O.C.G.A. § 19-13-34 — GA Code / Title 19 / Chapter 13 / Section 19-13-34
Georgia Code Title 19. Domestic Relations § 19-13-34
Status: in_force

(a) The commission shall have the following duties: (1) To study and evaluate the needs, priorities, programs, policies, and accessibility of services relating to family violence throughout this state; (2) To evaluate and monitor the adequacy and effectiveness of existing family violence laws, including the response of the present civil and criminal legal systems; (3) To initiate and coordinate the development of family violence legislation, as necessary; (4) To monitor the implementation and enforcement of laws, regulations, and protocols concerning family violence; (5) To make recommendations for education and training to ensure that all citizens and service providers, including but not limited to members of the judiciary, law enforcement personnel, and prosecuting attorneys, are aware of needs relating to family violence and of services available; (6) To develop models for community task forces on family violence; (7) To provide training and continuing education on the dynamics of family violence to members of the commission where appropriate and necessary; (8) To report annually to the General Assembly during its existence; and (9) To develop standards to be utilized by the Department of Community Supervision in the certification and regulation of family violence intervention programs.

(a) The commission shall have the following duties:

(1) To study and evaluate the needs, priorities, programs, policies, and accessibility of services relating to family violence throughout this state;

(1) To study and evaluate the needs, priorities, programs, policies, and accessibility of services relating to family violence throughout this state;

(2) To evaluate and monitor the adequacy and effectiveness of existing family violence laws, including the response of the present civil and criminal legal systems;

(2) To evaluate and monitor the adequacy and effectiveness of existing family violence laws, including the response of the present civil and criminal legal systems;

(3) To initiate and coordinate the development of family violence legislation, as necessary;

(3) To initiate and coordinate the development of family violence legislation, as necessary;

(4) To monitor the implementation and enforcement of laws, regulations, and protocols concerning family violence;

(4) To monitor the implementation and enforcement of laws, regulations, and protocols concerning family violence;

(5) To make recommendations for education and training to ensure that all citizens and service providers, including but not limited to members of the judiciary, law enforcement personnel, and prosecuting attorneys, are aware of needs relating to family violence and of services available;

(5) To make recommendations for education and training to ensure that all citizens and service providers, including but not limited to members of the judiciary, law enforcement personnel, and prosecuting attorneys, are aware of needs relating to family violence and of services available;

(6) To develop models for community task forces on family violence;

(6) To develop models for community task forces on family violence;

(7) To provide training and continuing education on the dynamics of family violence to members of the commission where appropriate and necessary;

(7) To provide training and continuing education on the dynamics of family violence to members of the commission where appropriate and necessary;

(8) To report annually to the General Assembly during its existence; and

(8) To report annually to the General Assembly during its existence; and

(9) To develop standards to be utilized by the Department of Community Supervision in the certification and regulation of family violence intervention programs.

(9) To develop standards to be utilized by the Department of Community Supervision in the certification and regulation of family violence intervention programs.

(b) The commission shall have the following powers: (1) To write and disseminate reports and recommendations concerning family violence to the Governor, the General Assembly, and the community; (2) To accept public or private grants, devises, and bequests; (3) To enter into all contracts or agreements necessary or incidental to the performance of its duties; and (4) To hold meetings and public hearings and to conduct studies, collect data, or take any other action the commission deems necessary to fulfill its responsibilities.

(b) The commission shall have the following powers:

(1) To write and disseminate reports and recommendations concerning family violence to the Governor, the General Assembly, and the community;

(1) To write and disseminate reports and recommendations concerning family violence to the Governor, the General Assembly, and the community;

(2) To accept public or private grants, devises, and bequests;

(2) To accept public or private grants, devises, and bequests;

(3) To enter into all contracts or agreements necessary or incidental to the performance of its duties; and

(3) To enter into all contracts or agreements necessary or incidental to the performance of its duties; and

(4) To hold meetings and public hearings and to conduct studies, collect data, or take any other action the commission deems necessary to fulfill its responsibilities.

(4) To hold meetings and public hearings and to conduct studies, collect data, or take any other action the commission deems necessary to fulfill its responsibilities.
O.C.G.A. § 19-11-167 — GA Code / Title 19 / Chapter 11 / Section 19-11-167
Georgia Code Title 19. Domestic Relations § 19-11-167
Status: in_force

Confirmation of a registered support order, whether by operation of law or after notice and hearing, precludes further contest of the order with respect to any matter that could have been asserted at the time of registration.
O.C.G.A. § 19-3-60 — GA Code / Title 19 / Chapter 3 / Section 19-3-60
Georgia Code Title 19. Domestic Relations § 19-3-60
Status: in_force

(a) As used in this article, the term “ antenuptial agreement ” means a contract entered into prior to a marriage that determines property rights or contemplates a future settlement to one spouse as to a future resolution of issues, including, but not limited to, year's support, spousal support, and equitable division of property.

(a) As used in this article, the term “ antenuptial agreement ” means a contract entered into prior to a marriage that determines property rights or contemplates a future settlement to one spouse as to a future resolution of issues, including, but not limited to, year's support, spousal support, and equitable division of property.

(b) Marriage is a valuable consideration; and a spouse stands, as to property of the other spouse settled upon a spouse by marriage contract, as do other purchasers for value, provided that by the contract a spouse shall not incapacitate himself or herself from paying his or her existing just debts.

(b) Marriage is a valuable consideration; and a spouse stands, as to property of the other spouse settled upon a spouse by marriage contract, as do other purchasers for value, provided that by the contract a spouse shall not incapacitate himself or herself from paying his or her existing just debts.
O.C.G.A. § 19-11-184-7 — GA Code / Title 19 / Chapter 11 / Section 19-11-184-7
Georgia Code Title 19. Domestic Relations § 19-11-184.7
Status: in_force

Personal information gathered or transmitted under this part may be used only for the purposes for which it was gathered or transmitted.
O.C.G.A. § 19-6-21 — GA Code / Title 19 / Chapter 6 / Section 19-6-21
Georgia Code Title 19. Domestic Relations § 19-6-21
Status: in_force

A petition authorized in subsection (a) of Code Section 19-6-19 can be filed only where a party has been ordered by the final judgment in an alimony or divorce and alimony action to pay permanent alimony in weekly, monthly, annual, or similar periodic payments and not where the former spouse of such party has been given an award from the corpus of the party's estate in lieu of such periodic payment.
O.C.G.A. § 19-11-161 — GA Code / Title 19 / Chapter 11 / Section 19-11-161
Georgia Code Title 19. Domestic Relations § 19-11-161
Status: in_force

(a) Except as otherwise provided in Code Section 19-11-184.1 , a support order or income-withholding order of another state or a foreign support order may be registered in Georgia by sending the following records to the appropriate tribunal in Georgia: (1) A letter of transmittal to the tribunal requesting registration and enforcement; (2) Two copies, including one certified copy, of the order to be registered, including any modification of the order; (3) A sworn statement by the person requesting registration or a certified statement by the custodian of the records showing the amount of any arrearage; (4) The name of the obligor and, if known: (A) The obligor's address and social security number; (B) The name and address of the obligor's employer and any other source of income of the obligor; and (C) A description and the location of property of the obligor in Georgia not exempt from execution; and (5) Except as otherwise provided in Code Section 19-11-131 , the name and address of the obligee and, if applicable, the person to whom support payments are to be remitted.

(a) Except as otherwise provided in Code Section 19-11-184.1 , a support order or income-withholding order of another state or a foreign support order may be registered in Georgia by sending the following records to the appropriate tribunal in Georgia:

(1) A letter of transmittal to the tribunal requesting registration and enforcement;

(1) A letter of transmittal to the tribunal requesting registration and enforcement;

(2) Two copies, including one certified copy, of the order to be registered, including any modification of the order;

(2) Two copies, including one certified copy, of the order to be registered, including any modification of the order;

(3) A sworn statement by the person requesting registration or a certified statement by the custodian of the records showing the amount of any arrearage;

(3) A sworn statement by the person requesting registration or a certified statement by the custodian of the records showing the amount of any arrearage;

(4) The name of the obligor and, if known: (A) The obligor's address and social security number; (B) The name and address of the obligor's employer and any other source of income of the obligor; and (C) A description and the location of property of the obligor in Georgia not exempt from execution; and

(4) The name of the obligor and, if known:

(A) The obligor's address and social security number;

(A) The obligor's address and social security number;

(B) The name and address of the obligor's employer and any other source of income of the obligor; and

(B) The name and address of the obligor's employer and any other source of income of the obligor; and

(C) A description and the location of property of the obligor in Georgia not exempt from execution; and

(C) A description and the location of property of the obligor in Georgia not exempt from execution; and

(5) Except as otherwise provided in Code Section 19-11-131 , the name and address of the obligee and, if applicable, the person to whom support payments are to be remitted.

(5) Except as otherwise provided in Code Section 19-11-131 , the name and address of the obligee and, if applicable, the person to whom support payments are to be remitted.

(b) On receipt of a request for registration, the registering tribunal shall cause the order to be filed as an order of a tribunal of another state or a foreign support order, together with one copy of the documents and information, regardless of their form.

(b) On receipt of a request for registration, the registering tribunal shall cause the order to be filed as an order of a tribunal of another state or a foreign support order, together with one copy of the documents and information, regardless of their form.

(c) A petition, motion, or comparable filing seeking a remedy that must be affirmatively sought under other laws of this state, and discovery incident thereto, may be filed at the same time as the request for registration or later. The pleading, motion, or other filing must specify the grounds for the remedy sought. For purposes of this subsection, remedies sought may include, but are not limited to, a rule for contempt or a petition for entry of an income deduction order.

(c) A petition, motion, or comparable filing seeking a remedy that must be affirmatively sought under other laws of this state, and discovery incident thereto, may be filed at the same time as the request for registration or later. The pleading, motion, or other filing must specify the grounds for the remedy sought. For purposes of this subsection, remedies sought may include, but are not limited to, a rule for contempt or a petition for entry of an income deduction order.

(d) If two or more orders are in effect, the person requesting registration shall: (1) Furnish to the tribunal a copy of every support order asserted to be in effect in addition to the documents specified in this Code section; (2) Specify the order alleged to be the controlling order, if any; and (3) Specify the amount of consolidated arrears, if any.

(d) If two or more orders are in effect, the person requesting registration shall:

(1) Furnish to the tribunal a copy of every support order asserted to be in effect in addition to the documents specified in this Code section;

(1) Furnish to the tribunal a copy of every support order asserted to be in effect in addition to the documents specified in this Code section;

(2) Specify the order alleged to be the controlling order, if any; and

(2) Specify the order alleged to be the controlling order, if any; and

(3) Specify the amount of consolidated arrears, if any.

(3) Specify the amount of consolidated arrears, if any.

(e) A request for a determination of which is the controlling order may be filed separately or with a request for registration and enforcement or for registration and modification. The person requesting registration shall give notice of the request to each party whose rights may be affected by the determination.

(e) A request for a determination of which is the controlling order may be filed separately or with a request for registration and enforcement or for registration and modification. The person requesting registration shall give notice of the request to each party whose rights may be affected by the determination.
O.C.G.A. § 19-11-68 — GA Code / Title 19 / Chapter 11 / Section 19-11-68
Georgia Code Title 19. Domestic Relations § 19-11-68
Status: in_force

A court of this state, when acting as an initiating state, shall have the duty, which may be carried out through the clerk of the court, to receive and disburse forthwith all payments made by the respondent or transmitted by the court of the responding state.
O.C.G.A. § 19-11-169 — GA Code / Title 19 / Chapter 11 / Section 19-11-169
Georgia Code Title 19. Domestic Relations § 19-11-169
Status: in_force

A tribunal of Georgia may enforce a child support order of another state registered for purposes of modification in the same manner as if the order had been issued by a tribunal of Georgia, but the registered support order may be modified only if the requirements of Code Section 19-11-170 or 19-11-172 have been met.
O.C.G.A. § 19-11-50 — GA Code / Title 19 / Chapter 11 / Section 19-11-50
Georgia Code Title 19. Domestic Relations § 19-11-50
Status: in_force

(a) Except as otherwise specified in subsection (b) of this Code section, whenever the state or a political subdivision thereof furnishes support to an obligee, it has the same right as the obligee to whom the support was furnished to invoke this article for the purpose of securing reimbursement of expenditures so made and of obtaining continuing support.

(a) Except as otherwise specified in subsection (b) of this Code section, whenever the state or a political subdivision thereof furnishes support to an obligee, it has the same right as the obligee to whom the support was furnished to invoke this article for the purpose of securing reimbursement of expenditures so made and of obtaining continuing support.

(b) Subsection (a) of this Code section shall not be invoked unless the court having jurisdiction of the matter is satisfied that efforts on the part of the state or political subdivision to secure reimbursements for previous support shall not jeopardize the enforcement of the court's orders for present or future support of the dependent or dependents involved. The court shall have the right at any time to enter appropriate orders to carry out this subsection.

(b) Subsection (a) of this Code section shall not be invoked unless the court having jurisdiction of the matter is satisfied that efforts on the part of the state or political subdivision to secure reimbursements for previous support shall not jeopardize the enforcement of the court's orders for present or future support of the dependent or dependents involved. The court shall have the right at any time to enter appropriate orders to carry out this subsection.
O.C.G.A. § 19-11-181 — GA Code / Title 19 / Chapter 11 / Section 19-11-181
Georgia Code Title 19. Domestic Relations § 19-11-181
Status: in_force

This part applies only to a support proceeding under the convention. In such a proceeding, if a provision of this part is inconsistent with Parts 1 through 6 of this article, this part controls.
O.C.G.A. § 19-11-65 — GA Code / Title 19 / Chapter 11 / Section 19-11-65
Georgia Code Title 19. Domestic Relations § 19-11-65
Status: in_force

In addition to the other powers specified in this article, the court of this state, when acting as the responding state, has the power to subject the respondent to such terms and conditions as the court may deem proper to assure compliance with its orders and in particular has the power:

(1) To require the respondent to furnish recognizance in the form of a cash deposit or bond of such character and in such amount as the court may deem proper to assure payment of any amount required to be paid by the respondent;

(1) To require the respondent to furnish recognizance in the form of a cash deposit or bond of such character and in such amount as the court may deem proper to assure payment of any amount required to be paid by the respondent;

(2) To require the respondent to make payments at specified intervals to the department or any county agency designated by the court or to the obligee and to report personally to the department at such times as may be deemed necessary; and

(2) To require the respondent to make payments at specified intervals to the department or any county agency designated by the court or to the obligee and to report personally to the department at such times as may be deemed necessary; and

(3) To punish the respondent who violates any order of the court to the same extent as is provided by law for contempt of the court in any other action or proceeding cognizable by the court.

(3) To punish the respondent who violates any order of the court to the same extent as is provided by law for contempt of the court in any other action or proceeding cognizable by the court.
O.C.G.A. § 19-11-152 — GA Code / Title 19 / Chapter 11 / Section 19-11-152
Georgia Code Title 19. Domestic Relations § 19-11-152
Status: in_force

If an obligor's employer receives two or more income-withholding orders with respect to the earnings of the same obligor, the employer satisfies the terms of the orders if the employer complies with the law of the state of the obligor's principal place of employment to establish the priorities for withholding and allocating income withheld for two or more child support obligees.
O.C.G.A. § 19-11-48 — GA Code / Title 19 / Chapter 11 / Section 19-11-48
Georgia Code Title 19. Domestic Relations § 19-11-48
Status: in_force

(a) The Governor of this state may: (1) Demand from the governor of any other state the surrender of any person found in the other state who is charged in this state with the crime of failing to provide for the support of any person in this state; and (2) Surrender, on demand by the governor of any other state, any person found in this state who is charged in the other state with the crime of failing to provide for the support of a person in the other state.

(a) The Governor of this state may:

(1) Demand from the governor of any other state the surrender of any person found in the other state who is charged in this state with the crime of failing to provide for the support of any person in this state; and

(1) Demand from the governor of any other state the surrender of any person found in the other state who is charged in this state with the crime of failing to provide for the support of any person in this state; and

(2) Surrender, on demand by the governor of any other state, any person found in this state who is charged in the other state with the crime of failing to provide for the support of a person in the other state.

(2) Surrender, on demand by the governor of any other state, any person found in this state who is charged in the other state with the crime of failing to provide for the support of a person in the other state.

(b) The provisions for extradition of criminals not inconsistent with this Code section shall apply to any such demand, even if the person whose surrender is demanded was not in the demanding state at the time of the commission of the crime and although he had not fled therefrom. Neither the demand, the oath, nor any proceedings for extradition pursuant to this Code section need state or show that the person whose surrender is demanded has fled from justice or that at the time of the commission of the crime he was in the demanding or other state.

(b) The provisions for extradition of criminals not inconsistent with this Code section shall apply to any such demand, even if the person whose surrender is demanded was not in the demanding state at the time of the commission of the crime and although he had not fled therefrom. Neither the demand, the oath, nor any proceedings for extradition pursuant to this Code section need state or show that the person whose surrender is demanded has fled from justice or that at the time of the commission of the crime he was in the demanding or other state.

