dental, or mental health care for a child when such decision is made in good faith and is exercised in the best interests of the child.

(g) Each child-placing agency and nonprofit entity or faith based organization that assists with the execution of a power of attorney under this article shall maintain a record of all powers of attorney executed by agents approved by such agency, entity, or organization for at least five years after the expiration of such powers of attorney.

(g) Each child-placing agency and nonprofit entity or faith based organization that assists with the execution of a power of attorney under this article shall maintain a record of all powers of attorney executed by agents approved by such agency, entity, or organization for at least five years after the expiration of such powers of attorney.
O.C.G.A. § 19-11-184-3 — GA Code / Title 19 / Chapter 11 / Section 19-11-184-3
Georgia Code Title 19. Domestic Relations § 19-11-184.3
Status: in_force

(a) Except as otherwise provided in subsection (b) of this Code section, a tribunal of Georgia shall recognize and enforce a registered convention support order.

(a) Except as otherwise provided in subsection (b) of this Code section, a tribunal of Georgia shall recognize and enforce a registered convention support order.

(b) The following grounds are the only grounds on which a tribunal of Georgia may refuse recognition and enforcement of a registered convention support order: (1) Recognition and enforcement of the order is manifestly incompatible with public policy, including the failure of the issuing tribunal to observe minimum standards of due process, which include notice and an opportunity to be heard; (2) The issuing tribunal lacked personal jurisdiction consistent with Code Section 19-11-110 ; (3) The order is not enforceable in the issuing country; (4) The order was obtained by fraud in connection with a matter of procedure; (5) A record transmitted in accordance with Code Section 19-11-184.1 lacks authenticity or integrity; (6) A proceeding between the same parties and having the same purpose is pending before a tribunal of Georgia and that proceeding was the first to be filed; (7) The order is incompatible with a more recent support order involving the same parties and having the same purpose if the more recent support order is entitled to recognition and enforcement under this article in Georgia; (8) Payment, to the extent alleged arrears have been paid in whole or in part; (9) In a case in which the respondent neither appeared nor was represented in the proceeding in the issuing foreign country: (A) If the law of that country provides for prior notice of proceedings, the respondent did not have proper notice of the proceedings and an opportunity to be heard; or (B) If the law of that country does not provide for prior notice of the proceedings, the respondent did not have proper notice of the order and an opportunity to be heard in a challenge or appeal on fact or law before a tribunal; or (10) The order was made in violation of Code Section 19-11-184.6 .

(b) The following grounds are the only grounds on which a tribunal of Georgia may refuse recognition and enforcement of a registered convention support order:

(1) Recognition and enforcement of the order is manifestly incompatible with public policy, including the failure of the issuing tribunal to observe minimum standards of due process, which include notice and an opportunity to be heard;

(1) Recognition and enforcement of the order is manifestly incompatible with public policy, including the failure of the issuing tribunal to observe minimum standards of due process, which include notice and an opportunity to be heard;

(2) The issuing tribunal lacked personal jurisdiction consistent with Code Section 19-11-110 ;

(2) The issuing tribunal lacked personal jurisdiction consistent with Code Section 19-11-110 ;

(3) The order is not enforceable in the issuing country;

(3) The order is not enforceable in the issuing country;

(4) The order was obtained by fraud in connection with a matter of procedure;

(4) The order was obtained by fraud in connection with a matter of procedure;

(5) A record transmitted in accordance with Code Section 19-11-184.1 lacks authenticity or integrity;

(5) A record transmitted in accordance with Code Section 19-11-184.1 lacks authenticity or integrity;

(6) A proceeding between the same parties and having the same purpose is pending before a tribunal of Georgia and that proceeding was the first to be filed;

(6) A proceeding between the same parties and having the same purpose is pending before a tribunal of Georgia and that proceeding was the first to be filed;

(7) The order is incompatible with a more recent support order involving the same parties and having the same purpose if the more recent support order is entitled to recognition and enforcement under this article in Georgia;

(7) The order is incompatible with a more recent support order involving the same parties and having the same purpose if the more recent support order is entitled to recognition and enforcement under this article in Georgia;

(8) Payment, to the extent alleged arrears have been paid in whole or in part;

(8) Payment, to the extent alleged arrears have been paid in whole or in part;

(9) In a case in which the respondent neither appeared nor was represented in the proceeding in the issuing foreign country: (A) If the law of that country provides for prior notice of proceedings, the respondent did not have proper notice of the proceedings and an opportunity to be heard; or (B) If the law of that country does not provide for prior notice of the proceedings, the respondent did not have proper notice of the order and an opportunity to be heard in a challenge or appeal on fact or law before a tribunal; or

(9) In a case in which the respondent neither appeared nor was represented in the proceeding in the issuing foreign country:

(A) If the law of that country provides for prior notice of proceedings, the respondent did not have proper notice of the proceedings and an opportunity to be heard; or

(A) If the law of that country provides for prior notice of proceedings, the respondent did not have proper notice of the proceedings and an opportunity to be heard; or

(B) If the law of that country does not provide for prior notice of the proceedings, the respondent did not have proper notice of the order and an opportunity to be heard in a challenge or appeal on fact or law before a tribunal; or

(B) If the law of that country does not provide for prior notice of the proceedings, the respondent did not have proper notice of the order and an opportunity to be heard in a challenge or appeal on fact or law before a tribunal; or

(10) The order was made in violation of Code Section 19-11-184.6 .

(10) The order was made in violation of Code Section 19-11-184.6 .

(c) If a tribunal of Georgia does not recognize a convention support order under paragraph (2), (4), or (9) of subsection (b) of this Code section: (1) The tribunal may not dismiss the proceeding without allowing a reasonable time for a party to request the establishment of a new convention support order; and (2) The Department of Human Services shall take all appropriate measures to request a child support order for the obligee if the application for recognition and enforcement was received under Code Section 19-11-183 .

(c) If a tribunal of Georgia does not recognize a convention support order under paragraph (2), (4), or (9) of subsection (b) of this Code section:

(1) The tribunal may not dismiss the proceeding without allowing a reasonable time for a party to request the establishment of a new convention support order; and

(1) The tribunal may not dismiss the proceeding without allowing a reasonable time for a party to request the establishment of a new convention support order; and

(2) The Department of Human Services shall take all appropriate measures to request a child support order for the obligee if the application for recognition and enforcement was received under Code Section 19-11-183 .

(2) The Department of Human Services shall take all appropriate measures to request a child support order for the obligee if the application for recognition and enforcement was received under Code Section 19-11-183 .
O.C.G.A. § 19-11-61 — GA Code / Title 19 / Chapter 11 / Section 19-11-61
Georgia Code Title 19. Domestic Relations § 19-11-61
Status: in_force

(a) If a court of this state, acting as a responding state, is unable to obtain jurisdiction of the respondent or his property, due to inaccuracies or inadequacies in the petition or otherwise, the court shall communicate this fact to the court in the initiating state, shall on its own initiative use all means at its disposal to trace the respondent or his property, and shall hold the case pending the receipt of more accurate information or an amended petition from the court in the initiating state or information from the district attorney that the matter should be transferred as provided in subsection (b) of this Code section. The local police authorities and the state police shall cooperate with the court in locating any respondent alleged by petition to be present in this state.

(a) If a court of this state, acting as a responding state, is unable to obtain jurisdiction of the respondent or his property, due to inaccuracies or inadequacies in the petition or otherwise, the court shall communicate this fact to the court in the initiating state, shall on its own initiative use all means at its disposal to trace the respondent or his property, and shall hold the case pending the receipt of more accurate information or an amended petition from the court in the initiating state or information from the district attorney that the matter should be transferred as provided in subsection (b) of this Code section. The local police authorities and the state police shall cooperate with the court in locating any respondent alleged by petition to be present in this state.

(b) If the respondent or his property is not found in the county and the district attorney discovers that the respondent or his property may be found in another county of this state or in another state, the district attorney shall so inform the court. If the district attorney so informs the court, the clerk of court shall forward the documents received from the court in the initiating state to the superior court in the county of this state or to the appropriate court, information agency, or other proper officials of another state where the defendant or his property may be found. A clerk of court who so forwards documents shall give notice to the court from which the documents were received that the documents have been so forwarded.

(b) If the respondent or his property is not found in the county and the district attorney discovers that the respondent or his property may be found in another county of this state or in another state, the district attorney shall so inform the court. If the district attorney so informs the court, the clerk of court shall forward the documents received from the court in the initiating state to the superior court in the county of this state or to the appropriate court, information agency, or other proper officials of another state where the defendant or his property may be found. A clerk of court who so forwards documents shall give notice to the court from which the documents were received that the documents have been so forwarded.
O.C.G.A. § 19-11-184-2 — GA Code / Title 19 / Chapter 11 / Section 19-11-184-2
Georgia Code Title 19. Domestic Relations § 19-11-184.2
Status: in_force

(a) Except as otherwise provided in this part, Code Sections 19-11-164 through 19-11-167 apply to a contest of a registered convention support order.

(a) Except as otherwise provided in this part, Code Sections 19-11-164 through 19-11-167 apply to a contest of a registered convention support order.

(b) A party contesting a registered convention support order shall file a contest not later than 30 days after notice of the registration, but if the contesting party does not reside in the United States, the contest must be filed not later than 60 days after notice of the registration.

(b) A party contesting a registered convention support order shall file a contest not later than 30 days after notice of the registration, but if the contesting party does not reside in the United States, the contest must be filed not later than 60 days after notice of the registration.

(c) If the nonregistering party fails to contest the registered convention support order by the time specified in subsection (b) of this Code section, the order is enforceable.

(c) If the nonregistering party fails to contest the registered convention support order by the time specified in subsection (b) of this Code section, the order is enforceable.

(d) A contest of a registered convention support order may be based only on grounds set forth in Code Section 19-11-184.3 . The contesting party bears the burden of proof.

(d) A contest of a registered convention support order may be based only on grounds set forth in Code Section 19-11-184.3 . The contesting party bears the burden of proof.

(e) In a contest of a registered convention support order, a tribunal of Georgia: (1) Is bound by the findings of fact on which the foreign tribunal based its jurisdiction; and (2) May not review the merits of the order.

(e) In a contest of a registered convention support order, a tribunal of Georgia:

(1) Is bound by the findings of fact on which the foreign tribunal based its jurisdiction; and

(1) Is bound by the findings of fact on which the foreign tribunal based its jurisdiction; and

(2) May not review the merits of the order.

(2) May not review the merits of the order.

(f) A tribunal of Georgia deciding a contest of a registered convention support order shall promptly notify the parties of its decision.

(f) A tribunal of Georgia deciding a contest of a registered convention support order shall promptly notify the parties of its decision.

(g) A challenge or appeal, if any, does not stay the enforcement of a convention support order unless there are exceptional circumstances.

(g) A challenge or appeal, if any, does not stay the enforcement of a convention support order unless there are exceptional circumstances.
O.C.G.A. § 19-9-43 — GA Code / Title 19 / Chapter 9 / Section 19-9-43
Georgia Code Title 19. Domestic Relations § 19-9-43
Status: in_force

(a) A child custody proceeding that pertains to an Indian child as defined in the Indian Child Welfare Act, 25 U.S.C. Section 1901 et seq., is not subject to this article to the extent that it is governed by the Indian Child Welfare Act.

(a) A child custody proceeding that pertains to an Indian child as defined in the Indian Child Welfare Act, 25 U.S.C. Section 1901 et seq., is not subject to this article to the extent that it is governed by the Indian Child Welfare Act.

(b) A court of this state shall treat a tribe as if it were a state of the United States for the purpose of applying this part and Part 2 of this article.

(b) A court of this state shall treat a tribe as if it were a state of the United States for the purpose of applying this part and Part 2 of this article.

(c) A child custody determination made by a tribe under factual circumstances in substantial conformity with the jurisdictional standards of this article must be recognized and enforced under Part 3 of this article.

(c) A child custody determination made by a tribe under factual circumstances in substantial conformity with the jurisdictional standards of this article must be recognized and enforced under Part 3 of this article.
O.C.G.A. § 19-6-51 — GA Code / Title 19 / Chapter 6 / Section 19-6-51
Georgia Code Title 19. Domestic Relations § 19-6-51
Status: in_force

(a) The Georgia Child Support Commission shall be composed of 15 members. The Governor shall appoint all of the members as follows: (1) Three members who shall be judges in a superior court; (2) One member who shall be a Justice of the Supreme Court of Georgia or a Judge of the Georgia Court of Appeals or the Justice's or Judge's designee; (3) Two members of the House of Representatives and two members of the Senate; and (4) Seven other members. Each member of the commission shall be appointed to serve for a term of four years or until his or her successor is duly appointed except the members of the General Assembly, who shall serve until completion of their current terms of office. The initial members of the commission appointed pursuant to paragraph (1) of this subsection shall serve for terms of three years. The initial member of the commission appointed pursuant to paragraph (2) of this subsection shall serve for a term of four years. The initial members of the commission appointed pursuant to paragraph (4) of this subsection shall serve for terms of two years. The initial members of the commission shall be appointed not later than May 22, 2005, and shall serve until their terms expire. The succeeding members of the commission shall begin their terms of office on July 1 of the year in which appointed. A member may be appointed to succeed himself or herself on the commission. If a member of the commission is an elected official, he or she shall be removed from the commission if he or she no longer serves as an elected official.