(c) When the extradition of an obligor in this state has been demanded by the governor of any other state, the obligor may be relieved of extradition to the other state if he submits himself to the jurisdiction of the superior court of this state in the county where he is found and complies with the court's order of support.

(c) When the extradition of an obligor in this state has been demanded by the governor of any other state, the obligor may be relieved of extradition to the other state if he submits himself to the jurisdiction of the superior court of this state in the county where he is found and complies with the court's order of support.

(d) In order to submit himself to the jurisdiction of the superior court of this state, the obligor shall file with the court a verified petition containing the following information: (1) His name and permanent address; (2) The names, addresses, and ages of his obligees in the demanding state; (3) His financial circumstances; (4) That he is willing to submit himself to the jurisdiction of the court of this state and to comply with its order of support; and (5) Such other information as he believes to be pertinent and material.

(d) In order to submit himself to the jurisdiction of the superior court of this state, the obligor shall file with the court a verified petition containing the following information:

(1) His name and permanent address;

(1) His name and permanent address;

(2) The names, addresses, and ages of his obligees in the demanding state;

(2) The names, addresses, and ages of his obligees in the demanding state;

(3) His financial circumstances;

(3) His financial circumstances;

(4) That he is willing to submit himself to the jurisdiction of the court of this state and to comply with its order of support; and

(4) That he is willing to submit himself to the jurisdiction of the court of this state and to comply with its order of support; and

(5) Such other information as he believes to be pertinent and material.

(5) Such other information as he believes to be pertinent and material.

(e) The court shall make a temporary order of support and shall continue the matter pending the receipt of such further information as the court may deem necessary or advisable. Two certified copies of the temporary order of support shall be delivered to the office of the Governor and one plain copy shall be delivered to the district attorney. Upon receipt of the certified copies of the order of support, the Governor may, in his discretion, suspend extradition proceedings so long as the obligor complies with the temporary order of support and with any other orders of support which may thereafter be entered.

(e) The court shall make a temporary order of support and shall continue the matter pending the receipt of such further information as the court may deem necessary or advisable. Two certified copies of the temporary order of support shall be delivered to the office of the Governor and one plain copy shall be delivered to the district attorney. Upon receipt of the certified copies of the order of support, the Governor may, in his discretion, suspend extradition proceedings so long as the obligor complies with the temporary order of support and with any other orders of support which may thereafter be entered.
O.C.G.A. § 19-11-175 — GA Code / Title 19 / Chapter 11 / Section 19-11-175
Georgia Code Title 19. Domestic Relations § 19-11-175
Status: in_force

A party or support enforcement agency seeking to modify, or to modify and enforce, a foreign child support order not under the convention may register that order in this state under Code Sections 19-11-160 through 19-11-167 if the order has not been registered. A petition for modification may be filed at the same time as a request for registration, or at another time. The petition must specify the grounds for modification.
O.C.G.A. § 19-11-131 — GA Code / Title 19 / Chapter 11 / Section 19-11-131
Georgia Code Title 19. Domestic Relations § 19-11-131
Status: in_force

If a party alleges in an affidavit or a pleading under oath that the health, safety, or liberty of a party or child would be jeopardized by disclosure of specific identifying information, that information must be sealed and may not be disclosed to the other party or the public. After a hearing in which a tribunal takes into consideration the health, safety, or liberty of the party or child, the tribunal may order disclosure of information that the tribunal determines to be in the interest of justice.
O.C.G.A. § 19-11-150 — GA Code / Title 19 / Chapter 11 / Section 19-11-150
Georgia Code Title 19. Domestic Relations § 19-11-150
Status: in_force

An income-withholding order issued in another state may be sent by or on behalf of the obligee, or by the support enforcement agency, to the person defined as the obligor's employer pursuant to Code Sections 19-6-32 through 19-6-33.1 without first filing a petition or comparable pleading or registering the order with a tribunal of this state.
O.C.G.A. § 19-10a-1 — GA Code / Title 19 / Chapter 10A / Section 19-10a-1
Georgia Code Title 19. Domestic Relations § 19-10A-1
Status: in_force

This chapter shall be known and may be cited as the “Safe Place for Newborns Act of 2002.”
O.C.G.A. § 19-9-47 — GA Code / Title 19 / Chapter 9 / Section 19-9-47
Georgia Code Title 19. Domestic Relations § 19-9-47
Status: in_force

(a) Notice required for the exercise of jurisdiction when a person is outside this state may be given in a manner prescribed by the law of this state for service of process or by the law of the state in which the service is made. Notice must be given in a manner reasonably calculated to give actual notice but may be by publication if other means are not effective.

(a) Notice required for the exercise of jurisdiction when a person is outside this state may be given in a manner prescribed by the law of this state for service of process or by the law of the state in which the service is made. Notice must be given in a manner reasonably calculated to give actual notice but may be by publication if other means are not effective.

(b) Proof of service may be made in the manner prescribed by the law of this state or by the law of the state in which the service is made.

(b) Proof of service may be made in the manner prescribed by the law of this state or by the law of the state in which the service is made.

(c) Notice is not required for the exercise of jurisdiction with respect to a person who submits to the jurisdiction of the court.

(c) Notice is not required for the exercise of jurisdiction with respect to a person who submits to the jurisdiction of the court.
O.C.G.A. § 19-5-6 — GA Code / Title 19 / Chapter 5 / Section 19-5-6
Georgia Code Title 19. Domestic Relations § 19-5-6
Status: in_force

When a petition for divorce is filed, the respondent may recriminate in his answer and ask a divorce in his favor. If, at the trial, the court or jury believes that the respondent rather than the petitioner is entitled to a divorce, they may so find upon legal proof.
O.C.G.A. § 19-9-122 — GA Code / Title 19 / Chapter 9 / Section 19-9-122
Georgia Code Title 19. Domestic Relations § 19-9-122
Status: in_force

A parent of a child may delegate caregiving authority regarding such child to an individual who is an adult, who resides in this state, and who is the grandparent, great-grandparent, stepparent, former stepparent, step-grandparent, aunt, uncle, great aunt, great uncle, cousin, or sibling of such child or is a nonrelative who is approved as an agent by a child-placing agency or a nonprofit entity or faith based organization for a period not to exceed one year, except as provided in Code Section 19-9-132 , by executing a power of attorney that substantially complies with this article.
O.C.G.A. § 19-13-11 — GA Code / Title 19 / Chapter 13 / Section 19-13-11
Georgia Code Title 19. Domestic Relations § 19-13-11
Status: in_force

In carrying out the purpose of this article, the department shall charge a fee for the consideration of applications for certification of family violence intervention programs and instructors. The amount of this fee shall be established by the commission and shall, as best as the commission shall determine, approximate the expense incurred by the department in consideration of an application. These certifications shall be valid for a period of two years unless suspended or revoked prior to the expiration of that time period.
O.C.G.A. § 19-7-25 — GA Code / Title 19 / Chapter 7 / Section 19-7-25
Georgia Code Title 19. Domestic Relations § 19-7-25
Status: in_force

Only the mother of a child born out of wedlock is entitled to custody of the child, unless the father legitimates the child as provided in Code Section 19-7-22 . Otherwise, the mother may exercise all parental power over the child.
O.C.G.A. § 19-3-61 — GA Code / Title 19 / Chapter 3 / Section 19-3-61
Georgia Code Title 19. Domestic Relations § 19-3-61
Status: in_force

The minority of either party to an antenuptial agreement or to a marriage contract shall not invalidate it, so long as the party is of lawful age to contract marriage.
O.C.G.A. § 19-11-151 — GA Code / Title 19 / Chapter 11 / Section 19-11-151
Georgia Code Title 19. Domestic Relations § 19-11-151
Status: in_force

(a) Upon receipt of an income-withholding order, the obligor's employer shall immediately provide a copy of the order to the obligor.

(a) Upon receipt of an income-withholding order, the obligor's employer shall immediately provide a copy of the order to the obligor.

(b) The employer shall treat an income-withholding order issued in another state which appears regular on its face as if it had been issued by a tribunal of Georgia.

(b) The employer shall treat an income-withholding order issued in another state which appears regular on its face as if it had been issued by a tribunal of Georgia.

(c) Except as otherwise provided by subsection (d) of this Code section and Code Section 19-11-152 , the employer shall withhold and distribute the funds as directed in the withholding order by complying with the terms of the order which specify: (1) The duration and the amount of periodic payments of current child support, stated as a sum certain; (2) The person designated to receive payments and the address to which the payments are to be forwarded; (3) Medical support, whether in the form of periodic cash payment, stated as a sum certain, or ordering the obligor to provide health insurance coverage for the child under a policy available through the obligor's employment; (4) The amount of periodic payments of fees and costs for a support enforcement agency, the issuing tribunal, and the obligee's attorney, stated as sums certain; and (5) The amount of periodic payments of arrearages and interest on arrearages, stated as sums certain.

(c) Except as otherwise provided by subsection (d) of this Code section and Code Section 19-11-152 , the employer shall withhold and distribute the funds as directed in the withholding order by complying with the terms of the order which specify:

(1) The duration and the amount of periodic payments of current child support, stated as a sum certain;

(1) The duration and the amount of periodic payments of current child support, stated as a sum certain;

(2) The person designated to receive payments and the address to which the payments are to be forwarded;

(2) The person designated to receive payments and the address to which the payments are to be forwarded;

(3) Medical support, whether in the form of periodic cash payment, stated as a sum certain, or ordering the obligor to provide health insurance coverage for the child under a policy available through the obligor's employment;

(3) Medical support, whether in the form of periodic cash payment, stated as a sum certain, or ordering the obligor to provide health insurance coverage for the child under a policy available through the obligor's employment;

(4) The amount of periodic payments of fees and costs for a support enforcement agency, the issuing tribunal, and the obligee's attorney, stated as sums certain; and

(4) The amount of periodic payments of fees and costs for a support enforcement agency, the issuing tribunal, and the obligee's attorney, stated as sums certain; and

(5) The amount of periodic payments of arrearages and interest on arrearages, stated as sums certain.

(5) The amount of periodic payments of arrearages and interest on arrearages, stated as sums certain.

(d) An employer shall comply with the law of the state of the obligor's principal place of employment for withholding from income with respect to: (1) The employer's fee for processing an income-withholding order; (2) The maximum amount permitted to be withheld from the obligor's income; and (3) The time periods within which the employer must implement the withholding order and forward the child support payment.

(d) An employer shall comply with the law of the state of the obligor's principal place of employment for withholding from income with respect to:

(1) The employer's fee for processing an income-withholding order;

(1) The employer's fee for processing an income-withholding order;

(2) The maximum amount permitted to be withheld from the obligor's income; and

(2) The maximum amount permitted to be withheld from the obligor's income; and

(3) The time periods within which the employer must implement the withholding order and forward the child support payment.

(3) The time periods within which the employer must implement the withholding order and forward the child support payment.
O.C.G.A. § 19-11-112 — GA Code / Title 19 / Chapter 11 / Section 19-11-112
Georgia Code Title 19. Domestic Relations § 19-11-112
Status: in_force

Under this article, a tribunal in Georgia may serve as an initiating tribunal to forward proceedings to a tribunal of another state and as a responding tribunal for proceedings initiated in another state or foreign country.
O.C.G.A. § 19-11-24 — GA Code / Title 19 / Chapter 11 / Section 19-11-24
Georgia Code Title 19. Domestic Relations § 19-11-24
Status: in_force

Nothing in this article is intended to conflict with any federal law or to result in the loss of federal funds. The department may adopt regulations necessary to prevent conflict with federal law or the loss of federal funds.
O.C.G.A. § 19-11-73 — GA Code / Title 19 / Chapter 11 / Section 19-11-73
Georgia Code Title 19. Domestic Relations § 19-11-73
Status: in_force

This article shall be so interpreted and construed as to effectuate its general purpose to make uniform the law of those states which enact it.
O.C.G.A. § 19-11-184-6 — GA Code / Title 19 / Chapter 11 / Section 19-11-184-6
Georgia Code Title 19. Domestic Relations § 19-11-184.6
Status: in_force

(a) A tribunal of Georgia may not modify a convention child support order if the obligee remains a resident of the foreign country where the support order was issued unless: (1) The obligee submits to the jurisdiction of a tribunal of Georgia, either expressly or by defending on the merits of the case without objecting to the jurisdiction at the first available opportunity; or (2) The foreign tribunal lacks or refuses to exercise jurisdiction to modify its support order or issue a new support order.

(a) A tribunal of Georgia may not modify a convention child support order if the obligee remains a resident of the foreign country where the support order was issued unless:

(1) The obligee submits to the jurisdiction of a tribunal of Georgia, either expressly or by defending on the merits of the case without objecting to the jurisdiction at the first available opportunity; or

(1) The obligee submits to the jurisdiction of a tribunal of Georgia, either expressly or by defending on the merits of the case without objecting to the jurisdiction at the first available opportunity; or

(2) The foreign tribunal lacks or refuses to exercise jurisdiction to modify its support order or issue a new support order.

(2) The foreign tribunal lacks or refuses to exercise jurisdiction to modify its support order or issue a new support order.

(b) If a tribunal of Georgia does not modify a convention child support order because the order is not recognized in this state, subsection (c) of Code Section 19-11-184.3 applies.

(b) If a tribunal of Georgia does not modify a convention child support order because the order is not recognized in this state, subsection (c) of Code Section 19-11-184.3 applies.
O.C.G.A. § 19-11-41 — GA Code / Title 19 / Chapter 11 / Section 19-11-41
Georgia Code Title 19. Domestic Relations § 19-11-41
Status: in_force

The purposes of this article are to improve and extend by reciprocal legislation the enforcement of duties of support and to make uniform the law with respect thereto.
O.C.G.A. § 19-9-103 — GA Code / Title 19 / Chapter 9 / Section 19-9-103
Georgia Code Title 19. Domestic Relations § 19-9-103
Status: in_force

This article shall not be construed to repeal, amend, or impair the provisions of Code Section 19-13-23 .
O.C.G.A. § 19-6-33-1 — GA Code / Title 19 / Chapter 6 / Section 19-6-33-1
Georgia Code Title 19. Domestic Relations § 19-6-33.1
Status: in_force

(a) As used in this Code section, the term: (1) “ Child support enforcement agency ” means the entity within the Department of Human Services and its contractors that are authorized to enforce a duty of support. (2) “ Earnings ” means any form of payment due to an individual, regardless of source, including without limitation wages, salary, commission, bonus, workers' compensation, disability, payments pursuant to a pension or retirement program, and interest. (3) “ Income deduction order ” means an order which is made pursuant to Code Section 19-6-32 and which becomes effective upon a delinquency which occurred on or after January 1, 1994, or which became effective immediately without a delinquency on or after January 1, 1994. (4) “ IV-D ” means Title IV-D of the federal Social Security Act. (5) “ Obligee ” means the individual to whom the payment of a support obligation is owed. (6) “ Obligor ” means the individual owing a duty of support. (7) “ Payor ” means the person that provides earnings to an obligor.

(a) As used in this Code section, the term:

(1) “ Child support enforcement agency ” means the entity within the Department of Human Services and its contractors that are authorized to enforce a duty of support.

(1) “ Child support enforcement agency ” means the entity within the Department of Human Services and its contractors that are authorized to enforce a duty of support.

(2) “ Earnings ” means any form of payment due to an individual, regardless of source, including without limitation wages, salary, commission, bonus, workers' compensation, disability, payments pursuant to a pension or retirement program, and interest.

(2) “ Earnings ” means any form of payment due to an individual, regardless of source, including without limitation wages, salary, commission, bonus, workers' compensation, disability, payments pursuant to a pension or retirement program, and interest.

(3) “ Income deduction order ” means an order which is made pursuant to Code Section 19-6-32 and which becomes effective upon a delinquency which occurred on or after January 1, 1994, or which became effective immediately without a delinquency on or after January 1, 1994.

(3) “ Income deduction order ” means an order which is made pursuant to Code Section 19-6-32 and which becomes effective upon a delinquency which occurred on or after January 1, 1994, or which became effective immediately without a delinquency on or after January 1, 1994.

(4) “ IV-D ” means Title IV-D of the federal Social Security Act.

(4) “ IV-D ” means Title IV-D of the federal Social Security Act.

(5) “ Obligee ” means the individual to whom the payment of a support obligation is owed.

(5) “ Obligee ” means the individual to whom the payment of a support obligation is owed.

(6) “ Obligor ” means the individual owing a duty of support.

(6) “ Obligor ” means the individual owing a duty of support.

(7) “ Payor ” means the person that provides earnings to an obligor.

(7) “ Payor ” means the person that provides earnings to an obligor.

(b) There shall be established and operated a family support registry pursuant to IV-D regulations, and authority and funding shall be provided to the child support enforcement agency for the operation of such registry. The child support enforcement agency shall be authorized to establish and maintain or contract for the establishment and maintenance of the family support registry. The family support registry shall be used for the collection and processing of payments for support orders in all cases which are enforced by the child support enforcement agency and for all other support orders not being enforced by the child support enforcement agency which are subject to an income deduction order.

(b) There shall be established and operated a family support registry pursuant to IV-D regulations, and authority and funding shall be provided to the child support enforcement agency for the operation of such registry. The child support enforcement agency shall be authorized to establish and maintain or contract for the establishment and maintenance of the family support registry. The family support registry shall be used for the collection and processing of payments for support orders in all cases which are enforced by the child support enforcement agency and for all other support orders not being enforced by the child support enforcement agency which are subject to an income deduction order.

(c) The child support enforcement agency shall, as required by federal law, redirect payments for support orders in all cases being enforced by the child support enforcement agency and for all other support orders not being enforced by the child support enforcement agency which are subject to an income deduction order. Such payments for support orders being paid to a court, child support receiver, or private party by a payor shall be redirected to the family support registry.

(c) The child support enforcement agency shall, as required by federal law, redirect payments for support orders in all cases being enforced by the child support enforcement agency and for all other support orders not being enforced by the child support enforcement agency which are subject to an income deduction order. Such payments for support orders being paid to a court, child support receiver, or private party by a payor shall be redirected to the family support registry.

(d) In implementing the family support registry, the child support enforcement agency shall be authorized to: (1) Receive, process, and disburse payments for child support, child support when combined with spousal support, child support arrears, or child support debt for any court or administrative order; (2) Maintain records of any payments collected, processed, and disbursed through the family support registry; (3) Establish and maintain a separate record for payments made through the family support registry as a result of a judgment remedy; (4) Answer inquiries from any parent concerning payments processed through the family support registry; and (5) Collect a fee for the processing of insufficient funds checks and issue a notice to the originator of any insufficient funds check that no further checks shall be accepted from such person and that future payments shall be required to be paid by cash or certified funds.

(d) In implementing the family support registry, the child support enforcement agency shall be authorized to:

(1) Receive, process, and disburse payments for child support, child support when combined with spousal support, child support arrears, or child support debt for any court or administrative order;

(1) Receive, process, and disburse payments for child support, child support when combined with spousal support, child support arrears, or child support debt for any court or administrative order;

(2) Maintain records of any payments collected, processed, and disbursed through the family support registry;

(2) Maintain records of any payments collected, processed, and disbursed through the family support registry;

(3) Establish and maintain a separate record for payments made through the family support registry as a result of a judgment remedy;

(3) Establish and maintain a separate record for payments made through the family support registry as a result of a judgment remedy;

(4) Answer inquiries from any parent concerning payments processed through the family support registry; and

(4) Answer inquiries from any parent concerning payments processed through the family support registry; and

(5) Collect a fee for the processing of insufficient funds checks and issue a notice to the originator of any insufficient funds check that no further checks shall be accepted from such person and that future payments shall be required to be paid by cash or certified funds.

(5) Collect a fee for the processing of insufficient funds checks and issue a notice to the originator of any insufficient funds check that no further checks shall be accepted from such person and that future payments shall be required to be paid by cash or certified funds.

(e) The following procedures shall be followed: (1) All administrative orders and all court orders entered or modified which provide for income deduction orders for support payments for child support, child support when combined with spousal support, child support arrears, or child support debt shall require that such payments be made through the family support registry; and (2) The child support enforcement agency shall send or cause to be sent a notice by first-class mail directing that all income deduction order payments shall be made to the family support registry. Orders subject to this redirection include all support orders being enforced by the child support enforcement agency and all other orders not being enforced by the child support enforcement agency which are subject to an income deduction order. The notice shall be sent to the following persons: (A) Any obligor who is obligated to make payments for support, child support when combined with spousal support, child support arrears or child support debt under court order or administrative order in a IV-D case when the order does not already specify paying through the family support registry; and (B) Any payor that has been deducting income under Code Section 19-6-32 .

(e) The following procedures shall be followed:

(1) All administrative orders and all court orders entered or modified which provide for income deduction orders for support payments for child support, child support when combined with spousal support, child support arrears, or child support debt shall require that such payments be made through the family support registry; and

(1) All administrative orders and all court orders entered or modified which provide for income deduction orders for support payments for child support, child support when combined with spousal support, child support arrears, or child support debt shall require that such payments be made through the family support registry; and

(2) The child support enforcement agency shall send or cause to be sent a notice by first-class mail directing that all income deduction order payments shall be made to the family support registry. Orders subject to this redirection include all support orders being enforced by the child support enforcement agency and all other orders not being enforced by the child support enforcement agency which are subject to an income deduction order. The notice shall be sent to the following persons: (A) Any obligor who is obligated to make payments for support, child support when combined with spousal support, child support arrears or child support debt under court order or administrative order in a IV-D case when the order does not already specify paying through the family support registry; and (B) Any payor that has been deducting income under Code Section 19-6-32 .

(2) The child support enforcement agency shall send or cause to be sent a notice by first-class mail directing that all income deduction order payments shall be made to the family support registry. Orders subject to this redirection include all support orders being enforced by the child support enforcement agency and all other orders not being enforced by the child support enforcement agency which are subject to an income deduction order. The notice shall be sent to the following persons:

(A) Any obligor who is obligated to make payments for support, child support when combined with spousal support, child support arrears or child support debt under court order or administrative order in a IV-D case when the order does not already specify paying through the family support registry; and

(A) Any obligor who is obligated to make payments for support, child support when combined with spousal support, child support arrears or child support debt under court order or administrative order in a IV-D case when the order does not already specify paying through the family support registry; and

(B) Any payor that has been deducting income under Code Section 19-6-32 .

(B) Any payor that has been deducting income under Code Section 19-6-32 .

(f) Any obligor or payor that receives a notice to redirect payments as specified in subsection (e) of this Code section that fails to make the payments to the family support registry and continues to make payments to the court or to the obligee shall be sent a second notice to redirect payments. The second notice shall be sent by certified mail, return receipt requested or by statutory overnight delivery. Such notice shall contain all the information required to be included in the first notice to redirect payments and shall further state that the obligor or payor has failed to make the payments to the child support enforcement agency and that the obligor or payor shall redirect the payments to the family support registry at the address indicated in the notice. Failure to make payments to the family support registry after a second notice shall be grounds for contempt.

(f) Any obligor or payor that receives a notice to redirect payments as specified in subsection (e) of this Code section that fails to make the payments to the family support registry and continues to make payments to the court or to the obligee shall be sent a second notice to redirect payments. The second notice shall be sent by certified mail, return receipt requested or by statutory overnight delivery. Such notice shall contain all the information required to be included in the first notice to redirect payments and shall further state that the obligor or payor has failed to make the payments to the child support enforcement agency and that the obligor or payor shall redirect the payments to the family support registry at the address indicated in the notice. Failure to make payments to the family support registry after a second notice shall be grounds for contempt.

(g)(1) Any payment required to be made to the family support registry which is received by the court, child support receiver, obligee, or child support enforcement agency shall be forwarded to the family support registry within two business days after receipt. All income deduction order payments from payors or such payments forwarded by the court, child support receiver, obligee, or child support enforcement agency shall be identified with the information specified by the family support registry, including but not limited to the court case number, social security number of the obligor, county where the case originated, and name of the obligor. (2) Except as provided by federal law, the family support registry shall distribute all support amounts payable within two business days after receipt from the payor.

(g)(1) Any payment required to be made to the family support registry which is received by the court, child support receiver, obligee, or child support enforcement agency shall be forwarded to the family support registry within two business days after receipt. All income deduction order payments from payors or such payments forwarded by the court, child support receiver, obligee, or child support enforcement agency shall be identified with the information specified by the family support registry, including but not limited to the court case number, social security number of the obligor, county where the case originated, and name of the obligor.

(g)(1) Any payment required to be made to the family support registry which is received by the court, child support receiver, obligee, or child support enforcement agency shall be forwarded to the family support registry within two business days after receipt. All income deduction order payments from payors or such payments forwarded by the court, child support receiver, obligee, or child support enforcement agency shall be identified with the information specified by the family support registry, including but not limited to the court case number, social security number of the obligor, county where the case originated, and name of the obligor.

(2) Except as provided by federal law, the family support registry shall distribute all support amounts payable within two business days after receipt from the payor.

(2) Except as provided by federal law, the family support registry shall distribute all support amounts payable within two business days after receipt from the payor.

(h) The Department of Human Services shall coordinate the operation of the family support registry with the state case registry created under Code Section 19-11-39 so as to reduce if not eliminate the need for duplicate reporting and information recording. The Department of Human Services shall be authorized to establish and collect an administrative fee from the individual owing a duty of support through the family support registry. Such administrative fee shall be the lesser of: (1) Two dollars per payment; (2) Five percent of the amount of each payment; or (3) The actual cost of processing and distributing the child support from the source to the obligee.

(h) The Department of Human Services shall coordinate the operation of the family support registry with the state case registry created under Code Section 19-11-39 so as to reduce if not eliminate the need for duplicate reporting and information recording. The Department of Human Services shall be authorized to establish and collect an administrative fee from the individual owing a duty of support through the family support registry. Such administrative fee shall be the lesser of:

(1) Two dollars per payment;

(1) Two dollars per payment;

(2) Five percent of the amount of each payment; or

(2) Five percent of the amount of each payment; or

(3) The actual cost of processing and distributing the child support from the source to the obligee.

(3) The actual cost of processing and distributing the child support from the source to the obligee.

(i) Nothing in this Code section shall allow or require any reduction of child support payments owed to any parent or guardian of a child.

(i) Nothing in this Code section shall allow or require any reduction of child support payments owed to any parent or guardian of a child.
O.C.G.A. § 19-6-3 — GA Code / Title 19 / Chapter 6 / Section 19-6-3
Georgia Code Title 19. Domestic Relations § 19-6-3
Status: in_force

(a) Whenever an action for divorce or for permanent alimony is pending, either party may apply at any time to the presiding judge of the court in which the same is pending, by petition, for an order granting the party temporary alimony pending the issuance of a final judgment in the case. After hearing both parties and the evidence as to all the circumstances of the parties and as to the fact of marriage, the court shall grant an order allowing such temporary alimony, including expenses of litigation, as the condition of the parties and the facts of the case may justify.

(a) Whenever an action for divorce or for permanent alimony is pending, either party may apply at any time to the presiding judge of the court in which the same is pending, by petition, for an order granting the party temporary alimony pending the issuance of a final judgment in the case. After hearing both parties and the evidence as to all the circumstances of the parties and as to the fact of marriage, the court shall grant an order allowing such temporary alimony, including expenses of litigation, as the condition of the parties and the facts of the case may justify.

(b) In arriving at a decision, the judge shall consider the peculiar necessities created for each party by the pending litigation and any evidence of a separate estate owned by either party. If the separate estate of the party seeking alimony is ample as compared with that of the other party, temporary alimony may be refused.

(b) In arriving at a decision, the judge shall consider the peculiar necessities created for each party by the pending litigation and any evidence of a separate estate owned by either party. If the separate estate of the party seeking alimony is ample as compared with that of the other party, temporary alimony may be refused.

(c) At a hearing on the application for temporary alimony, the merits of the case are not in issue; however, the judge, in fixing the amount of alimony, may inquire into the cause and circumstances of the separation rendering the alimony necessary and in his discretion may refuse it altogether.

(c) At a hearing on the application for temporary alimony, the merits of the case are not in issue; however, the judge, in fixing the amount of alimony, may inquire into the cause and circumstances of the separation rendering the alimony necessary and in his discretion may refuse it altogether.

(d) On application, an order allowing temporary alimony shall be subject to revision by the court at any time and may be enforced either by writ of fieri facias or by attachment for contempt.

(d) On application, an order allowing temporary alimony shall be subject to revision by the court at any time and may be enforced either by writ of fieri facias or by attachment for contempt.

(e) A failure to comply with the order allowing temporary alimony shall not deprive a party of the right either to prosecute or to defend the case.

(e) A failure to comply with the order allowing temporary alimony shall not deprive a party of the right either to prosecute or to defend the case.
O.C.G.A. § 19-9-61 — GA Code / Title 19 / Chapter 9 / Section 19-9-61
Georgia Code Title 19. Domestic Relations § 19-9-61
Status: in_force

(a) Except as otherwise provided in Code Section 19-9-64 , a court of this state has jurisdiction to make an initial child custody determination only if: (1) This state is the home state of the child on the date of the commencement of the proceeding, or was the home state of the child within six months before the commencement of the proceeding and the child is absent from this state but a parent or person acting as a parent continues to live in this state; (2) A court of another state does not have jurisdiction under paragraph (1) of this subsection, or a court of the home state of the child has declined to exercise jurisdiction on the ground that this state is the more appropriate forum under Code Section 19-9-67 or 19-9-68 and: (A) The child and the child's parents, or the child and at least one parent or a person acting as a parent, have a significant connection with this state other than mere physical presence; and (B) Substantial evidence is available in this state concerning the child's care, protection, training, and personal relationships; (3) All courts having jurisdiction under paragraph (1) or (2) of this subsection have declined to exercise jurisdiction on the ground that a court of this state is the more appropriate forum to determine the custody of the child under Code Section 19-9-67 or 19-9-68 ; or (4) No court of any other state would have jurisdiction under the criteria specified in paragraph (1), (2), or (3) of this subsection.

(a) Except as otherwise provided in Code Section 19-9-64 , a court of this state has jurisdiction to make an initial child custody determination only if:

(1) This state is the home state of the child on the date of the commencement of the proceeding, or was the home state of the child within six months before the commencement of the proceeding and the child is absent from this state but a parent or person acting as a parent continues to live in this state;

(1) This state is the home state of the child on the date of the commencement of the proceeding, or was the home state of the child within six months before the commencement of the proceeding and the child is absent from this state but a parent or person acting as a parent continues to live in this state;

(2) A court of another state does not have jurisdiction under paragraph (1) of this subsection, or a court of the home state of the child has declined to exercise jurisdiction on the ground that this state is the more appropriate forum under Code Section 19-9-67 or 19-9-68 and: (A) The child and the child's parents, or the child and at least one parent or a person acting as a parent, have a significant connection with this state other than mere physical presence; and (B) Substantial evidence is available in this state concerning the child's care, protection, training, and personal relationships;

(2) A court of another state does not have jurisdiction under paragraph (1) of this subsection, or a court of the home state of the child has declined to exercise jurisdiction on the ground that this state is the more appropriate forum under Code Section 19-9-67 or 19-9-68 and:

(A) The child and the child's parents, or the child and at least one parent or a person acting as a parent, have a significant connection with this state other than mere physical presence; and

(A) The child and the child's parents, or the child and at least one parent or a person acting as a parent, have a significant connection with this state other than mere physical presence; and

(B) Substantial evidence is available in this state concerning the child's care, protection, training, and personal relationships;

(B) Substantial evidence is available in this state concerning the child's care, protection, training, and personal relationships;

(3) All courts having jurisdiction under paragraph (1) or (2) of this subsection have declined to exercise jurisdiction on the ground that a court of this state is the more appropriate forum to determine the custody of the child under Code Section 19-9-67 or 19-9-68 ; or

(3) All courts having jurisdiction under paragraph (1) or (2) of this subsection have declined to exercise jurisdiction on the ground that a court of this state is the more appropriate forum to determine the custody of the child under Code Section 19-9-67 or 19-9-68 ; or

(4) No court of any other state would have jurisdiction under the criteria specified in paragraph (1), (2), or (3) of this subsection.

(4) No court of any other state would have jurisdiction under the criteria specified in paragraph (1), (2), or (3) of this subsection.

(b) Subsection (a) of this Code section is the exclusive jurisdictional basis for making a child custody determination by a court of this state.

(b) Subsection (a) of this Code section is the exclusive jurisdictional basis for making a child custody determination by a court of this state.

(c) Physical presence of, or personal jurisdiction over, a party or a child is not necessary or sufficient to make a child custody determination.

(c) Physical presence of, or personal jurisdiction over, a party or a child is not necessary or sufficient to make a child custody determination.
O.C.G.A. § 19-11-133 — GA Code / Title 19 / Chapter 11 / Section 19-11-133
Georgia Code Title 19. Domestic Relations § 19-11-133
Status: in_force

(a) Participation by a petitioner in a proceeding under this article before a responding tribunal, whether in person, by private attorney, or through services provided by the support enforcement agency, does not confer personal jurisdiction over the petitioner in another proceeding.

(a) Participation by a petitioner in a proceeding under this article before a responding tribunal, whether in person, by private attorney, or through services provided by the support enforcement agency, does not confer personal jurisdiction over the petitioner in another proceeding.

(b) A petitioner is not amenable to service of civil process while physically present in this state to participate in a proceeding under this article.

(b) A petitioner is not amenable to service of civil process while physically present in this state to participate in a proceeding under this article.