(a) The Georgia Child Support Commission shall be composed of 15 members. The Governor shall appoint all of the members as follows:

(1) Three members who shall be judges in a superior court;

(1) Three members who shall be judges in a superior court;

(2) One member who shall be a Justice of the Supreme Court of Georgia or a Judge of the Georgia Court of Appeals or the Justice's or Judge's designee;

(2) One member who shall be a Justice of the Supreme Court of Georgia or a Judge of the Georgia Court of Appeals or the Justice's or Judge's designee;

(3) Two members of the House of Representatives and two members of the Senate; and

(3) Two members of the House of Representatives and two members of the Senate; and

(4) Seven other members.

(4) Seven other members.

Each member of the commission shall be appointed to serve for a term of four years or until his or her successor is duly appointed except the members of the General Assembly, who shall serve until completion of their current terms of office. The initial members of the commission appointed pursuant to paragraph (1) of this subsection shall serve for terms of three years. The initial member of the commission appointed pursuant to paragraph (2) of this subsection shall serve for a term of four years. The initial members of the commission appointed pursuant to paragraph (4) of this subsection shall serve for terms of two years. The initial members of the commission shall be appointed not later than May 22, 2005, and shall serve until their terms expire. The succeeding members of the commission shall begin their terms of office on July 1 of the year in which appointed. A member may be appointed to succeed himself or herself on the commission. If a member of the commission is an elected official, he or she shall be removed from the commission if he or she no longer serves as an elected official.

(b) The Governor shall designate the chairperson of the commission. The commission may elect other officers as deemed necessary. The chairperson of the commission may designate and appoint committees from among the membership of the commission as well as appoint other persons to perform such functions as he or she may determine to be necessary as relevant to and consistent with this article. The chairperson shall only vote to break a tie.

(b) The Governor shall designate the chairperson of the commission. The commission may elect other officers as deemed necessary. The chairperson of the commission may designate and appoint committees from among the membership of the commission as well as appoint other persons to perform such functions as he or she may determine to be necessary as relevant to and consistent with this article. The chairperson shall only vote to break a tie.

(c) The commission shall be attached for administrative purposes only to the Department of Human Services. The Department of Human Services shall provide staff support for the commission. The Department of Human Services shall use any funds specifically appropriated to it to support the work of the commission.

(c) The commission shall be attached for administrative purposes only to the Department of Human Services. The Department of Human Services shall provide staff support for the commission. The Department of Human Services shall use any funds specifically appropriated to it to support the work of the commission.
O.C.G.A. § 19-8-2 — GA Code / Title 19 / Chapter 8 / Section 19-8-2
Georgia Code Title 19. Domestic Relations § 19-8-2
Status: in_force

(a) The superior courts of the several counties shall have exclusive jurisdiction in all matters of adoption.

(a) The superior courts of the several counties shall have exclusive jurisdiction in all matters of adoption.

(b) All petitions for adoption under this article shall be filed in the county in which any petitioner resides, except that: (1) Upon good cause being shown, the court may, in its discretion, allow such petition to be filed in the court of the county: (A) Of the child's domicile; (B) In which is located any child-placing agency having legal custody of the child; (C) Where the child was born if such petition is filed within one year of the child's birth; or (D) In which is located the office of the department having legal custody of the child; (2) Any individual who is a resident of any United States army post or military reservation within this state may file such petition in any county adjacent to the United States army post or military reservation; and (3) When a child has been placed for adoption with an individual who is a resident of another state in compliance with Chapter 4 of Title 39, relating to the Interstate Compact on the Placement of Children; with an individual who is a resident of another state to which the Interstate Compact on the Placement of Children does not apply; or with an individual who is a resident of another country, such petition shall be filed in: (A) The court of the county where the child was born, or resides, or was residing at the time of placement; (B) The court of the county in which is located any child-placing agency having legal custody of the child; or (C) Superior Court of Fulton County.

(b) All petitions for adoption under this article shall be filed in the county in which any petitioner resides, except that:

(1) Upon good cause being shown, the court may, in its discretion, allow such petition to be filed in the court of the county: (A) Of the child's domicile; (B) In which is located any child-placing agency having legal custody of the child; (C) Where the child was born if such petition is filed within one year of the child's birth; or (D) In which is located the office of the department having legal custody of the child;

(1) Upon good cause being shown, the court may, in its discretion, allow such petition to be filed in the court of the county:

(A) Of the child's domicile;

(A) Of the child's domicile;

(B) In which is located any child-placing agency having legal custody of the child;

(B) In which is located any child-placing agency having legal custody of the child;

(C) Where the child was born if such petition is filed within one year of the child's birth; or

(C) Where the child was born if such petition is filed within one year of the child's birth; or

(D) In which is located the office of the department having legal custody of the child;

(D) In which is located the office of the department having legal custody of the child;

(2) Any individual who is a resident of any United States army post or military reservation within this state may file such petition in any county adjacent to the United States army post or military reservation; and

(2) Any individual who is a resident of any United States army post or military reservation within this state may file such petition in any county adjacent to the United States army post or military reservation; and

(3) When a child has been placed for adoption with an individual who is a resident of another state in compliance with Chapter 4 of Title 39, relating to the Interstate Compact on the Placement of Children; with an individual who is a resident of another state to which the Interstate Compact on the Placement of Children does not apply; or with an individual who is a resident of another country, such petition shall be filed in: (A) The court of the county where the child was born, or resides, or was residing at the time of placement; (B) The court of the county in which is located any child-placing agency having legal custody of the child; or (C) Superior Court of Fulton County.

(3) When a child has been placed for adoption with an individual who is a resident of another state in compliance with Chapter 4 of Title 39, relating to the Interstate Compact on the Placement of Children; with an individual who is a resident of another state to which the Interstate Compact on the Placement of Children does not apply; or with an individual who is a resident of another country, such petition shall be filed in:

(A) The court of the county where the child was born, or resides, or was residing at the time of placement;

(A) The court of the county where the child was born, or resides, or was residing at the time of placement;

(B) The court of the county in which is located any child-placing agency having legal custody of the child; or

(B) The court of the county in which is located any child-placing agency having legal custody of the child; or

(C) Superior Court of Fulton County.

(C) Superior Court of Fulton County.
O.C.G.A. § 19-9-134 — GA Code / Title 19 / Chapter 9 / Section 19-9-134
Georgia Code Title 19. Domestic Relations § 19-9-134
Status: in_force

(a) The power of attorney contained in this Code section may be used for the temporary delegation of caregiving authority to an agent. The form contained in this Code section shall be sufficient for the purpose of creating a power of attorney under this article, provided that nothing in this Code section shall be construed to require the use of this particular form.

(a) The power of attorney contained in this Code section may be used for the temporary delegation of caregiving authority to an agent. The form contained in this Code section shall be sufficient for the purpose of creating a power of attorney under this article, provided that nothing in this Code section shall be construed to require the use of this particular form.

(b) A power of attorney shall be legally sufficient if the form is properly completed and the signatures of the parties are notarized.

(b) A power of attorney shall be legally sufficient if the form is properly completed and the signatures of the parties are notarized.

(c) The power of attorney delegating caregiving authority of a child shall be in substantially the following form: “FORM FOR POWER OF ATTORNEY TO DELEGATE THE POWER AND AUTHORITY FOR THE CARE OF A CHILD NOTICE: (1) THE PURPOSE OF THIS POWER OF ATTORNEY IS TO GIVE THE INDIVIDUAL WHOM YOU DESIGNATE (THE AGENT) POWERS TO CARE FOR YOUR CHILD, INCLUDING THE POWER TO: HAVE ACCESS TO EDUCATIONAL RECORDS AND DISCLOSE THE CONTENTS TO OTHERS; ARRANGE FOR AND CONSENT TO MEDICAL, DENTAL, AND MENTAL HEALTH TREATMENT FOR THE CHILD; HAVE ACCESS TO RECORDS RELATED TO SUCH TREATMENT OF THE CHILD AND DISCLOSE THE CONTENTS OF THOSE RECORDS TO OTHERS; PROVIDE FOR THE CHILD'S FOOD, LODGING, RECREATION, AND TRAVEL; AND HAVE ANY ADDITIONAL POWERS AS SPECIFIED BY THE INDIVIDUAL EXECUTING THIS POWER OF ATTORNEY. (2) THE AGENT IS REQUIRED TO EXERCISE DUE CARE TO ACT IN THE CHILD'S BEST INTERESTS AND IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE GRANT OF AUTHORITY SPECIFIED IN THIS FORM. (3) A COURT OF COMPETENT JURISDICTION MAY REVOKE THE POWERS OF THE AGENT. (4) THE AGENT MAY EXERCISE THE POWERS GIVEN IN THIS POWER OF ATTORNEY FOR THE CARE OF A CHILD FOR THE PERIOD SET FORTH IN THIS FORM UNLESS THE INDIVIDUAL EXECUTING THIS POWER OF ATTORNEY REVOKES THIS POWER OF ATTORNEY AND PROVIDES NOTICE OF THE REVOCATION TO THE AGENT OR A COURT OF COMPETENT JURISDICTION TERMINATES THIS POWER OF ATTORNEY. (5) THE AGENT MAY RESIGN AS AGENT AND MUST IMMEDIATELY COMMUNICATE SUCH RESIGNATION TO THE INDIVIDUAL EXECUTING THIS POWER OF ATTORNEY AND TO SCHOOLS, HEALTH CARE PROVIDERS, AND OTHERS KNOWN TO THE AGENT TO HAVE RELIED UPON SUCH POWER OF ATTORNEY. (6) THIS POWER OF ATTORNEY MAY BE REVOKED IN WRITING. IF THIS POWER OF ATTORNEY IS REVOKED, THE REVOKING INDIVIDUAL SHALL NOTIFY THE AGENT, SCHOOLS, HEALTH CARE PROVIDERS, AND OTHERS KNOWN TO THE INDIVIDUAL EXECUTING THIS POWER OF ATTORNEY TO HAVE RELIED UPON SUCH POWER OF ATTORNEY. (7) IF THERE IS ANYTHING ABOUT THIS FORM THAT YOU DO NOT UNDERSTAND, YOU SHOULD ASK AN ATTORNEY TO EXPLAIN IT TO YOU. STATE OF GEORGIA COUNTY OF ____________________ Personally appeared before me, the undersigned officer duly authorized to administer oaths, ____________________ (name of parent) who, after having been sworn, deposes and says as follows: 1. I certify that I am the parent of: _____________________________________________________________________ (Full name of child) (Date of birth) 2. I designate:________________________________________, (Full name of agent) _______________________________________________________, (Street address, city, state, and ZIP Code of agent) _______________________________________________________, (Personal and work telephone numbers of agent) as the agent of the child named above. 3. The agent named above is related or known to me as follows (write in your relationship to the agent; for example, aunt of the child, maternal grandparent of the child, sibling of the child, godparent of the child, associated with a nonprofit or faith based organization) : 4. Sign by the statement you wish to choose (you may only choose one) : (A) ___________________________ (Signature) The agent named above is related to me by blood or marriage and I have elected not to have him or her obtain a criminal background check. OR (B) ___________________________ (Signature) The agent named above is not related to me and I have reviewed his or her criminal background check. (If the agent has a criminal conviction, complete the rest of this paragraph.) I know that the agent has a conviction but I want him or her to be the agent because (write in) : 5. Sign by the statement you wish to choose (you may only choose one) : (A) ___________________________ (Signature) I delegate to the agent all my power and authority regarding the care and custody of the child named above, including but not limited to the right to inspect and obtain copies of educational records and other records concerning the child, attend school activities and other functions concerning the child, and give or withhold any consent or waiver with respect to school activities, medical and dental treatment, and any other activity, function, or treatment that may concern the child. This delegation shall not include the power or authority to consent to the marriage or adoption of the child, the performance or inducement of an abortion on or for the child, or the termination of parental rights to the child. OR (B) ___________________________ (Signature) I delegate to the agent the following specific powers and responsibilities ( write in ): This delegation shall not include the power or authority to consent to the marriage or adoption of the child, the performance or inducement of an abortion on or for the child, or the termination of parental rights to the child. 6. Initial by the statement you wish to choose (you may only choose one of the three options) and complete the information in the paragraph: (A) ________ (Initials) This power of attorney is effective for a period not to exceed one year, beginning _____________, 2___, and ending _____________, 2___. I reserve the right to revoke this power and authority at any time. OR (B) ________ (Initials) This power of attorney is being given to a grandparent of my child and is effective until I revoke this power of attorney. OR (C) ________ (Initials) I am a parent as described in O.C.G.A. § 19-9-132(b) . My deployment is scheduled to begin on _____________, 2____, and is estimated to end on _____________, 2____. I acknowledge that in no event shall this delegation of power and authority last more than one year or the term of my deployment plus 30 days, whichever is longer. I reserve the right to revoke this power and authority at any time. 7. I hereby swear or affirm under penalty of law that I provided the notice required by O.C.G.A. § 19-9-125 and received no objection in the required time period. By:________________________________________________________________________ (Parent signature) ___________________________________________________________________________ (Printed name) ___________________________________________________________________________ (Street address, city, state, and ZIP Code of parent) ___________________________________________________________________________ (Personal and work telephone numbers of parent) Sworn to and subscribed before me this ________ day of __________, ____. ______________________________ Notary public (SEAL) My commission expires: ___________. STATE OF GEORGIA COUNTY OF ____________________ Personally appeared before me, the undersigned officer duly authorized to administer oaths, ______________________________ (name of agent) who, after having been sworn, deposes and says as follows: 8. I hereby accept my designation as agent for the child specified in this power of attorney and by doing so acknowledge my acceptance of the responsibility for caring for such child for the duration of this power of attorney. Furthermore, I hereby certify that: (A)(i) I am related to the individual giving me this power of attorney by blood or marriage as follows (write in your relationship to the individual designating you as agent; for example, sister, mother, father, etc.) : OR (ii) I am not related to the individual giving me this power of attorney but was referred to him or her by: __________________________________________________ (write in the name of the child-placing agency, nonprofit entity, or faith based organization) . (B) I am not currently on the state sexual offender registry of this state or the sexual offender registry or child abuse registry for any other state, a United States territory, the District of Columbia, or any American Indian tribe nor have I ever been required to register for any such registry; (C) I have provided a criminal background check to the individual designating me as an agent, if it was required; (D) I understand that I have the authority to act on behalf of the child: •For the period of time set forth in this form; •Until the power of attorney is revoked in writing and notice is provided to me as required by O.C.G.A. § 19-9-130 ; or •Until the power of attorney is terminated by order of a court; (E) I understand that if I am made aware of the death of the individual who executed the power of attorney, I must notify the surviving parent of the child, if known, as soon as practicable; and (F) I understand that I may resign as agent by notifying the individual who executed the power of attorney in writing by certified mail, return receipt requested, or statutory overnight delivery and I must also notify any schools, health care providers, and others to whom I give a copy of this power of attorney. _________________________________________________ (Agent signature) _________________________________________________ (Printed name) Sworn to and subscribed before me this _____ day of ____________________, _____. _________________________________________________ Notary public (SEAL) My commission expires: _______________. _________________________________________________ (Organization signature, if applicable) _________________________________________________ (Printed name and title)”