(c) The immunity granted by this Code section does not extend to civil litigation based on acts unrelated to a proceeding under this article committed by a party while physically present in Georgia to participate in the proceeding.

(c) The immunity granted by this Code section does not extend to civil litigation based on acts unrelated to a proceeding under this article committed by a party while physically present in Georgia to participate in the proceeding.
O.C.G.A. § 19-11-122 — GA Code / Title 19 / Chapter 11 / Section 19-11-122
Georgia Code Title 19. Domestic Relations § 19-11-122
Status: in_force

Except as otherwise provided in this article, a responding tribunal of Georgia:

(1) Shall apply the procedural and substantive law generally applicable to similar proceedings originating in Georgia and may exercise all powers and provide all remedies available in those proceedings; and

(1) Shall apply the procedural and substantive law generally applicable to similar proceedings originating in Georgia and may exercise all powers and provide all remedies available in those proceedings; and

(2) Shall determine the duty of support and the amount payable in accordance with the law and support guidelines of Georgia.

(2) Shall determine the duty of support and the amount payable in accordance with the law and support guidelines of Georgia.
O.C.G.A. § 19-11-190 — GA Code / Title 19 / Chapter 11 / Section 19-11-190
Georgia Code Title 19. Domestic Relations § 19-11-190
Status: in_force

In applying and construing this article, consideration must be given to the need to promote uniformity of the law with respect to its subject matter among states that enact it.
O.C.G.A. § 19-11-164 — GA Code / Title 19 / Chapter 11 / Section 19-11-164
Georgia Code Title 19. Domestic Relations § 19-11-164
Status: in_force

(a) When a support order or income-withholding order issued in another state or a foreign support order is registered, the registering tribunal of Georgia shall notify the nonregistering party. The notice must be accompanied by a copy of the registered order and the documents and relevant information accompanying the order.

(a) When a support order or income-withholding order issued in another state or a foreign support order is registered, the registering tribunal of Georgia shall notify the nonregistering party. The notice must be accompanied by a copy of the registered order and the documents and relevant information accompanying the order.

(b) A notice must inform the nonregistering party: (1) That a registered order is enforceable as of the date of registration in the same manner as an order issued by a tribunal of Georgia; (2) That a hearing to contest the validity or enforcement of the registered order must be requested within 20 days after notice unless the registered order is under Code Section 19-11-184.2 ; (3) That failure to contest the validity or enforcement of the registered order in a timely manner will result in confirmation of the order and enforcement of the order and the alleged arrearages and precludes further contest of that order with respect to any matter that could have been asserted; and (4) Of the amount of any alleged arrearages.

(b) A notice must inform the nonregistering party:

(1) That a registered order is enforceable as of the date of registration in the same manner as an order issued by a tribunal of Georgia;

(1) That a registered order is enforceable as of the date of registration in the same manner as an order issued by a tribunal of Georgia;

(2) That a hearing to contest the validity or enforcement of the registered order must be requested within 20 days after notice unless the registered order is under Code Section 19-11-184.2 ;

(2) That a hearing to contest the validity or enforcement of the registered order must be requested within 20 days after notice unless the registered order is under Code Section 19-11-184.2 ;

(3) That failure to contest the validity or enforcement of the registered order in a timely manner will result in confirmation of the order and enforcement of the order and the alleged arrearages and precludes further contest of that order with respect to any matter that could have been asserted; and

(3) That failure to contest the validity or enforcement of the registered order in a timely manner will result in confirmation of the order and enforcement of the order and the alleged arrearages and precludes further contest of that order with respect to any matter that could have been asserted; and

(4) Of the amount of any alleged arrearages.

(4) Of the amount of any alleged arrearages.

(c) If the registering party asserts that two or more orders are in effect, a notice must also: (1) Identify the two or more orders and the order alleged by the registering party to be the controlling order and the consolidated arrears, if any; (2) Notify the nonregistering party of the right to a determination of which is the controlling order; (3) State that the procedures provided in subsection (b) of this Code section apply to the determination of which is the controlling order; and (4) State that failure to contest the validity or enforcement of the order alleged to be the controlling order in a timely manner may result in confirmation that the order is the controlling order.

(c) If the registering party asserts that two or more orders are in effect, a notice must also:

(1) Identify the two or more orders and the order alleged by the registering party to be the controlling order and the consolidated arrears, if any;

(1) Identify the two or more orders and the order alleged by the registering party to be the controlling order and the consolidated arrears, if any;

(2) Notify the nonregistering party of the right to a determination of which is the controlling order;

(2) Notify the nonregistering party of the right to a determination of which is the controlling order;

(3) State that the procedures provided in subsection (b) of this Code section apply to the determination of which is the controlling order; and

(3) State that the procedures provided in subsection (b) of this Code section apply to the determination of which is the controlling order; and

(4) State that failure to contest the validity or enforcement of the order alleged to be the controlling order in a timely manner may result in confirmation that the order is the controlling order.

(4) State that failure to contest the validity or enforcement of the order alleged to be the controlling order in a timely manner may result in confirmation that the order is the controlling order.

(d) Upon registration of an income-withholding order for enforcement, the child support enforcement agency or the registering tribunal shall notify the obligor's employer pursuant to Code Sections 19-6-32 through 19-6-33.1 .

(d) Upon registration of an income-withholding order for enforcement, the child support enforcement agency or the registering tribunal shall notify the obligor's employer pursuant to Code Sections 19-6-32 through 19-6-33.1 .
O.C.G.A. § 19-11-121 — GA Code / Title 19 / Chapter 11 / Section 19-11-121
Georgia Code Title 19. Domestic Relations § 19-11-121
Status: in_force

A minor parent, or a guardian or other legal representative of a minor parent, may maintain a proceeding on behalf of or for the benefit of the minor's child.
O.C.G.A. § 19-9-102 — GA Code / Title 19 / Chapter 9 / Section 19-9-102
Georgia Code Title 19. Domestic Relations § 19-9-102
Status: in_force

A motion or other request for relief made in a child custody proceeding or to enforce a child custody determination which was commenced before July 1, 2001, is governed by the law in effect at the time the motion or other request was made.
O.C.G.A. § 19-7-42 — GA Code / Title 19 / Chapter 7 / Section 19-7-42
Georgia Code Title 19. Domestic Relations § 19-7-42
Status: in_force

The action shall be brought in the county in which the alleged father resides, except that, if the alleged father is not a resident of this state, the action shall be brought in the county in which the child resides.
O.C.G.A. § 19-6-17 — GA Code / Title 19 / Chapter 6 / Section 19-6-17
Georgia Code Title 19. Domestic Relations § 19-6-17
Status: in_force

(a) Whenever the custody of a minor child has been lawfully awarded by any court having jurisdiction thereof to: (1) Any individual other than a parent of such child at any time subsequent to the rendition of a final divorce decree between the parents of such child; or (2) A parent as part of the final divorce decree when the court awarding the decree was unable to obtain jurisdiction over the parent without custody for purposes of a determination as to whether the parent should be bound for support of such child and the court's decree contains no specific provisions binding the parent without custody for the support of such child, the parent or other individual to whom the custody of such child is awarded may apply by petition to the superior court in the county where the parent without custody of such child resides for an order and judgment fixing the amount of support money that the parent without custody shall provide in order to fulfill the parent's natural duty to supply the necessaries of life for such child.

(a) Whenever the custody of a minor child has been lawfully awarded by any court having jurisdiction thereof to:

(1) Any individual other than a parent of such child at any time subsequent to the rendition of a final divorce decree between the parents of such child; or

(1) Any individual other than a parent of such child at any time subsequent to the rendition of a final divorce decree between the parents of such child; or

(2) A parent as part of the final divorce decree when the court awarding the decree was unable to obtain jurisdiction over the parent without custody for purposes of a determination as to whether the parent should be bound for support of such child and the court's decree contains no specific provisions binding the parent without custody for the support of such child, the parent or other individual to whom the custody of such child is awarded may apply by petition to the superior court in the county where the parent without custody of such child resides for an order and judgment fixing the amount of support money that the parent without custody shall provide in order to fulfill the parent's natural duty to supply the necessaries of life for such child.

(2) A parent as part of the final divorce decree when the court awarding the decree was unable to obtain jurisdiction over the parent without custody for purposes of a determination as to whether the parent should be bound for support of such child and the court's decree contains no specific provisions binding the parent without custody for the support of such child,

the parent or other individual to whom the custody of such child is awarded may apply by petition to the superior court in the county where the parent without custody of such child resides for an order and judgment fixing the amount of support money that the parent without custody shall provide in order to fulfill the parent's natural duty to supply the necessaries of life for such child.

(b) The procedure provided for in this Code section shall be available in cases in which the parent with custody of such child is the petitioner, notwithstanding the fact that the divorce decree and judgment may have been rendered in favor of the parent without custody.

(b) The procedure provided for in this Code section shall be available in cases in which the parent with custody of such child is the petitioner, notwithstanding the fact that the divorce decree and judgment may have been rendered in favor of the parent without custody.

(c) The petition shall be served upon the respondent. The petition shall be heard by the court unless a jury trial is demanded by either party to the case. The judgment shall be reviewable as in other cases. The order or judgment shall likewise be subject to modification in the event of changed circumstances, under the same terms and conditions as are provided for in other cases of child support granted in connection with the rendition of a final decree in divorce cases.

(c) The petition shall be served upon the respondent. The petition shall be heard by the court unless a jury trial is demanded by either party to the case. The judgment shall be reviewable as in other cases. The order or judgment shall likewise be subject to modification in the event of changed circumstances, under the same terms and conditions as are provided for in other cases of child support granted in connection with the rendition of a final decree in divorce cases.

(d) The order and judgment of the court shall remain in effect, except as limited by its own restrictions and subsection (c) of this Code section, so long as the petitioner remains in lawful custody of such child and until such child becomes 18 years of age. Execution may be granted to the petitioner for any sums past due under the order and judgment, in accordance with procedures in other cases of judgments for alimony.

(d) The order and judgment of the court shall remain in effect, except as limited by its own restrictions and subsection (c) of this Code section, so long as the petitioner remains in lawful custody of such child and until such child becomes 18 years of age. Execution may be granted to the petitioner for any sums past due under the order and judgment, in accordance with procedures in other cases of judgments for alimony.

(e) Any payment or installment of support under any child support order is, on and after the date due: (1) A judgment by operation of law, with the full force and effect and attributes of a judgment of this state, including the ability to be enforced; (2) Entitled as a judgment to full faith and credit; and (3) Not subject to retroactive modification.

(e) Any payment or installment of support under any child support order is, on and after the date due:

(1) A judgment by operation of law, with the full force and effect and attributes of a judgment of this state, including the ability to be enforced;

(1) A judgment by operation of law, with the full force and effect and attributes of a judgment of this state, including the ability to be enforced;

(2) Entitled as a judgment to full faith and credit; and

(2) Entitled as a judgment to full faith and credit; and

(3) Not subject to retroactive modification.

(3) Not subject to retroactive modification.
O.C.G.A. § 19-8-9 — GA Code / Title 19 / Chapter 8 / Section 19-8-9
Georgia Code Title 19. Domestic Relations § 19-8-9
Status: in_force

(a) Notwithstanding subsection (a) of Code Section 9-10-12 which authorizes the use of certified mail, an individual signing a surrender of rights pursuant to Code Section 19-8-4 , 19-8-5 , 19-8-6 , or 19-8-7 shall have the right to revoke such surrender by written notice delivered in person or mailed by registered mail or statutory overnight delivery within four days after signing such surrender; and such surrender document shall not be valid unless it so states. The four-day revocation period shall be counted consecutively beginning with the day immediately following the date the surrender of rights is executed; provided, however, that, if the fourth day falls on a Saturday, Sunday, or legal holiday, then the last day on which such surrender may be revoked shall be the next day that is not a Saturday, Sunday, or legal holiday. After the four-day period, a surrender of rights cannot be revoked. Notwithstanding subsection (a) of Code Section 9-10-12 which authorizes the use of certified mail, the notice of revocation of a surrender of rights shall be delivered in person or mailed by registered mail or statutory overnight delivery to the address designated in the surrender document. If delivered in person, it shall be delivered to the address shown in the surrender document not later than 5:00 P.M. eastern standard time or eastern daylight time, whichever is applicable, on the fourth day. If mailed by registered mail or delivered by statutory overnight delivery, it shall be addressed to the address shown in the surrender document and submitted to the United States Postal Service or to the statutory overnight delivery carrier not later than 12:00 Midnight eastern standard time or eastern daylight time, whichever is applicable, on the fourth day.

(a) Notwithstanding subsection (a) of Code Section 9-10-12 which authorizes the use of certified mail, an individual signing a surrender of rights pursuant to Code Section 19-8-4 , 19-8-5 , 19-8-6 , or 19-8-7 shall have the right to revoke such surrender by written notice delivered in person or mailed by registered mail or statutory overnight delivery within four days after signing such surrender; and such surrender document shall not be valid unless it so states. The four-day revocation period shall be counted consecutively beginning with the day immediately following the date the surrender of rights is executed; provided, however, that, if the fourth day falls on a Saturday, Sunday, or legal holiday, then the last day on which such surrender may be revoked shall be the next day that is not a Saturday, Sunday, or legal holiday. After the four-day period, a surrender of rights cannot be revoked. Notwithstanding subsection (a) of Code Section 9-10-12 which authorizes the use of certified mail, the notice of revocation of a surrender of rights shall be delivered in person or mailed by registered mail or statutory overnight delivery to the address designated in the surrender document. If delivered in person, it shall be delivered to the address shown in the surrender document not later than 5:00 P.M. eastern standard time or eastern daylight time, whichever is applicable, on the fourth day. If mailed by registered mail or delivered by statutory overnight delivery, it shall be addressed to the address shown in the surrender document and submitted to the United States Postal Service or to the statutory overnight delivery carrier not later than 12:00 Midnight eastern standard time or eastern daylight time, whichever is applicable, on the fourth day.

(b) If a legal mother has either voluntarily and in writing surrendered all of her parental rights pursuant to Code Section 19-8-4 , 19-8-5 , 19-8-6 , or 19-8-7 or pursuant to the corresponding provisions of the laws of another state, and has not revoked her surrender as allowed by applicable law, or has had her parental rights involuntarily terminated by a court of competent jurisdiction, she shall have no right or authority to sign a voluntary acknowledgment of paternity pursuant to Code Section 19-7-46.1 or consent to the granting of a petition for legitimation filed pursuant to Code Section 19-7-22 regarding the same child.

(b) If a legal mother has either voluntarily and in writing surrendered all of her parental rights pursuant to Code Section 19-8-4 , 19-8-5 , 19-8-6 , or 19-8-7 or pursuant to the corresponding provisions of the laws of another state, and has not revoked her surrender as allowed by applicable law, or has had her parental rights involuntarily terminated by a court of competent jurisdiction, she shall have no right or authority to sign a voluntary acknowledgment of paternity pursuant to Code Section 19-7-46.1 or consent to the granting of a petition for legitimation filed pursuant to Code Section 19-7-22 regarding the same child.
O.C.G.A. § 19-11-182 — GA Code / Title 19 / Chapter 11 / Section 19-11-182
Georgia Code Title 19. Domestic Relations § 19-11-182
Status: in_force

The Department of Human Services is recognized as the agency designated by the United States central authority to perform specific functions under the convention.
O.C.G.A. § 19-9-63 — GA Code / Title 19 / Chapter 9 / Section 19-9-63
Georgia Code Title 19. Domestic Relations § 19-9-63
Status: in_force

Except as otherwise provided in Code Section 19-9-64 , a court of this state may not modify a child custody determination made by a court of another state unless a court of this state has jurisdiction to make an initial determination under paragraph (1) or (2) of subsection (a) of Code Section 19-9-61 and:

(1) The court of the other state determines it no longer has exclusive, continuing jurisdiction under Code Section 19-9-62 or that a court of this state would be a more convenient forum under Code Section 19-9-67 ; or

(1) The court of the other state determines it no longer has exclusive, continuing jurisdiction under Code Section 19-9-62 or that a court of this state would be a more convenient forum under Code Section 19-9-67 ; or

(2) A court of this state or a court of the other state determines that neither the child nor the child's parents or any person acting as a parent presently resides in the other state.

(2) A court of this state or a court of the other state determines that neither the child nor the child's parents or any person acting as a parent presently resides in the other state.
O.C.G.A. § 19-11-186 — GA Code / Title 19 / Chapter 11 / Section 19-11-186
Georgia Code Title 19. Domestic Relations § 19-11-186
Status: in_force

(a) Before making a demand that the governor of another state surrender an individual charged criminally in this state with having failed to provide for the support of an obligee, the Governor of this state may require a prosecutor of this state to demonstrate that at least 90 days previously the obligee had initiated proceedings for support pursuant to this article or that the proceeding would be of no avail.

(a) Before making a demand that the governor of another state surrender an individual charged criminally in this state with having failed to provide for the support of an obligee, the Governor of this state may require a prosecutor of this state to demonstrate that at least 90 days previously the obligee had initiated proceedings for support pursuant to this article or that the proceeding would be of no avail.