(c) The power of attorney delegating caregiving authority of a child shall be in substantially the following form:

“FORM FOR POWER OF ATTORNEY TO DELEGATE THE POWER AND AUTHORITY FOR THE CARE OF A CHILD

NOTICE:

(1) THE PURPOSE OF THIS POWER OF ATTORNEY IS TO GIVE THE INDIVIDUAL WHOM YOU DESIGNATE (THE AGENT) POWERS TO CARE FOR YOUR CHILD, INCLUDING THE POWER TO: HAVE ACCESS TO EDUCATIONAL RECORDS AND DISCLOSE THE CONTENTS TO OTHERS; ARRANGE FOR AND CONSENT TO MEDICAL, DENTAL, AND MENTAL HEALTH TREATMENT FOR THE CHILD; HAVE ACCESS TO RECORDS RELATED TO SUCH TREATMENT OF THE CHILD AND DISCLOSE THE CONTENTS OF THOSE RECORDS TO OTHERS; PROVIDE FOR THE CHILD'S FOOD, LODGING, RECREATION, AND TRAVEL; AND HAVE ANY ADDITIONAL POWERS AS SPECIFIED BY THE INDIVIDUAL EXECUTING THIS POWER OF ATTORNEY.

(1) THE PURPOSE OF THIS POWER OF ATTORNEY IS TO GIVE THE INDIVIDUAL WHOM YOU DESIGNATE (THE AGENT) POWERS TO CARE FOR YOUR CHILD, INCLUDING THE POWER TO: HAVE ACCESS TO EDUCATIONAL RECORDS AND DISCLOSE THE CONTENTS TO OTHERS; ARRANGE FOR AND CONSENT TO MEDICAL, DENTAL, AND MENTAL HEALTH TREATMENT FOR THE CHILD; HAVE ACCESS TO RECORDS RELATED TO SUCH TREATMENT OF THE CHILD AND DISCLOSE THE CONTENTS OF THOSE RECORDS TO OTHERS; PROVIDE FOR THE CHILD'S FOOD, LODGING, RECREATION, AND TRAVEL; AND HAVE ANY ADDITIONAL POWERS AS SPECIFIED BY THE INDIVIDUAL EXECUTING THIS POWER OF ATTORNEY.

(2) THE AGENT IS REQUIRED TO EXERCISE DUE CARE TO ACT IN THE CHILD'S BEST INTERESTS AND IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE GRANT OF AUTHORITY SPECIFIED IN THIS FORM.

(2) THE AGENT IS REQUIRED TO EXERCISE DUE CARE TO ACT IN THE CHILD'S BEST INTERESTS AND IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE GRANT OF AUTHORITY SPECIFIED IN THIS FORM.

(3) A COURT OF COMPETENT JURISDICTION MAY REVOKE THE POWERS OF THE AGENT.

(3) A COURT OF COMPETENT JURISDICTION MAY REVOKE THE POWERS OF THE AGENT.

(4) THE AGENT MAY EXERCISE THE POWERS GIVEN IN THIS POWER OF ATTORNEY FOR THE CARE OF A CHILD FOR THE PERIOD SET FORTH IN THIS FORM UNLESS THE INDIVIDUAL EXECUTING THIS POWER OF ATTORNEY REVOKES THIS POWER OF ATTORNEY AND PROVIDES NOTICE OF THE REVOCATION TO THE AGENT OR A COURT OF COMPETENT JURISDICTION TERMINATES THIS POWER OF ATTORNEY.

(4) THE AGENT MAY EXERCISE THE POWERS GIVEN IN THIS POWER OF ATTORNEY FOR THE CARE OF A CHILD FOR THE PERIOD SET FORTH IN THIS FORM UNLESS THE INDIVIDUAL EXECUTING THIS POWER OF ATTORNEY REVOKES THIS POWER OF ATTORNEY AND PROVIDES NOTICE OF THE REVOCATION TO THE AGENT OR A COURT OF COMPETENT JURISDICTION TERMINATES THIS POWER OF ATTORNEY.

(5) THE AGENT MAY RESIGN AS AGENT AND MUST IMMEDIATELY COMMUNICATE SUCH RESIGNATION TO THE INDIVIDUAL EXECUTING THIS POWER OF ATTORNEY AND TO SCHOOLS, HEALTH CARE PROVIDERS, AND OTHERS KNOWN TO THE AGENT TO HAVE RELIED UPON SUCH POWER OF ATTORNEY.