(b) If, under this article or a law substantially similar to this article, the governor of another state makes a demand that the Governor of this state surrender an individual charged criminally in that state with having failed to provide for the support of a child or other individual to whom a duty of support is owed, the Governor of this state may require a prosecutor to investigate the demand and report whether a proceeding for support has been initiated or would be effective. If it appears that a proceeding would be effective but has not been initiated, the Governor of this state may delay honoring the demand for a reasonable time to permit the initiation of a proceeding.

(b) If, under this article or a law substantially similar to this article, the governor of another state makes a demand that the Governor of this state surrender an individual charged criminally in that state with having failed to provide for the support of a child or other individual to whom a duty of support is owed, the Governor of this state may require a prosecutor to investigate the demand and report whether a proceeding for support has been initiated or would be effective. If it appears that a proceeding would be effective but has not been initiated, the Governor of this state may delay honoring the demand for a reasonable time to permit the initiation of a proceeding.

(c) If a proceeding for support has been initiated and the individual whose rendition is demanded prevails, the Governor of this state may decline to honor the demand. If the petitioner prevails and the individual whose rendition is demanded is subject to a support order, the Governor of this state may decline to honor the demand if the individual is complying with the support order.

(c) If a proceeding for support has been initiated and the individual whose rendition is demanded prevails, the Governor of this state may decline to honor the demand. If the petitioner prevails and the individual whose rendition is demanded is subject to a support order, the Governor of this state may decline to honor the demand if the individual is complying with the support order.
O.C.G.A. § 19-3-46 — GA Code / Title 19 / Chapter 3 / Section 19-3-46
Georgia Code Title 19. Domestic Relations § 19-3-46
Status: in_force

The Governor or any former Governor of this state, any judge, city recorder, magistrate, minister, or other person authorized to perform the marriage ceremony who joins in marriage any couple without a license or the publication of banns shall forfeit the sum of $500.00, to be recovered and appropriated as set forth in Code Section 19-3-45 .
O.C.G.A. § 19-3-2 — GA Code / Title 19 / Chapter 3 / Section 19-3-2
Georgia Code Title 19. Domestic Relations § 19-3-2
Status: in_force

(a) To be able to contract marriage, a person must: (1) Be of sound mind; (2) Except as provided in subsection (b) of this Code section, be at least 18 years of age; (3) Have no living spouse of a previous undissolved marriage. The dissolution of a previous marriage in divorce proceedings must be affirmatively established and will not be presumed. Nothing in this paragraph shall be construed to affect the legitimacy of children; and (4) Not be related to the prospective spouse by blood or marriage within the prohibited degrees.

(a) To be able to contract marriage, a person must:

(1) Be of sound mind;

(1) Be of sound mind;

(2) Except as provided in subsection (b) of this Code section, be at least 18 years of age;

(2) Except as provided in subsection (b) of this Code section, be at least 18 years of age;

(3) Have no living spouse of a previous undissolved marriage. The dissolution of a previous marriage in divorce proceedings must be affirmatively established and will not be presumed. Nothing in this paragraph shall be construed to affect the legitimacy of children; and

(3) Have no living spouse of a previous undissolved marriage. The dissolution of a previous marriage in divorce proceedings must be affirmatively established and will not be presumed. Nothing in this paragraph shall be construed to affect the legitimacy of children; and

(4) Not be related to the prospective spouse by blood or marriage within the prohibited degrees.

(4) Not be related to the prospective spouse by blood or marriage within the prohibited degrees.

(b) If either applicant for marriage is 17 years of age, documentary proof that such applicant was emancipated by operation of law or pursuant to a petition filed with the court as provided in Article 10 of Chapter 11 of Title 15 shall be required before a license may be issued pursuant to Article 2 of this chapter; provided, in addition, that: (1) If the emancipation was pursuant to a petition filed with the court, a certified copy of the order providing for the emancipation shall be provided as documentary proof; (2) At least 15 days shall have passed since such emancipation shall have occurred by operation of law or pursuant to a petition filed with the court; (3) The older party to the marriage contract shall not be more than four years older than the younger party to the marriage contract; and (4) Each party to the marriage contract who is 17 years of age shall present a certificate of completion of premarital education as provided under Code Section 19-3-30.1 .

(b) If either applicant for marriage is 17 years of age, documentary proof that such applicant was emancipated by operation of law or pursuant to a petition filed with the court as provided in Article 10 of Chapter 11 of Title 15 shall be required before a license may be issued pursuant to Article 2 of this chapter; provided, in addition, that:

(1) If the emancipation was pursuant to a petition filed with the court, a certified copy of the order providing for the emancipation shall be provided as documentary proof;

(1) If the emancipation was pursuant to a petition filed with the court, a certified copy of the order providing for the emancipation shall be provided as documentary proof;

(2) At least 15 days shall have passed since such emancipation shall have occurred by operation of law or pursuant to a petition filed with the court;

(2) At least 15 days shall have passed since such emancipation shall have occurred by operation of law or pursuant to a petition filed with the court;

(3) The older party to the marriage contract shall not be more than four years older than the younger party to the marriage contract; and

(3) The older party to the marriage contract shall not be more than four years older than the younger party to the marriage contract; and

(4) Each party to the marriage contract who is 17 years of age shall present a certificate of completion of premarital education as provided under Code Section 19-3-30.1 .

(4) Each party to the marriage contract who is 17 years of age shall present a certificate of completion of premarital education as provided under Code Section 19-3-30.1 .

(c) No license provided for under Article 2 of this chapter shall be issued for the marriage of any party who is under 17 years of age.

(c) No license provided for under Article 2 of this chapter shall be issued for the marriage of any party who is under 17 years of age.
O.C.G.A. § 19-3-8 — GA Code / Title 19 / Chapter 3 / Section 19-3-8
Georgia Code Title 19. Domestic Relations § 19-3-8
Status: in_force

Interspousal tort immunity, as it existed immediately prior to July 1, 1983, shall continue to exist on and after July 1, 1983.
O.C.G.A. § 19-10a-4 — GA Code / Title 19 / Chapter 10A / Section 19-10a-4
Georgia Code Title 19. Domestic Relations § 19-10A-4
Status: in_force

A mother shall not be prosecuted for violating Code Section 16-5-70 , 16-12-1 , or 19-10-1 because of the act of leaving her newborn child in the physical custody of an employee, agent, or member of the staff of a medical facility, fire station, or police station who is on duty, whether there in a paid or volunteer position, provided that the newborn child is no more than 30 days old and the mother shows proof of her identity, if willing, to the person with whom the newborn is left and provides her name and address, if willing.
O.C.G.A. § 19-11-75 — GA Code / Title 19 / Chapter 11 / Section 19-11-75
Georgia Code Title 19. Domestic Relations § 19-11-75
Status: in_force

Any respondent in an action brought under this article shall have the right of appeal as in civil actions. Any order for support made by the court shall not be affected by an appeal but shall continue in effect until the appeal is decided and thereafter, if the appeal is denied, until changed by further order of the court.
O.C.G.A. § 19-6-28 — GA Code / Title 19 / Chapter 6 / Section 19-6-28
Georgia Code Title 19. Domestic Relations § 19-6-28
Status: in_force

(a) In addition to other powers specified in this chapter, the court shall have the power to subject the respondent to such terms and conditions as the court may deem proper to assure compliance with its orders and, in particular, shall have the power to punish the respondent who violates any order of the court to the same extent as is provided by law for contempt of the court in any other action or proceeding cognizable by the court. Any proceeding for compliance pursuant to this authority shall be a part of the underlying action, and a motion for such enforcement shall not constitute the filing of a new action or require the payment of a new filing fee.

(a) In addition to other powers specified in this chapter, the court shall have the power to subject the respondent to such terms and conditions as the court may deem proper to assure compliance with its orders and, in particular, shall have the power to punish the respondent who violates any order of the court to the same extent as is provided by law for contempt of the court in any other action or proceeding cognizable by the court. Any proceeding for compliance pursuant to this authority shall be a part of the underlying action, and a motion for such enforcement shall not constitute the filing of a new action or require the payment of a new filing fee.

(b) In any proceeding to enforce a temporary or permanent grant of alimony or child support by attachment for contempt, the petitioner may serve the motion and rule nisi by mailing a copy of the motion and rule nisi by first-class mail, postage prepaid, to the respondent at the respondent's last known address together with two copies of a notice and acknowledgment conforming substantially to the form specified in subsection (c) of this Code section and a return envelope, postage prepaid, addressed to the sender. If service is perfected by acknowledgment of service in this manner, the petitioner shall file with the court the acknowledgment of the respondent; and such filing shall constitute a return of service. If no acknowledgment of service under this subsection is received by the petitioner within ten days after the date of such mailing, the petitioner shall notify the clerk of court and deposit the costs of service and service of such summons shall be made as provided in Code Section 9-11-4 . The costs of such service shall be charged by the clerk of court to the respondent unless the respondent after motion and hearing establishes to the court that there is good reason why such person should not be so charged. A child support contempt motion shall be served upon a respondent with a notice that contains a date certain for hearing which shall be no later than 30 days from the date of service of the motion, unless good cause for a later date is found by the court, in which event the time for a hearing may be extended for up to 30 days.

(b) In any proceeding to enforce a temporary or permanent grant of alimony or child support by attachment for contempt, the petitioner may serve the motion and rule nisi by mailing a copy of the motion and rule nisi by first-class mail, postage prepaid, to the respondent at the respondent's last known address together with two copies of a notice and acknowledgment conforming substantially to the form specified in subsection (c) of this Code section and a return envelope, postage prepaid, addressed to the sender. If service is perfected by acknowledgment of service in this manner, the petitioner shall file with the court the acknowledgment of the respondent; and such filing shall constitute a return of service. If no acknowledgment of service under this subsection is received by the petitioner within ten days after the date of such mailing, the petitioner shall notify the clerk of court and deposit the costs of service and service of such summons shall be made as provided in Code Section 9-11-4 . The costs of such service shall be charged by the clerk of court to the respondent unless the respondent after motion and hearing establishes to the court that there is good reason why such person should not be so charged. A child support contempt motion shall be served upon a respondent with a notice that contains a date certain for hearing which shall be no later than 30 days from the date of service of the motion, unless good cause for a later date is found by the court, in which event the time for a hearing may be extended for up to 30 days.

(c) The form for notice and acknowledgment under subsection (b) of this Code section shall be substantially as follows: IN THE SUPERIOR COURT OF _____ COUNTY STATE OF GEORGIA _______________ ) Plaintiff ) ) v. ) Civil action ) File no. _____ ) _______________ ) Defendant ) RULE NISI NOTICE AND ACKNOWLEDGMENT To: (insert the name and address of the person to be served) The enclosed motion and rule nisi are served pursuant to Official Code of Georgia Annotated Section 19-6-28. You must complete the acknowledgment part of this form and mail one copy of the completed form to the sender within ten days of the date of mailing to you, which date is set out below. You must sign and date the acknowledgment. If you are served on behalf of another person and you are authorized to receive process, you must indicate under your signature your authority. If you do not complete and return this form to the sender within ten days, you or the party on whose behalf you are being served will be required to pay any expenses incurred in serving a summons and complaint in any other manner permitted by law unless good and sufficient cause is shown to the contrary. If you do complete and mail this form, you or the party on whose behalf you are being served must appear and show cause why you should not be attached for contempt at the time required by the enclosed rule nisi. I declare, under penalty of perjury, that this Notice and Acknowledgment of Receipt will have been mailed on the date set out below. ________________________________________________ Signature ________________________________________________ Date of mailing ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF RECEIPT OF SUMMONS AND COMPLAINT I declare, under penalty of perjury, that I received a copy of the motion and of the rule nisi in the above-captioned manner at (insert address). ________________________________________________ Signature ________________________________________________ Printed name of signer ________________________________________________ Authority to receive service of process ________________________________________________ Date of mailing

(c) The form for notice and acknowledgment under subsection (b) of this Code section shall be substantially as follows:

IN THE SUPERIOR COURT OF _____ COUNTY

STATE OF GEORGIA

_______________

)

Plaintiff

)

)

v.

)

Civil action

)

File no. _____

)

_______________

)

Defendant

)

RULE NISI NOTICE AND ACKNOWLEDGMENT

To: (insert the name and address of the person to be served)

The enclosed motion and rule nisi are served pursuant to Official Code of Georgia Annotated Section 19-6-28.

You must complete the acknowledgment part of this form and mail one copy of the completed form to the sender within ten days of the date of mailing to you, which date is set out below.

You must sign and date the acknowledgment. If you are served on behalf of another person and you are authorized to receive process, you must indicate under your signature your authority.

If you do not complete and return this form to the sender within ten days, you or the party on whose behalf you are being served will be required to pay any expenses incurred in serving a summons and complaint in any other manner permitted by law unless good and sufficient cause is shown to the contrary.

If you do complete and mail this form, you or the party on whose behalf you are being served must appear and show cause why you should not be attached for contempt at the time required by the enclosed rule nisi.

I declare, under penalty of perjury, that this Notice and Acknowledgment of Receipt will have been mailed on the date set out below.

________________________________________________

Signature

________________________________________________

Date of mailing

ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF RECEIPT OF SUMMONS AND COMPLAINT

I declare, under penalty of perjury, that I received a copy of the motion and of the rule nisi in the above-captioned manner at (insert address).

________________________________________________

Signature

________________________________________________

Printed name of signer

________________________________________________

Authority to receive

service of process

________________________________________________

Date of mailing

(d) Service in accordance with subsections (b) and (c) of this Code section is in addition to any other method of service provided by law.

(d) Service in accordance with subsections (b) and (c) of this Code section is in addition to any other method of service provided by law.
O.C.G.A. § 19-13-1 — GA Code / Title 19 / Chapter 13 / Section 19-13-1
Georgia Code Title 19. Domestic Relations § 19-13-1
Status: in_force

As used in this article, the term “family violence” means the occurrence of one or more of the following acts 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:

(1) Any felony; or

(1) Any felony; or

(2) Commission of offenses of battery, simple battery, simple assault, assault, stalking, criminal damage to property, unlawful restraint, or criminal trespass.

(2) Commission of offenses of battery, simple battery, simple assault, assault, stalking, criminal damage to property, unlawful restraint, or criminal trespass.

The term “family violence” shall not be deemed to include reasonable discipline administered by a parent to a child in the form of corporal punishment, restraint, or detention.
O.C.G.A. § 19-8-43 — GA Code / Title 19 / Chapter 8 / Section 19-8-43
Georgia Code Title 19. Domestic Relations § 19-8-43
Status: in_force

Upon a filing of a petition for adoption or parentage and the court finding that such petition meets the criteria required by this article, an expedited order of adoption or parentage shall be issued and shall be a final order. Such order shall terminate any future parental rights and responsibilities of any past or present legal embryo custodian or gamete donor in a child which results from the embryo transfer and shall vest such rights and responsibilities in the recipient intended parent.
O.C.G.A. § 19-13-50 — GA Code / Title 19 / Chapter 13 / Section 19-13-50
Georgia Code Title 19. Domestic Relations § 19-13-50
Status: in_force

This article shall be known and may be cited as the “Protective Order Registry Act.”
O.C.G.A. § 19-8-42 — GA Code / Title 19 / Chapter 8 / Section 19-8-42
Georgia Code Title 19. Domestic Relations § 19-8-42
Status: in_force

(a) Prior to the birth of a child or following the birth of a child, a recipient intended parent may petition the superior court for an expedited order of adoption or parentage. In such cases, the written contract between each legal embryo custodian and each recipient intended parent shall be acceptable in lieu of a surrender of rights.

(a) Prior to the birth of a child or following the birth of a child, a recipient intended parent may petition the superior court for an expedited order of adoption or parentage. In such cases, the written contract between each legal embryo custodian and each recipient intended parent shall be acceptable in lieu of a surrender of rights.

(b) All petitions under this article shall be filed in the county in which any petitioner or any respondent resides.

(b) All petitions under this article shall be filed in the county in which any petitioner or any respondent resides.

(c) The court shall give effect to any written waiver of notice and service in the legal proceeding for adoption or parentage.

(c) The court shall give effect to any written waiver of notice and service in the legal proceeding for adoption or parentage.

(d) In the interest of justice, to promote the stability of embryo transfers, and to promote the interests of children who may be born following such embryo transfers, the court in its discretion may waive such technical requirements as the court deems just and proper.