(5) THE AGENT MAY RESIGN AS AGENT AND MUST IMMEDIATELY COMMUNICATE SUCH RESIGNATION TO THE INDIVIDUAL EXECUTING THIS POWER OF ATTORNEY AND TO SCHOOLS, HEALTH CARE PROVIDERS, AND OTHERS KNOWN TO THE AGENT TO HAVE RELIED UPON SUCH POWER OF ATTORNEY.

(6) THIS POWER OF ATTORNEY MAY BE REVOKED IN WRITING. IF THIS POWER OF ATTORNEY IS REVOKED, THE REVOKING INDIVIDUAL SHALL NOTIFY THE AGENT, SCHOOLS, HEALTH CARE PROVIDERS, AND OTHERS KNOWN TO THE INDIVIDUAL EXECUTING THIS POWER OF ATTORNEY TO HAVE RELIED UPON SUCH POWER OF ATTORNEY.

(6) THIS POWER OF ATTORNEY MAY BE REVOKED IN WRITING. IF THIS POWER OF ATTORNEY IS REVOKED, THE REVOKING INDIVIDUAL SHALL NOTIFY THE AGENT, SCHOOLS, HEALTH CARE PROVIDERS, AND OTHERS KNOWN TO THE INDIVIDUAL EXECUTING THIS POWER OF ATTORNEY TO HAVE RELIED UPON SUCH POWER OF ATTORNEY.

(7) IF THERE IS ANYTHING ABOUT THIS FORM THAT YOU DO NOT UNDERSTAND, YOU SHOULD ASK AN ATTORNEY TO EXPLAIN IT TO YOU. STATE OF GEORGIA COUNTY OF ____________________ Personally appeared before me, the undersigned officer duly authorized to administer oaths, ____________________ (name of parent) who, after having been sworn, deposes and says as follows: 1. I certify that I am the parent of: _____________________________________________________________________ (Full name of child) (Date of birth) 2. I designate:________________________________________, (Full name of agent) _______________________________________________________, (Street address, city, state, and ZIP Code of agent) _______________________________________________________, (Personal and work telephone numbers of agent) as the agent of the child named above. 3. The agent named above is related or known to me as follows (write in your relationship to the agent; for example, aunt of the child, maternal grandparent of the child, sibling of the child, godparent of the child, associated with a nonprofit or faith based organization) : 4. Sign by the statement you wish to choose (you may only choose one) : (A) ___________________________ (Signature) The agent named above is related to me by blood or marriage and I have elected not to have him or her obtain a criminal background check. OR (B) ___________________________ (Signature) The agent named above is not related to me and I have reviewed his or her criminal background check. (If the agent has a criminal conviction, complete the rest of this paragraph.) I know that the agent has a conviction but I want him or her to be the agent because (write in) : 5. Sign by the statement you wish to choose (you may only choose one) : (A) ___________________________ (Signature) I delegate to the agent all my power and authority regarding the care and custody of the child named above, including but not limited to the right to inspect and obtain copies of educational records and other records concerning the child, attend school activities and other functions concerning the child, and give or withhold any consent or waiver with respect to school activities, medical and dental treatment, and any other activity, function, or treatment that may concern the child. This delegation shall not include the power or authority to consent to the marriage or adoption of the child, the performance or inducement of an abortion on or for the child, or the termination of parental rights to the child. OR (B) ___________________________ (Signature) I delegate to the agent the following specific powers and responsibilities ( write in ): This delegation shall not include the power or authority to consent to the marriage or adoption of the child, the performance or inducement of an abortion on or for the child, or the termination of parental rights to the child. 6. Initial by the statement you wish to choose (you may only choose one of the three options) and complete the information in the paragraph: (A) ________ (Initials) This power of attorney is effective for a period not to exceed one year, beginning _____________, 2___, and ending _____________, 2___. I reserve the right to revoke this power and authority at any time. OR (B) ________ (Initials) This power of attorney is being given to a grandparent of my child and is effective until I revoke this power of attorney. OR (C) ________ (Initials) I am a parent as described in O.C.G.A. § 19-9-132(b) . My deployment is scheduled to begin on _____________, 2____, and is estimated to end on _____________, 2____. I acknowledge that in no event shall this delegation of power and authority last more than one year or the term of my deployment plus 30 days, whichever is longer. I reserve the right to revoke this power and authority at any time. 7. I hereby swear or affirm under penalty of law that I provided the notice required by O.C.G.A. § 19-9-125 and received no objection in the required time period. By:________________________________________________________________________ (Parent signature) ___________________________________________________________________________ (Printed name) ___________________________________________________________________________ (Street address, city, state, and ZIP Code of parent) ___________________________________________________________________________ (Personal and work telephone numbers of parent) Sworn to and subscribed before me this ________ day of __________, ____. ______________________________ Notary public (SEAL) My commission expires: ___________. STATE OF GEORGIA COUNTY OF ____________________ Personally appeared before me, the undersigned officer duly authorized to administer oaths, ______________________________ (name of agent) who, after having been sworn, deposes and says as follows: 8. I hereby accept my designation as agent for the child specified in this power of attorney and by doing so acknowledge my acceptance of the responsibility for caring for such child for the duration of this power of attorney. Furthermore, I hereby certify that: (A)(i) I am related to the individual giving me this power of attorney by blood or marriage as follows (write in your relationship to the individual designating you as agent; for example, sister, mother, father, etc.) : OR (ii) I am not related to the individual giving me this power of attorney but was referred to him or her by: __________________________________________________ (write in the name of the child-placing agency, nonprofit entity, or faith based organization) . (B) I am not currently on the state sexual offender registry of this state or the sexual offender registry or child abuse registry for any other state, a United States territory, the District of Columbia, or any American Indian tribe nor have I ever been required to register for any such registry; (C) I have provided a criminal background check to the individual designating me as an agent, if it was required; (D) I understand that I have the authority to act on behalf of the child: •For the period of time set forth in this form; •Until the power of attorney is revoked in writing and notice is provided to me as required by O.C.G.A. § 19-9-130 ; or •Until the power of attorney is terminated by order of a court; (E) I understand that if I am made aware of the death of the individual who executed the power of attorney, I must notify the surviving parent of the child, if known, as soon as practicable; and (F) I understand that I may resign as agent by notifying the individual who executed the power of attorney in writing by certified mail, return receipt requested, or statutory overnight delivery and I must also notify any schools, health care providers, and others to whom I give a copy of this power of attorney. _________________________________________________ (Agent signature) _________________________________________________ (Printed name) Sworn to and subscribed before me this _____ day of ____________________, _____. _________________________________________________ Notary public (SEAL) My commission expires: _______________. _________________________________________________ (Organization signature, if applicable) _________________________________________________ (Printed name and title)”

(7) IF THERE IS ANYTHING ABOUT THIS FORM THAT YOU DO NOT UNDERSTAND, YOU SHOULD ASK AN ATTORNEY TO EXPLAIN IT TO YOU.