(d) In the interest of justice, to promote the stability of embryo transfers, and to promote the interests of children who may be born following such embryo transfers, the court in its discretion may waive such technical requirements as the court deems just and proper.
O.C.G.A. § 19-3-39 — GA Code / Title 19 / Chapter 3 / Section 19-3-39
Georgia Code Title 19. Domestic Relations § 19-3-39
Status: in_force

If the Governor or any former Governor of this state, any judge, city recorder, magistrate, minister, or other authorized person joins in marriage persons whose banns have been published, the person shall certify the fact to the judge of the probate court of the county where the banns were published, who shall record the same in the same book in which marriage licenses are recorded.
O.C.G.A. § 19-11-118 — GA Code / Title 19 / Chapter 11 / Section 19-11-118
Georgia Code Title 19. Domestic Relations § 19-11-118
Status: in_force

A tribunal of Georgia shall credit amounts collected for a particular period pursuant to any child support order against the amounts owed for the same period under any other child support order for support of the same child issued by a tribunal of Georgia or another state, or a foreign country.
O.C.G.A. § 19-3-65 — GA Code / Title 19 / Chapter 3 / Section 19-3-65
Georgia Code Title 19. Domestic Relations § 19-3-65
Status: in_force

Subject to Code Sections 15-9-127 , 23-1-4 , and 53-12-6 , the judge of the superior court of the county of a spouse's domicile may at any time, upon petition, exercise equitable powers in appointing, removing, or substituting trustees or in granting any order for the protection of the trust estate, exercising a wise discretion as to the terms on which the appointment shall be made or on which the order shall be granted.
O.C.G.A. § 19-3-41-1 — GA Code / Title 19 / Chapter 3 / Section 19-3-41-1
Georgia Code Title 19. Domestic Relations § 19-3-41.1
Status: in_force

(a) The Department of Public Health shall prepare a fact sheet for public availability and for distribution by premarital education providers. The Department of Public Health shall make such fact sheet available in electronic form, including, but not limited to, a version that can be legibly printed in a poster size of up to 24 by 36 inches.

(a) The Department of Public Health shall prepare a fact sheet for public availability and for distribution by premarital education providers. The Department of Public Health shall make such fact sheet available in electronic form, including, but not limited to, a version that can be legibly printed in a poster size of up to 24 by 36 inches.

(b) The fact sheet provided for in subsection (a) of this Code section shall: (1) Include basic information about the legal rights and responsibilities of parties to a marriage as well as information about dating violence, sexual assault, stalking, domestic violence, and human trafficking, including, but not limited to, the warning signs and behaviors of an abusive partner and the dynamics of domestic violence and other forms of coercive control. Such fact sheet shall also include basic information about the rights of victims of such violence and the resources available to them, including, but not limited to, website and telephone resources, legal assistance, confidential shelters, and civil protective orders; and (2) Be developed in partnership with the Georgia Commission on Family Violence and any other agencies in the discretion of the Department of Public Health that serve survivors of dating violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking.

(b) The fact sheet provided for in subsection (a) of this Code section shall:

(1) Include basic information about the legal rights and responsibilities of parties to a marriage as well as information about dating violence, sexual assault, stalking, domestic violence, and human trafficking, including, but not limited to, the warning signs and behaviors of an abusive partner and the dynamics of domestic violence and other forms of coercive control. Such fact sheet shall also include basic information about the rights of victims of such violence and the resources available to them, including, but not limited to, website and telephone resources, legal assistance, confidential shelters, and civil protective orders; and

(1) Include basic information about the legal rights and responsibilities of parties to a marriage as well as information about dating violence, sexual assault, stalking, domestic violence, and human trafficking, including, but not limited to, the warning signs and behaviors of an abusive partner and the dynamics of domestic violence and other forms of coercive control. Such fact sheet shall also include basic information about the rights of victims of such violence and the resources available to them, including, but not limited to, website and telephone resources, legal assistance, confidential shelters, and civil protective orders; and

(2) Be developed in partnership with the Georgia Commission on Family Violence and any other agencies in the discretion of the Department of Public Health that serve survivors of dating violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking.

(2) Be developed in partnership with the Georgia Commission on Family Violence and any other agencies in the discretion of the Department of Public Health that serve survivors of dating violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking.
O.C.G.A. § 19-9-4 — GA Code / Title 19 / Chapter 9 / Section 19-9-4
Georgia Code Title 19. Domestic Relations § 19-9-4
Status: in_force

(a) On motion of either party in any action or proceeding involving determination of the award of child custody between parents of the child, when such motion contains a specific recitation of actual abuse, neglect, or other overt acts which have adversely affected the health and welfare of the child, the judge may direct the appropriate family and children services agency or any other appropriate entity to investigate the home life and home environment of each of the parents. In any action or proceeding involving determination of the award of child custody between parents of the child when during such proceedings a specific recitation of actual abuse, neglect, or other overt acts which have adversely affected the health and welfare of the child has been made the judge shall also have authority on his or her own motion to order such an investigation if in the judge's opinion the investigation would be useful in determining placement or custody of the child. The judge may also direct either party to pay to the agency the reasonable cost, or any portion thereof, of the investigation. The report of the investigation will be made to the judge directing the investigation. Any report made at the direction of the judge shall be made available to either or both parties for a reasonable period of time prior to the proceedings at which any temporary or permanent custody is to be determined. Both parties shall have the right to confront and cross-examine the person or persons who conducted the investigation or compiled the report if adequate and legal notice is given.

(a) On motion of either party in any action or proceeding involving determination of the award of child custody between parents of the child, when such motion contains a specific recitation of actual abuse, neglect, or other overt acts which have adversely affected the health and welfare of the child, the judge may direct the appropriate family and children services agency or any other appropriate entity to investigate the home life and home environment of each of the parents. In any action or proceeding involving determination of the award of child custody between parents of the child when during such proceedings a specific recitation of actual abuse, neglect, or other overt acts which have adversely affected the health and welfare of the child has been made the judge shall also have authority on his or her own motion to order such an investigation if in the judge's opinion the investigation would be useful in determining placement or custody of the child. The judge may also direct either party to pay to the agency the reasonable cost, or any portion thereof, of the investigation. The report of the investigation will be made to the judge directing the investigation. Any report made at the direction of the judge shall be made available to either or both parties for a reasonable period of time prior to the proceedings at which any temporary or permanent custody is to be determined. Both parties shall have the right to confront and cross-examine the person or persons who conducted the investigation or compiled the report if adequate and legal notice is given.

(b) This Code section shall apply only with respect to actions or proceedings in which the issue of child custody is contested; and this Code section is not intended to alter or repeal Code Sections 49-5-40 through 49-5-44 .

(b) This Code section shall apply only with respect to actions or proceedings in which the issue of child custody is contested; and this Code section is not intended to alter or repeal Code Sections 49-5-40 through 49-5-44 .
O.C.G.A. § 19-6-5 — GA Code / Title 19 / Chapter 6 / Section 19-6-5
Georgia Code Title 19. Domestic Relations § 19-6-5
Status: in_force

(a) The finder of fact may grant permanent alimony to either party, either from the corpus of the estate or otherwise. The following shall be considered in determining the amount of alimony, if any, to be awarded: (1) The standard of living established during the marriage; (2) The duration of the marriage; (3) The age and the physical and emotional condition of both parties; (4) The financial resources of each party; (5) Where applicable, the time necessary for either party to acquire sufficient education or training to enable him to find appropriate employment; (6) The contribution of each party to the marriage, including, but not limited to, services rendered in homemaking, child care, education, and career building of the other party; (7) The condition of the parties, including the separate estate, earning capacity, and fixed liabilities of the parties; and (8) Such other relevant factors as the court deems equitable and proper.

(a) The finder of fact may grant permanent alimony to either party, either from the corpus of the estate or otherwise. The following shall be considered in determining the amount of alimony, if any, to be awarded:

(1) The standard of living established during the marriage;

(1) The standard of living established during the marriage;

(2) The duration of the marriage;

(2) The duration of the marriage;

(3) The age and the physical and emotional condition of both parties;

(3) The age and the physical and emotional condition of both parties;

(4) The financial resources of each party;

(4) The financial resources of each party;

(5) Where applicable, the time necessary for either party to acquire sufficient education or training to enable him to find appropriate employment;

(5) Where applicable, the time necessary for either party to acquire sufficient education or training to enable him to find appropriate employment;

(6) The contribution of each party to the marriage, including, but not limited to, services rendered in homemaking, child care, education, and career building of the other party;

(6) The contribution of each party to the marriage, including, but not limited to, services rendered in homemaking, child care, education, and career building of the other party;

(7) The condition of the parties, including the separate estate, earning capacity, and fixed liabilities of the parties; and

(7) The condition of the parties, including the separate estate, earning capacity, and fixed liabilities of the parties; and

(8) Such other relevant factors as the court deems equitable and proper.

(8) Such other relevant factors as the court deems equitable and proper.

(b) All obligations for permanent alimony, however created, the time for performance of which has not arrived, shall terminate upon remarriage of the party to whom the obligations are owed unless otherwise provided.

(b) All obligations for permanent alimony, however created, the time for performance of which has not arrived, shall terminate upon remarriage of the party to whom the obligations are owed unless otherwise provided.
O.C.G.A. § 19-3-43 — GA Code / Title 19 / Chapter 3 / Section 19-3-43
Georgia Code Title 19. Domestic Relations § 19-3-43
Status: in_force

(a) All marriages solemnized in another state by parties intending at the time to reside in this state shall have the same legal consequences and effect as if solemnized in this state. Parties residing in this state may not evade any of the laws of this state as to marriage, including, but not limited to, the age limitations provided for in Code Section 19-3-2 , by going into another state for the solemnization of the marriage ceremony.

(a) All marriages solemnized in another state by parties intending at the time to reside in this state shall have the same legal consequences and effect as if solemnized in this state. Parties residing in this state may not evade any of the laws of this state as to marriage, including, but not limited to, the age limitations provided for in Code Section 19-3-2 , by going into another state for the solemnization of the marriage ceremony.

(b) Notwithstanding subsection (a) of this Code section, the age limitations provided for in Code Section 19-3-2 shall not apply to a lawful marriage solemnized in another state or country prior to either party residing in this state.

(b) Notwithstanding subsection (a) of this Code section, the age limitations provided for in Code Section 19-3-2 shall not apply to a lawful marriage solemnized in another state or country prior to either party residing in this state.
O.C.G.A. § 19-5-14 — GA Code / Title 19 / Chapter 5 / Section 19-5-14
Georgia Code Title 19. Domestic Relations § 19-5-14
Status: in_force

New trials may be granted in actions for divorce as in other cases.
O.C.G.A. § 19-3-33-1 — GA Code / Title 19 / Chapter 3 / Section 19-3-33-1
Georgia Code Title 19. Domestic Relations § 19-3-33.1
Status: in_force

(a) The form for application for marriage licenses shall be designed and printed in such a manner that applicants therefor shall designate the surnames which will be used as their legal surnames after the marriage is consummated. The legal surnames shall be designated as provided in subsection (b) of this Code section.

(a) The form for application for marriage licenses shall be designed and printed in such a manner that applicants therefor shall designate the surnames which will be used as their legal surnames after the marriage is consummated. The legal surnames shall be designated as provided in subsection (b) of this Code section.

(b) A spouse may use as a legal surname his or her: (1) Given surname or, in the event the given surname has been changed as provided in Chapter 12 of this title, the surname so changed; (2) Surname from a previous marriage; (3) Spouse's surname; or (4) Surname as provided in paragraph (1) or (2) of this subsection in conjunction with the surname of the other spouse.

(b) A spouse may use as a legal surname his or her:

(1) Given surname or, in the event the given surname has been changed as provided in Chapter 12 of this title, the surname so changed;

(1) Given surname or, in the event the given surname has been changed as provided in Chapter 12 of this title, the surname so changed;

(2) Surname from a previous marriage;

(2) Surname from a previous marriage;

(3) Spouse's surname; or

(3) Spouse's surname; or

(4) Surname as provided in paragraph (1) or (2) of this subsection in conjunction with the surname of the other spouse.

(4) Surname as provided in paragraph (1) or (2) of this subsection in conjunction with the surname of the other spouse.
O.C.G.A. § 19-13a-5 — GA Code / Title 19 / Chapter 13A / Section 19-13a-5
Georgia Code Title 19. Domestic Relations § 19-13A-5
Status: in_force

The remedies provided by this chapter are not exclusive but are additional to any other remedies provided by law.
O.C.G.A. § 19-9-2 — GA Code / Title 19 / Chapter 9 / Section 19-9-2
Georgia Code Title 19. Domestic Relations § 19-9-2
Status: in_force

Upon the death of either parent, the survivor is entitled to custody of the child; provided, however, that the judge, upon petition:

(1) May exercise discretion as to the custody of the child, looking solely to the child's best interest and welfare; and

(1) May exercise discretion as to the custody of the child, looking solely to the child's best interest and welfare; and

(2) In the case of a surviving parent being criminally indicted for the offense of murder or voluntary manslaughter of the other parent, can proceed in the court's discretion.

(2) In the case of a surviving parent being criminally indicted for the offense of murder or voluntary manslaughter of the other parent, can proceed in the court's discretion.
O.C.G.A. § 19-9-127 — GA Code / Title 19 / Chapter 9 / Section 19-9-127
Georgia Code Title 19. Domestic Relations § 19-9-127
Status: in_force

Nothing in this article shall preclude a parent or agent from granting temporary written permission to seek emergency medical treatment or other services for a child while such child is in the custody of an adult who is not the parent or agent and who is temporarily supervising the child at the request of such parent or agent.
O.C.G.A. § 19-13-2 — GA Code / Title 19 / Chapter 13 / Section 19-13-2
Georgia Code Title 19. Domestic Relations § 19-13-2
Status: in_force

(a) Except for proceedings involving a nonresident respondent, the superior court of the county where the respondent resides shall have jurisdiction over all proceedings under this article.

(a) Except for proceedings involving a nonresident respondent, the superior court of the county where the respondent resides shall have jurisdiction over all proceedings under this article.

(b) For proceedings under this article involving a nonresident respondent, the superior court where the petitioner resides or the superior court where an act involving family violence allegedly occurred shall have jurisdiction, where the act involving family violence meets the elements for personal jurisdiction provided for under paragraph (2) or (3) of Code Section 9-10-91 .

(b) For proceedings under this article involving a nonresident respondent, the superior court where the petitioner resides or the superior court where an act involving family violence allegedly occurred shall have jurisdiction, where the act involving family violence meets the elements for personal jurisdiction provided for under paragraph (2) or (3) of Code Section 9-10-91 .
O.C.G.A. § 19-4-2 — GA Code / Title 19 / Chapter 4 / Section 19-4-2
Georgia Code Title 19. Domestic Relations § 19-4-2
Status: in_force

Parties who enter into a marriage which is declared void by law shall have the right to file:

(1) A petition for annulment; or

(1) A petition for annulment; or

(2) A petition for divorce, if grounds for divorce exist.

(2) A petition for divorce, if grounds for divorce exist.
O.C.G.A. § 19-11-30-4 — GA Code / Title 19 / Chapter 11 / Section 19-11-30-4
Georgia Code Title 19. Domestic Relations § 19-11-30.4
Status: in_force

No employee or agent of the state shall divulge any information collected pursuant to Code Sections 19-11-30.1 through 19-11-30.3 or Code Section 19-11-30.6 to any public or private agency or individual except in the manner prescribed in this Code section. Information may be disclosed and shared by and between any employee of an administering agency and any subgrantee, local administering agency, or contractor performing child support enforcement functions under the provisions of Title IV-D of the federal Social Security Act. 1 Unauthorized disclosure shall be punished pursuant to Code Section 19-11-30 .

1 42 U.S.C.A. § 651 et seq.
O.C.G.A. § 19-5-10 — GA Code / Title 19 / Chapter 5 / Section 19-5-10
Georgia Code Title 19. Domestic Relations § 19-5-10
Status: in_force

(a) In divorce cases which are not defended by the responding party, the judge shall determine that the asserted grounds for divorce are legal and sustained by proof or shall appoint an attorney of the court to discharge that duty for him. An evidentiary hearing for the determination of the existence of the grounds for divorce and for the determination of issues of alimony, child support, and child custody and other issues is authorized but not required. If no evidentiary hearing is held, the determination of such matters may be made upon the verified pleadings of either party, one or more affidavits, or such other basis or procedure as the court may deem proper in its discretion.

(a) In divorce cases which are not defended by the responding party, the judge shall determine that the asserted grounds for divorce are legal and sustained by proof or shall appoint an attorney of the court to discharge that duty for him. An evidentiary hearing for the determination of the existence of the grounds for divorce and for the determination of issues of alimony, child support, and child custody and other issues is authorized but not required. If no evidentiary hearing is held, the determination of such matters may be made upon the verified pleadings of either party, one or more affidavits, or such other basis or procedure as the court may deem proper in its discretion.

(b) The provisions of subsection (a) of this Code section shall apply to proceedings pending on July 1, 1987, as well as to proceedings filed on or after that date.

(b) The provisions of subsection (a) of this Code section shall apply to proceedings pending on July 1, 1987, as well as to proceedings filed on or after that date.

(c) Any motion to set aside or other proceeding to attack a judgment which attacks a judgment entered in a divorce case prior to July 1, 1987, and which is based upon an alleged failure to properly establish evidence supporting the judgment must be commenced prior to July 1, 1988, or thereafter be totally barred. The bar established by this subsection is in addition to and not in lieu of any other statute or rule of law which would operate as a bar to such a motion or other proceeding; and this subsection shall not operate to revive any otherwise barred right to prosecute any such motion or other proceeding.

(c) Any motion to set aside or other proceeding to attack a judgment which attacks a judgment entered in a divorce case prior to July 1, 1987, and which is based upon an alleged failure to properly establish evidence supporting the judgment must be commenced prior to July 1, 1988, or thereafter be totally barred. The bar established by this subsection is in addition to and not in lieu of any other statute or rule of law which would operate as a bar to such a motion or other proceeding; and this subsection shall not operate to revive any otherwise barred right to prosecute any such motion or other proceeding.
O.C.G.A. § 19-7-49 — GA Code / Title 19 / Chapter 7 / Section 19-7-49
Georgia Code Title 19. Domestic Relations § 19-7-49
Status: in_force

(a) On a finding that the alleged father is the father of the child, the court shall issue an order designating the alleged father as the father of the child. The sole effect of the order shall be to establish the duty of the father to support the child.

(a) On a finding that the alleged father is the father of the child, the court shall issue an order designating the alleged father as the father of the child. The sole effect of the order shall be to establish the duty of the father to support the child.

(b) On a finding that the alleged father is not the father of the child, the court shall issue an order declaring this finding.

(b) On a finding that the alleged father is not the father of the child, the court shall issue an order declaring this finding.

(c) The trier of fact shall receive without foundation or the need for third-party testimony evidence of costs of pregnancy, child birth, and genetic testing. The evidence so presented shall constitute prima-facie evidence of amounts incurred for such services or for testing on behalf of the child. The court may award such costs as part of its final decree.

(c) The trier of fact shall receive without foundation or the need for third-party testimony evidence of costs of pregnancy, child birth, and genetic testing. The evidence so presented shall constitute prima-facie evidence of amounts incurred for such services or for testing on behalf of the child. The court may award such costs as part of its final decree.
O.C.G.A. § 19-8-19 — GA Code / Title 19 / Chapter 8 / Section 19-8-19
Georgia Code Title 19. Domestic Relations § 19-8-19
Status: in_force

(a) A decree of adoption, whether issued by a court of this state or by a court of any other jurisdiction, shall have the following effect as to matters within the jurisdiction of or before a court in this state: (1) Except with respect to a spouse of the petitioner and relatives of the spouse, a decree of adoption shall terminate all legal relationships between the adopted individual and his or her relatives, including his or her parent, so that the adopted individual thereafter shall be a stranger to his or her former relatives for all purposes, including inheritance and the interpretation or construction of documents, statutes, and instruments, whether executed before or after the adoption is decreed, which do not expressly include the individual by name or by some designation not based on a parent and child or blood relationship; and (2) A decree of adoption shall create the relationship of parent and child between each petitioner and the adopted individual, as if the adopted individual were a child of biological issue of that petitioner. The adopted individual shall enjoy every right and privilege of a biological child of that petitioner; shall be deemed a biological child of that petitioner, to inherit under the laws of descent and distribution in the absence of a will, and to take under any instrument of testamentary gift, bequest, devise, or legacy, whether executed before or after the adoption is decreed, unless expressly excluded therefrom; shall take by inheritance from relatives of that petitioner; and shall also take as a child of that petitioner under a class gift made by the will of a third person.

(a) A decree of adoption, whether issued by a court of this state or by a court of any other jurisdiction, shall have the following effect as to matters within the jurisdiction of or before a court in this state:

(1) Except with respect to a spouse of the petitioner and relatives of the spouse, a decree of adoption shall terminate all legal relationships between the adopted individual and his or her relatives, including his or her parent, so that the adopted individual thereafter shall be a stranger to his or her former relatives for all purposes, including inheritance and the interpretation or construction of documents, statutes, and instruments, whether executed before or after the adoption is decreed, which do not expressly include the individual by name or by some designation not based on a parent and child or blood relationship; and

(1) Except with respect to a spouse of the petitioner and relatives of the spouse, a decree of adoption shall terminate all legal relationships between the adopted individual and his or her relatives, including his or her parent, so that the adopted individual thereafter shall be a stranger to his or her former relatives for all purposes, including inheritance and the interpretation or construction of documents, statutes, and instruments, whether executed before or after the adoption is decreed, which do not expressly include the individual by name or by some designation not based on a parent and child or blood relationship; and

(2) A decree of adoption shall create the relationship of parent and child between each petitioner and the adopted individual, as if the adopted individual were a child of biological issue of that petitioner. The adopted individual shall enjoy every right and privilege of a biological child of that petitioner; shall be deemed a biological child of that petitioner, to inherit under the laws of descent and distribution in the absence of a will, and to take under any instrument of testamentary gift, bequest, devise, or legacy, whether executed before or after the adoption is decreed, unless expressly excluded therefrom; shall take by inheritance from relatives of that petitioner; and shall also take as a child of that petitioner under a class gift made by the will of a third person.

(2) A decree of adoption shall create the relationship of parent and child between each petitioner and the adopted individual, as if the adopted individual were a child of biological issue of that petitioner. The adopted individual shall enjoy every right and privilege of a biological child of that petitioner; shall be deemed a biological child of that petitioner, to inherit under the laws of descent and distribution in the absence of a will, and to take under any instrument of testamentary gift, bequest, devise, or legacy, whether executed before or after the adoption is decreed, unless expressly excluded therefrom; shall take by inheritance from relatives of that petitioner; and shall also take as a child of that petitioner under a class gift made by the will of a third person.

(b) Notwithstanding subsection (a) of this Code section, if a parent of a child dies without the relationship of parent and child having been previously terminated by court order, the child's right of inheritance from or through the deceased parent shall not be affected by the adoption.

(b) Notwithstanding subsection (a) of this Code section, if a parent of a child dies without the relationship of parent and child having been previously terminated by court order, the child's right of inheritance from or through the deceased parent shall not be affected by the adoption.
O.C.G.A. § 19-11-111 — GA Code / Title 19 / Chapter 11 / Section 19-11-111
Georgia Code Title 19. Domestic Relations § 19-11-111
Status: in_force

Personal jurisdiction acquired by a tribunal of Georgia in a proceeding under this article or other law of Georgia relating to a support order continues so long as a tribunal of Georgia has continuing, exclusive jurisdiction to modify its order or continuing jurisdiction to enforce its order as provided by Code Sections 19-11-114 , 19-11-115 , and 19-11-119.1 .
O.C.G.A. § 19-11-120 — GA Code / Title 19 / Chapter 11 / Section 19-11-120
Georgia Code Title 19. Domestic Relations § 19-11-120
Status: in_force

(a) Except as otherwise provided in this article, this part applies to all proceedings under this article.

(a) Except as otherwise provided in this article, this part applies to all proceedings under this article.

(b) An individual petitioner or a support enforcement agency may initiate a proceeding authorized under this article by filing a petition in an initiating tribunal for forwarding to a responding tribunal or by filing a petition or a comparable pleading directly in a tribunal of another state or a foreign country which has or can obtain personal jurisdiction over the respondent.

(b) An individual petitioner or a support enforcement agency may initiate a proceeding authorized under this article by filing a petition in an initiating tribunal for forwarding to a responding tribunal or by filing a petition or a comparable pleading directly in a tribunal of another state or a foreign country which has or can obtain personal jurisdiction over the respondent.
O.C.G.A. § 19-13-20 — GA Code / Title 19 / Chapter 13 / Section 19-13-20
Georgia Code Title 19. Domestic Relations § 19-13-20
Status: in_force

As used in this article, the term:

(1) “ Council ” means the Criminal Justice Coordinating Council.

(1) “ Council ” means the Criminal Justice Coordinating Council.

(2) “ Family or household members ” means spouses, parents and children, or other persons related by consanguinity or affinity and occupying a common domicile.

(2) “ Family or household members ” means spouses, parents and children, or other persons related by consanguinity or affinity and occupying a common domicile.

(3) “ Family violence ” means the occurrence of one of the following acts between family or household members who reside together: (A) Attempting to cause or causing bodily injury or serious bodily injury with or without a deadly weapon; or (B) By physical menace, placing another in fear of imminent serious bodily injury.

(3) “ Family violence ” means the occurrence of one of the following acts between family or household members who reside together:

(A) Attempting to cause or causing bodily injury or serious bodily injury with or without a deadly weapon; or

(A) Attempting to cause or causing bodily injury or serious bodily injury with or without a deadly weapon; or

(B) By physical menace, placing another in fear of imminent serious bodily injury.

(B) By physical menace, placing another in fear of imminent serious bodily injury.

(4) “Family violence program” means any program whose primary stated purpose is to provide services to victims of family violence. A family violence program may be but is not required to be associated with a family violence shelter.

(4) “Family violence program” means any program whose primary stated purpose is to provide services to victims of family violence. A family violence program may be but is not required to be associated with a family violence shelter.

(5) “ Family violence shelter ” means a facility approved by the council for the purpose of receiving, on a temporary basis, persons who are subject to family violence. Family violence shelters are distinguished from shelters operated for detention or placement of children only, as provided in subsection (c) of Code Section 15-11-135 and subsection (a) of Code Section 15-11-504 .

(5) “ Family violence shelter ” means a facility approved by the council for the purpose of receiving, on a temporary basis, persons who are subject to family violence. Family violence shelters are distinguished from shelters operated for detention or placement of children only, as provided in subsection (c) of Code Section 15-11-135 and subsection (a) of Code Section 15-11-504 .
O.C.G.A. § 19-13-3 — GA Code / Title 19 / Chapter 13 / Section 19-13-3
Georgia Code Title 19. Domestic Relations § 19-13-3
Status: in_force

(a) A person who is not a minor may seek relief under this article by filing a petition with the superior court alleging one or more acts of family violence. A person who is not a minor may also seek relief on behalf of a minor by filing such a petition.

(a) A person who is not a minor may seek relief under this article by filing a petition with the superior court alleging one or more acts of family violence. A person who is not a minor may also seek relief on behalf of a minor by filing such a petition.

(b) Upon the filing of a verified petition in which the petitioner alleges with specific facts that probable cause exists to establish that family violence has occurred in the past and may occur in the future, the court may order such temporary relief ex parte as it deems necessary to protect the petitioner or a minor of the household from violence. If the court issues an ex parte order, a copy of the order shall be immediately furnished to the petitioner and such order shall remain in effect until the court issues an order dismissing such order or a hearing as set forth in subsection (c) of this Code section occurs, whichever occurs first.

(b) Upon the filing of a verified petition in which the petitioner alleges with specific facts that probable cause exists to establish that family violence has occurred in the past and may occur in the future, the court may order such temporary relief ex parte as it deems necessary to protect the petitioner or a minor of the household from violence. If the court issues an ex parte order, a copy of the order shall be immediately furnished to the petitioner and such order shall remain in effect until the court issues an order dismissing such order or a hearing as set forth in subsection (c) of this Code section occurs, whichever occurs first.

(c) Within ten days of the filing of the petition under this article or as soon as practical thereafter, but not later than 30 days after the filing of the petition, a hearing shall be held at which the petitioner must prove the allegations of the petition by a preponderance of the evidence as in other civil cases. In the event a hearing cannot be scheduled within the county where the case is pending within the 30 day period the same shall be scheduled and heard within any other county of that circuit. If a hearing is not held within 30 days of the filing of the petition, the petition shall stand dismissed unless the parties otherwise agree.

(c) Within ten days of the filing of the petition under this article or as soon as practical thereafter, but not later than 30 days after the filing of the petition, a hearing shall be held at which the petitioner must prove the allegations of the petition by a preponderance of the evidence as in other civil cases. In the event a hearing cannot be scheduled within the county where the case is pending within the 30 day period the same shall be scheduled and heard within any other county of that circuit. If a hearing is not held within 30 days of the filing of the petition, the petition shall stand dismissed unless the parties otherwise agree.

(d) Family violence shelter or social service agency staff members designated by the court may explain to all victims not represented by counsel the procedures for filling out and filing all forms and pleadings necessary for the presentation of their petition to the court. The clerk of the court may provide forms for petitions and pleadings to victims of family violence and to any other person designated by the superior court pursuant to this Code section as authorized to advise victims on filling out and filing such petitions and pleadings. The clerk shall not be required to provide assistance to persons in completing such forms or in presenting their case to the court. Any assistance provided pursuant to this Code section shall be performed without cost to the petitioners. The performance of such assistance shall not constitute the practice of law as defined in Code Section 15-19-51 .

(d) Family violence shelter or social service agency staff members designated by the court may explain to all victims not represented by counsel the procedures for filling out and filing all forms and pleadings necessary for the presentation of their petition to the court. The clerk of the court may provide forms for petitions and pleadings to victims of family violence and to any other person designated by the superior court pursuant to this Code section as authorized to advise victims on filling out and filing such petitions and pleadings. The clerk shall not be required to provide assistance to persons in completing such forms or in presenting their case to the court. Any assistance provided pursuant to this Code section shall be performed without cost to the petitioners. The performance of such assistance shall not constitute the practice of law as defined in Code Section 15-19-51 .

(e) If the court finds a party is avoiding service to delay a hearing, the court may delay dismissal of the petition for an additional 30 days.

(e) If the court finds a party is avoiding service to delay a hearing, the court may delay dismissal of the petition for an additional 30 days.
O.C.G.A. § 19-9-121 — GA Code / Title 19 / Chapter 9 / Section 19-9-121
Georgia Code Title 19. Domestic Relations § 19-9-121
Status: in_force

As used in this article, the term:

(1) “ Child ” means an unemancipated individual who is under 18 years of age.

(1) “ Child ” means an unemancipated individual who is under 18 years of age.

(2) “ Child-placing agency ” means an agency licensed as such pursuant to Chapter 5 of Title 49.

(2) “ Child-placing agency ” means an agency licensed as such pursuant to Chapter 5 of Title 49.

(3) “ Criminal background check ” means the results of an unrestricted search of the criminal records maintained by the Georgia Crime Information Center and the Federal Bureau of Investigation pursuant to Code Section 35-3-34 .

(3) “ Criminal background check ” means the results of an unrestricted search of the criminal records maintained by the Georgia Crime Information Center and the Federal Bureau of Investigation pursuant to Code Section 35-3-34 .

(4) “ Department ” means the Department of Human Services.

(4) “ Department ” means the Department of Human Services.

(5) “ Nonprofit entity or faith based organization ” means a business that provides child or family services and that is in good standing with the Internal Revenue Service, if applicable.

(5) “ Nonprofit entity or faith based organization ” means a business that provides child or family services and that is in good standing with the Internal Revenue Service, if applicable.

(6) “Parent” shall have the same meaning as provided in Code Section 19-3-37 .

(6) “Parent” shall have the same meaning as provided in Code Section 19-3-37 .
O.C.G.A. § 19-9-123 — GA Code / Title 19 / Chapter 9 / Section 19-9-123
Georgia Code Title 19. Domestic Relations § 19-9-123
Status: in_force

(a) A nonprofit entity or faith based organization that is not licensed by the department but is providing services under this article shall annually provide the department with the following information: (1) Its legal name, address, telephone number, e-mail address, and any other contact information; (2) The name of its director; (3) The names and addresses of the officers and members of its governing body; (4) The total number of approved volunteer families with which it works; and (5) The total number of children served in the previous calendar year.

(a) A nonprofit entity or faith based organization that is not licensed by the department but is providing services under this article shall annually provide the department with the following information:

(1) Its legal name, address, telephone number, e-mail address, and any other contact information;

(1) Its legal name, address, telephone number, e-mail address, and any other contact information;

(2) The name of its director;

(2) The name of its director;

(3) The names and addresses of the officers and members of its governing body;

(3) The names and addresses of the officers and members of its governing body;

(4) The total number of approved volunteer families with which it works; and

(4) The total number of approved volunteer families with which it works; and

(5) The total number of children served in the previous calendar year.

(5) The total number of children served in the previous calendar year.

(b) The department shall maintain a list of nonprofit entities or faith based organizations for which it has been provided the information required by subsection (a) of this Code section.

(b) The department shall maintain a list of nonprofit entities or faith based organizations for which it has been provided the information required by subsection (a) of this Code section.

(c) The department may refer an individual who is seeking to execute a power of attorney under this article to a nonprofit entity or faith based organization if the information required by subsection (a) of this Code section has been provided. The department shall not be liable for civil damages or be subject to any claim, demand, cause of action, or proceeding of any nature as a result of referring such individual to a nonprofit entity or faith based organization.

(c) The department may refer an individual who is seeking to execute a power of attorney under this article to a nonprofit entity or faith based organization if the information required by subsection (a) of this Code section has been provided. The department shall not be liable for civil damages or be subject to any claim, demand, cause of action, or proceeding of any nature as a result of referring such individual to a nonprofit entity or faith based organization.

(d) The department shall promulgate rules and regulations in order to implement this Code section.