STATE OF GEORGIA

COUNTY OF ____________________

Personally appeared before me, the undersigned officer duly authorized to administer oaths, ____________________ (name of parent) who, after having been sworn, deposes and says as follows:

1. I certify that I am the parent of:

_____________________________________________________________________

(Full name of child)

(Date of birth)

2. I designate:________________________________________,

(Full name of agent)

_______________________________________________________,

(Street address, city, state, and ZIP Code of agent)

_______________________________________________________,

(Personal and work telephone numbers of agent)

as the agent of the child named above.

3. The agent named above is related or known to me as follows (write in your relationship to the agent; for example, aunt of the child, maternal grandparent of the child, sibling of the child, godparent of the child, associated with a nonprofit or faith based organization) :

3. The agent named above is related or known to me as follows (write in your relationship to the agent; for example, aunt of the child, maternal grandparent of the child, sibling of the child, godparent of the child, associated with a nonprofit or faith based organization) :

4. Sign by the statement you wish to choose (you may only choose one) : (A) ___________________________ (Signature) The agent named above is related to me by blood or marriage and I have elected not to have him or her obtain a criminal background check. OR (B) ___________________________ (Signature) The agent named above is not related to me and I have reviewed his or her criminal background check. (If the agent has a criminal conviction, complete the rest of this paragraph.) I know that the agent has a conviction but I want him or her to be the agent because (write in) :

4. Sign by the statement you wish to choose (you may only choose one) :

(A) ___________________________ (Signature) The agent named above is related to me by blood or marriage and I have elected not to have him or her obtain a criminal background check.

(A) ___________________________ (Signature) The agent named above is related to me by blood or marriage and I have elected not to have him or her obtain a criminal background check.

OR

(B) ___________________________ (Signature) The agent named above is not related to me and I have reviewed his or her criminal background check. (If the agent has a criminal conviction, complete the rest of this paragraph.) I know that the agent has a conviction but I want him or her to be the agent because (write in) :

(B) ___________________________ (Signature) The agent named above is not related to me and I have reviewed his or her criminal background check. (If the agent has a criminal conviction, complete the rest of this paragraph.) I know that the agent has a conviction but I want him or her to be the agent because (write in) :

5. Sign by the statement you wish to choose (you may only choose one) : (A) ___________________________ (Signature) I delegate to the agent all my power and authority regarding the care and custody of the child named above, including but not limited to the right to inspect and obtain copies of educational records and other records concerning the child, attend school activities and other functions concerning the child, and give or withhold any consent or waiver with respect to school activities, medical and dental treatment, and any other activity, function, or treatment that may concern the child. This delegation shall not include the power or authority to consent to the marriage or adoption of the child, the performance or inducement of an abortion on or for the child, or the termination of parental rights to the child. OR (B) ___________________________ (Signature) I delegate to the agent the following specific powers and responsibilities ( write in ): This delegation shall not include the power or authority to consent to the marriage or adoption of the child, the performance or inducement of an abortion on or for the child, or the termination of parental rights to the child.

5. Sign by the statement you wish to choose (you may only choose one) :

(A) ___________________________ (Signature) I delegate to the agent all my power and authority regarding the care and custody of the child named above, including but not limited to the right to inspect and obtain copies of educational records and other records concerning the child, attend school activities and other functions concerning the child, and give or withhold any consent or waiver with respect to school activities, medical and dental treatment, and any other activity, function, or treatment that may concern the child. This delegation shall not include the power or authority to consent to the marriage or adoption of the child, the performance or inducement of an abortion on or for the child, or the termination of parental rights to the child.

(A) ___________________________ (Signature) I delegate to the agent all my power and authority regarding the care and custody of the child named above, including but not limited to the right to inspect and obtain copies of educational records and other records concerning the child, attend school activities and other functions concerning the child, and give or withhold any consent or waiver with respect to school activities, medical and dental treatment, and any other activity, function, or treatment that may concern the child. This delegation shall not include the power or authority to consent to the marriage or adoption of the child, the performance or inducement of an abortion on or for the child, or the termination of parental rights to the child.

OR

(B) ___________________________ (Signature) I delegate to the agent the following specific powers and responsibilities ( write in ):

(B) ___________________________ (Signature) I delegate to the agent the following specific powers and responsibilities ( write in ):

This delegation shall not include the power or authority to consent to the marriage or adoption of the child, the performance or inducement of an abortion on or for the child, or the termination of parental rights to the child.

6. Initial by the statement you wish to choose (you may only choose one of the three options) and complete the information in the paragraph: (A) ________ (Initials) This power of attorney is effective for a period not to exceed one year, beginning _____________, 2___, and ending _____________, 2___. I reserve the right to revoke this power and authority at any time. OR (B) ________ (Initials) This power of attorney is being given to a grandparent of my child and is effective until I revoke this power of attorney. OR (C) ________ (Initials) I am a parent as described in O.C.G.A. § 19-9-132(b) . My deployment is scheduled to begin on _____________, 2____, and is estimated to end on _____________, 2____. I acknowledge that in no event shall this delegation of power and authority last more than one year or the term of my deployment plus 30 days, whichever is longer. I reserve the right to revoke this power and authority at any time.

6. Initial by the statement you wish to choose (you may only choose one of the three options) and complete the information in the paragraph:

(A) ________ (Initials) This power of attorney is effective for a period not to exceed one year, beginning _____________, 2___, and ending _____________, 2___. I reserve the right to revoke this power and authority at any time.

(A) ________ (Initials) This power of attorney is effective for a period not to exceed one year, beginning _____________, 2___, and ending _____________, 2___. I reserve the right to revoke this power and authority at any time.

OR

(B) ________ (Initials) This power of attorney is being given to a grandparent of my child and is effective until I revoke this power of attorney.

(B) ________ (Initials) This power of attorney is being given to a grandparent of my child and is effective until I revoke this power of attorney.

OR

(C) ________ (Initials) I am a parent as described in O.C.G.A. § 19-9-132(b) . My deployment is scheduled to begin on _____________, 2____, and is estimated to end on _____________, 2____. I acknowledge that in no event shall this delegation of power and authority last more than one year or the term of my deployment plus 30 days, whichever is longer. I reserve the right to revoke this power and authority at any time.

(C) ________ (Initials) I am a parent as described in O.C.G.A. § 19-9-132(b) . My deployment is scheduled to begin on _____________, 2____, and is estimated to end on _____________, 2____. I acknowledge that in no event shall this delegation of power and authority last more than one year or the term of my deployment plus 30 days, whichever is longer. I reserve the right to revoke this power and authority at any time.

7. I hereby swear or affirm under penalty of law that I provided the notice required by O.C.G.A. § 19-9-125 and received no objection in the required time period. By:________________________________________________________________________ (Parent signature) ___________________________________________________________________________ (Printed name) ___________________________________________________________________________ (Street address, city, state, and ZIP Code of parent) ___________________________________________________________________________ (Personal and work telephone numbers of parent) Sworn to and subscribed before me this ________ day of __________, ____. ______________________________ Notary public (SEAL) My commission expires: ___________. STATE OF GEORGIA COUNTY OF ____________________ Personally appeared before me, the undersigned officer duly authorized to administer oaths, ______________________________ (name of agent) who, after having been sworn, deposes and says as follows:

7. I hereby swear or affirm under penalty of law that I provided the notice required by O.C.G.A. § 19-9-125 and received no objection in the required time period.

By:________________________________________________________________________

(Parent signature)

___________________________________________________________________________

(Printed name)

___________________________________________________________________________

(Street address, city, state, and ZIP Code of parent)

___________________________________________________________________________

(Personal and work telephone numbers of parent)

Sworn to and subscribed

before me this ________

day of __________, ____.

______________________________

Notary public (SEAL)

My commission expires: ___________.

STATE OF GEORGIA

COUNTY OF ____________________

Personally appeared before me, the undersigned officer duly authorized to administer oaths, ______________________________ (name of agent) who, after having been sworn, deposes and says as follows:

8. I hereby accept my designation as agent for the child specified in this power of attorney and by doing so acknowledge my acceptance of the responsibility for caring for such child for the duration of this power of attorney. Furthermore, I hereby certify that: (A)(i) I am related to the individual giving me this power of attorney by blood or marriage as follows (write in your relationship to the individual designating you as agent; for example, sister, mother, father, etc.) : OR (ii) I am not related to the individual giving me this power of attorney but was referred to him or her by: __________________________________________________ (write in the name of the child-placing agency, nonprofit entity, or faith based organization) . (B) I am not currently on the state sexual offender registry of this state or the sexual offender registry or child abuse registry for any other state, a United States territory, the District of Columbia, or any American Indian tribe nor have I ever been required to register for any such registry; (C) I have provided a criminal background check to the individual designating me as an agent, if it was required; (D) I understand that I have the authority to act on behalf of the child: •For the period of time set forth in this form; •Until the power of attorney is revoked in writing and notice is provided to me as required by O.C.G.A. § 19-9-130 ; or •Until the power of attorney is terminated by order of a court; (E) I understand that if I am made aware of the death of the individual who executed the power of attorney, I must notify the surviving parent of the child, if known, as soon as practicable; and (F) I understand that I may resign as agent by notifying the individual who executed the power of attorney in writing by certified mail, return receipt requested, or statutory overnight delivery and I must also notify any schools, health care providers, and others to whom I give a copy of this power of attorney. _________________________________________________ (Agent signature) _________________________________________________ (Printed name) Sworn to and subscribed before me this _____ day of ____________________, _____. _________________________________________________ Notary public (SEAL) My commission expires: _______________. _________________________________________________ (Organization signature, if applicable) _________________________________________________ (Printed name and title)”

8. I hereby accept my designation as agent for the child specified in this power of attorney and by doing so acknowledge my acceptance of the responsibility for caring for such child for the duration of this power of attorney. Furthermore, I hereby certify that:

(A)(i) I am related to the individual giving me this power of attorney by blood or marriage as follows (write in your relationship to the individual designating you as agent; for example, sister, mother, father, etc.) : OR (ii) I am not related to the individual giving me this power of attorney but was referred to him or her by: __________________________________________________ (write in the name of the child-placing agency, nonprofit entity, or faith based organization) .

(A)(i) I am related to the individual giving me this power of attorney by blood or marriage as follows (write in your relationship to the individual designating you as agent; for example, sister, mother, father, etc.) :

(A)(i) I am related to the individual giving me this power of attorney by blood or marriage as follows (write in your relationship to the individual designating you as agent; for example, sister, mother, father, etc.) :

OR

(ii) I am not related to the individual giving me this power of attorney but was referred to him or her by: __________________________________________________ (write in the name of the child-placing agency, nonprofit entity, or faith based organization) .

(ii) I am not related to the individual giving me this power of attorney but was referred to him or her by: __________________________________________________ (write in the name of the child-placing agency, nonprofit entity, or faith based organization) .

(B) I am not currently on the state sexual offender registry of this state or the sexual offender registry or child abuse registry for any other state, a United States territory, the District of Columbia, or any American Indian tribe nor have I ever been required to register for any such registry;

(B) I am not currently on the state sexual offender registry of this state or the sexual offender registry or child abuse registry for any other state, a United States territory, the District of Columbia, or any American Indian tribe nor have I ever been required to register for any such registry;

(C) I have provided a criminal background check to the individual designating me as an agent, if it was required;

(C) I have provided a criminal background check to the individual designating me as an agent, if it was required;

(D) I understand that I have the authority to act on behalf of the child: •For the period of time set forth in this form; •Until the power of attorney is revoked in writing and notice is provided to me as required by O.C.G.A. § 19-9-130 ; or •Until the power of attorney is terminated by order of a court;

(D) I understand that I have the authority to act on behalf of the child:

•For the period of time set forth in this form;

•Until the power of attorney is revoked in writing and notice is provided to me as required by O.C.G.A. § 19-9-130 ; or

•Until the power of attorney is terminated by order of a court;

(E) I understand that if I am made aware of the death of the individual who executed the power of attorney, I must notify the surviving parent of the child, if known, as soon as practicable; and

(E) I understand that if I am made aware of the death of the individual who executed the power of attorney, I must notify the surviving parent of the child, if known, as soon as practicable; and

(F) I understand that I may resign as agent by notifying the individual who executed the power of attorney in writing by certified mail, return receipt requested, or statutory overnight delivery and I must also notify any schools, health care providers, and others to whom I give a copy of this power of attorney. _________________________________________________ (Agent signature) _________________________________________________ (Printed name) Sworn to and subscribed before me this _____ day of ____________________, _____. _________________________________________________ Notary public (SEAL) My commission expires: _______________. _________________________________________________ (Organization signature, if applicable) _________________________________________________ (Printed name and title)”

(F) I understand that I may resign as agent by notifying the individual who executed the power of attorney in writing by certified mail, return receipt requested, or statutory overnight delivery and I must also notify any schools, health care providers, and others to whom I give a copy of this power of attorney.

_________________________________________________

(Agent signature)

_________________________________________________

(Printed name)

Sworn to and subscribed

before me this _____

day of ____________________, _____.

_________________________________________________

Notary public (SEAL)

My commission expires: _______________.

_________________________________________________

(Organization signature, if applicable)

_________________________________________________

(Printed name and title)”