(d) The department shall promulgate rules and regulations in order to implement this Code section.
O.C.G.A. § 19-3-4 — GA Code / Title 19 / Chapter 3 / Section 19-3-4
Georgia Code Title 19. Domestic Relations § 19-3-4
Status: in_force

To constitute an actual contract of marriage, the parties must consent thereto voluntarily without any fraud practiced upon either. Drunkenness at the time of marriage, brought about by art or contrivance to induce consent shall be held as fraud.
O.C.G.A. § 19-11-115 — GA Code / Title 19 / Chapter 11 / Section 19-11-115
Georgia Code Title 19. Domestic Relations § 19-11-115
Status: in_force

(a) A tribunal in Georgia that has issued a child support order consistent with the law of Georgia may serve as an initiating tribunal to request a tribunal of another state to enforce: (1) The order if the order is the controlling order and has not been modified by a tribunal of another state that assumed jurisdiction pursuant to this article; or (2) A money judgment for arrears of support and interest on the order accrued before a determination that an order of a tribunal of another state is the controlling order.

(a) A tribunal in Georgia that has issued a child support order consistent with the law of Georgia may serve as an initiating tribunal to request a tribunal of another state to enforce:

(1) The order if the order is the controlling order and has not been modified by a tribunal of another state that assumed jurisdiction pursuant to this article; or

(1) The order if the order is the controlling order and has not been modified by a tribunal of another state that assumed jurisdiction pursuant to this article; or

(2) A money judgment for arrears of support and interest on the order accrued before a determination that an order of a tribunal of another state is the controlling order.

(2) A money judgment for arrears of support and interest on the order accrued before a determination that an order of a tribunal of another state is the controlling order.

(b) A tribunal in Georgia having continuing jurisdiction over a support order may act as a responding tribunal to enforce the order.

(b) A tribunal in Georgia having continuing jurisdiction over a support order may act as a responding tribunal to enforce the order.
O.C.G.A. § 19-11-104 — GA Code / Title 19 / Chapter 11 / Section 19-11-104
Georgia Code Title 19. Domestic Relations § 19-11-104
Status: in_force

(a) A tribunal of Georgia shall apply Parts 1 through 6 and, as applicable, Part 7 of this article to a support proceeding involving: (1) A foreign support order; (2) A foreign tribunal; or (3) An obligee, obligor, or child residing in a foreign country.

(a) A tribunal of Georgia shall apply Parts 1 through 6 and, as applicable, Part 7 of this article to a support proceeding involving:

(1) A foreign support order;

(1) A foreign support order;

(2) A foreign tribunal; or

(2) A foreign tribunal; or

(3) An obligee, obligor, or child residing in a foreign country.

(3) An obligee, obligor, or child residing in a foreign country.

(b) A tribunal of Georgia that is requested to recognize and enforce a support order on the basis of comity may apply the procedural and substantive provisions of Parts 1 through 6 of this article.

(b) A tribunal of Georgia that is requested to recognize and enforce a support order on the basis of comity may apply the procedural and substantive provisions of Parts 1 through 6 of this article.

(c) Part 7 of this article applies only to a support proceeding under the convention. In such a proceeding, if a provision of Part 7 of this article is inconsistent with Parts 1 through 6 of this article, Part 7 of this article controls.

(c) Part 7 of this article applies only to a support proceeding under the convention. In such a proceeding, if a provision of Part 7 of this article is inconsistent with Parts 1 through 6 of this article, Part 7 of this article controls.
O.C.G.A. § 19-11-25 — GA Code / Title 19 / Chapter 11 / Section 19-11-25
Georgia Code Title 19. Domestic Relations § 19-11-25
Status: in_force

(a) In accordance with Section 466(a) of the federal Social Security Act, 1 the department shall make available information regarding the amount of overdue support owed by an absent parent residing in the state to any consumer reporting agency, as defined in Section 603(f) of the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act, 2 upon the request of such agency.

(a) In accordance with Section 466(a) of the federal Social Security Act, 1 the department shall make available information regarding the amount of overdue support owed by an absent parent residing in the state to any consumer reporting agency, as defined in Section 603(f) of the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act, 2 upon the request of such agency.

(b) If the amount of overdue support involved in any case is less than $1,000.00, information regarding such overdue support may be made available in the discretion of the department.

(b) If the amount of overdue support involved in any case is less than $1,000.00, information regarding such overdue support may be made available in the discretion of the department.

(c) Any information with respect to an absent parent shall be made available only after notice of the proposed action has been sent by the department to such absent parent and such absent parent has been given a reasonable opportunity to contest the accuracy of such information.

(c) Any information with respect to an absent parent shall be made available only after notice of the proposed action has been sent by the department to such absent parent and such absent parent has been given a reasonable opportunity to contest the accuracy of such information.

(d) The department may collect a fee from the recipient for furnishing such information not to exceed the actual cost thereof.

(d) The department may collect a fee from the recipient for furnishing such information not to exceed the actual cost thereof.

1 42 U.S.C.A. § 666(a).

2 15 U.S.C.A. § 1681a(f).
O.C.G.A. § 19-9-95 — GA Code / Title 19 / Chapter 9 / Section 19-9-95
Georgia Code Title 19. Domestic Relations § 19-9-95
Status: in_force

(a) In a case arising under this article or involving the Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction, the district attorney may take any lawful action, including resort to a proceeding under this part or any other available civil proceeding to locate a child, obtain the return of a child, or enforce a child custody determination if there is: (1) An existing child custody determination; (2) A request to do so from a court in a pending child custody proceeding; (3) A reasonable belief that a criminal statute has been violated; or (4) A reasonable belief that the child has been wrongfully removed or retained in violation of the Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction.

(a) In a case arising under this article or involving the Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction, the district attorney may take any lawful action, including resort to a proceeding under this part or any other available civil proceeding to locate a child, obtain the return of a child, or enforce a child custody determination if there is:

(1) An existing child custody determination;

(1) An existing child custody determination;

(2) A request to do so from a court in a pending child custody proceeding;

(2) A request to do so from a court in a pending child custody proceeding;

(3) A reasonable belief that a criminal statute has been violated; or

(3) A reasonable belief that a criminal statute has been violated; or

(4) A reasonable belief that the child has been wrongfully removed or retained in violation of the Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction.

(4) A reasonable belief that the child has been wrongfully removed or retained in violation of the Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction.

(b) A district attorney acting under this Code section acts on behalf of the court and may not represent any party.

(b) A district attorney acting under this Code section acts on behalf of the court and may not represent any party.
O.C.G.A. § 19-11-16 — GA Code / Title 19 / Chapter 11 / Section 19-11-16
Georgia Code Title 19. Domestic Relations § 19-11-16
Status: in_force

The department may conduct periodic redeterminations and reinvestigations of the ability of the parent to furnish support. Any initial determination of the ability to support or any increase in the amount of support shall be subject to the same procedure as determinations under Code Section 19-11-15 .
O.C.G.A. § 19-13-54 — GA Code / Title 19 / Chapter 13 / Section 19-13-54
Georgia Code Title 19. Domestic Relations § 19-13-54
Status: in_force

(a) A petitioner who obtains a foreign protective order may file that order by filing a certified copy of the foreign protective order with any clerk of court of the superior court in this state.

(a) A petitioner who obtains a foreign protective order may file that order by filing a certified copy of the foreign protective order with any clerk of court of the superior court in this state.

(b) Filing shall be without fee or cost.

(b) Filing shall be without fee or cost.

(c) The clerk of court shall provide the petitioner with a receipt bearing proof of submission of the foreign protective order for entry in the registry.

(c) The clerk of court shall provide the petitioner with a receipt bearing proof of submission of the foreign protective order for entry in the registry.

(d) The clerk of court shall transmit to the registry a copy of the foreign protective order in the same manner as provided in Code Section 19-13-53 .

(d) The clerk of court shall transmit to the registry a copy of the foreign protective order in the same manner as provided in Code Section 19-13-53 .

(e) Foreign protective orders shall not be required to be contained on a standardized form or forms in order to be entered in the registry.

(e) Foreign protective orders shall not be required to be contained on a standardized form or forms in order to be entered in the registry.

(f) Filing and registry of the foreign protective order in the registry shall not be prerequisites for enforcement of the foreign protective order in this state.

(f) Filing and registry of the foreign protective order in the registry shall not be prerequisites for enforcement of the foreign protective order in this state.
O.C.G.A. § 19-11-30-8 — GA Code / Title 19 / Chapter 11 / Section 19-11-30-8
Georgia Code Title 19. Domestic Relations § 19-11-30.8
Status: in_force

The commissioner of human services shall file an annual report describing the status of the wage reporting and bank match systems. The report shall be filed with the Clerk of the House of Representatives and the Secretary of the Senate for the previous state fiscal year no later than September 30 of each year.
O.C.G.A. § 19-7-26 — GA Code / Title 19 / Chapter 7 / Section 19-7-26
Georgia Code Title 19. Domestic Relations § 19-7-26
Status: in_force

In an action brought by the mother of a child born out of wedlock in her own right or in her capacity as guardian, executor, or administrator for damages for the child's injury or death, the mother shall not be discriminated against because of her child's having been born out of wedlock.
O.C.G.A. § 19-5-2 — GA Code / Title 19 / Chapter 5 / Section 19-5-2
Georgia Code Title 19. Domestic Relations § 19-5-2
Status: in_force

No court shall grant a divorce to any person who has not been a bona fide resident of this state for six months before the filing of the petition for divorce, provided that any person who has been a resident of any United States army post or military reservation within this state for one year next preceding the filing of the petition may bring an action for divorce in any county adjacent to the United States army post or military reservation; and provided, further, that a nonresident of this state may file a petition for divorce, in the county of residence of the respondent, against any person who has been a resident of this state and of the county in which the action is brought for a period of six months prior to the filing of the petition.
O.C.G.A. § 19-6-13 — GA Code / Title 19 / Chapter 6 / Section 19-6-13
Georgia Code Title 19. Domestic Relations § 19-6-13
Status: in_force

Until otherwise provided voluntarily or by decree or order of a court, each party shall be liable to third persons for the board and support and for all necessaries furnished to or for the benefit of the parties' children.
O.C.G.A. § 19-9-20 — GA Code / Title 19 / Chapter 9 / Section 19-9-20
Georgia Code Title 19. Domestic Relations § 19-9-20
Status: in_force

This article shall be known and may be cited as the “Georgia Child Custody Intrastate Jurisdiction Act of 1978.”
O.C.G.A. § 19-13-5 — GA Code / Title 19 / Chapter 13 / Section 19-13-5
Georgia Code Title 19. Domestic Relations § 19-13-5
Status: in_force

The remedies provided by this article are not exclusive but are additional to any other remedies provided by law.
O.C.G.A. § 19-11-40 — GA Code / Title 19 / Chapter 11 / Section 19-11-40
Georgia Code Title 19. Domestic Relations § 19-11-40
Status: in_force

This article may be cited as the “Uniform Reciprocal Enforcement of Support Act.”
O.C.G.A. § 19-6-24 — GA Code / Title 19 / Chapter 6 / Section 19-6-24
Georgia Code Title 19. Domestic Relations § 19-6-24
Status: in_force

Code Section 19-6-18 or Code Sections 19-6-19 through 19-6-22 , as applicable, shall apply to all judgments for permanent alimony for the support of a wife rendered prior to March 9, 1955, where all the following conditions are met:

(1) Both parties to the case in which the judgment for permanent alimony was rendered consent in writing to the revision, amendment, alteration, settlement, satisfaction, or release thereof;

(1) Both parties to the case in which the judgment for permanent alimony was rendered consent in writing to the revision, amendment, alteration, settlement, satisfaction, or release thereof;

(2) There are no minor children involved or, if there were minor children at the time the original judgment was rendered, the children are all of age at the time the application is filed;

(2) There are no minor children involved or, if there were minor children at the time the original judgment was rendered, the children are all of age at the time the application is filed;

(3) The judge of the court wherein the original judgment for permanent alimony was rendered approves the revision, amendment, alteration, settlement, satisfaction, or release; and

(3) The judge of the court wherein the original judgment for permanent alimony was rendered approves the revision, amendment, alteration, settlement, satisfaction, or release; and

(4) The consent of the parties, together with the court's approval, is filed with the clerk of the court wherein the original judgment for permanent alimony was rendered.

(4) The consent of the parties, together with the court's approval, is filed with the clerk of the court wherein the original judgment for permanent alimony was rendered.
O.C.G.A. § 19-11-153 — GA Code / Title 19 / Chapter 11 / Section 19-11-153
Georgia Code Title 19. Domestic Relations § 19-11-153
Status: in_force

An employer that complies with an income-withholding order issued in another state in accordance with this article is not subject to civil liability to an individual or agency with regard to the employer's withholding of child support from the obligor's income.
O.C.G.A. § 19-10a-8 — GA Code / Title 19 / Chapter 10A / Section 19-10a-8
Georgia Code Title 19. Domestic Relations § 19-10A-8
Status: in_force

The Department of Human Services shall develop standards for a sign that shall be posted at any medical facility, fire station, or police station to inform the general public that such facility is an authorized location to leave a newborn child as provided in this chapter. The Department of Human Services shall provide by rule and regulation for the size and type of such sign and where such sign should be located within or outside of such facility.
O.C.G.A. § 19-11-174 — GA Code / Title 19 / Chapter 11 / Section 19-11-174
Georgia Code Title 19. Domestic Relations § 19-11-174
Status: in_force

(a) Except as otherwise provided in Code Section 19-11-184.6 , if a foreign country lacks or refuses to exercise jurisdiction to modify its child support order pursuant to its laws, a tribunal of Georgia may assume jurisdiction to modify the child support order and bind all individuals subject to the personal jurisdiction of the tribunal whether the consent to modification of a child support order otherwise required of the individual pursuant to Code Section 19-11-170 has been given or whether the individual seeking modification is a resident of this state or of the foreign country.

(a) Except as otherwise provided in Code Section 19-11-184.6 , if a foreign country lacks or refuses to exercise jurisdiction to modify its child support order pursuant to its laws, a tribunal of Georgia may assume jurisdiction to modify the child support order and bind all individuals subject to the personal jurisdiction of the tribunal whether the consent to modification of a child support order otherwise required of the individual pursuant to Code Section 19-11-170 has been given or whether the individual seeking modification is a resident of this state or of the foreign country.

(b) An order issued by a tribunal of this state modifying a foreign child support order pursuant to this Code section is the controlling order.

(b) An order issued by a tribunal of this state modifying a foreign child support order pursuant to this Code section is the controlling order.
O.C.G.A. § 19-3-34 — GA Code / Title 19 / Chapter 3 / Section 19-3-34
Georgia Code Title 19. Domestic Relations § 19-3-34
Status: in_force

(a) Except as provided in subsection (b) of this Code section, the application for a marriage license shall be filed in the office of the judge of the probate court before a marriage license shall be issued and shall remain in the permanent files in the office of the judge. It may be used as evidence in any court of law under the rules of evidence made and provided in similar cases.

(a) Except as provided in subsection (b) of this Code section, the application for a marriage license shall be filed in the office of the judge of the probate court before a marriage license shall be issued and shall remain in the permanent files in the office of the judge. It may be used as evidence in any court of law under the rules of evidence made and provided in similar cases.

(b) The application supplement-marriage report form provided for in Code Section 19-3-33 shall be transmitted to the state registrar pursuant to Code Section 31-10-21 . No original or duplicate application supplement-marriage report form need be retained by any official or employee of the probate court beyond the time required for transmission to the state registrar of vital records and confirmation of such transmission and receipt. While in the temporary custody of the probate court, application supplement-marriage report forms shall not be available for public inspection or copying or admissible in any court of law.

(b) The application supplement-marriage report form provided for in Code Section 19-3-33 shall be transmitted to the state registrar pursuant to Code Section 31-10-21 . No original or duplicate application supplement-marriage report form need be retained by any official or employee of the probate court beyond the time required for transmission to the state registrar of vital records and confirmation of such transmission and receipt. While in the temporary custody of the probate court, application supplement-marriage report forms shall not be available for public inspection or copying or admissible in any court of law.
O.C.G.A. § 19-6-23 — GA Code / Title 19 / Chapter 6 / Section 19-6-23
Georgia Code Title 19. Domestic Relations § 19-6-23
Status: in_force

Code Section 19-6-18 or Code Sections 19-6-19 through 19-6-22 , as applicable, shall be effective and shall apply to any judgment of a court providing permanent alimony for support, unless rendered prior to March 9, 1955, in which case Code Section 19-6-24 shall apply.
O.C.G.A. § 19-11-40-1 — GA Code / Title 19 / Chapter 11 / Section 19-11-40-1
Georgia Code Title 19. Domestic Relations § 19-11-40.1
Status: in_force

No new petition may be filed, nor may any type of proceeding be initiated, under this article on or after January 1, 1998. It is the intent of the General Assembly that any petitions filed or proceedings initiated on or after January 1, 1998, be governed by the provisions of Article 3 of this chapter, the “Uniform Interstate Family Support Act.” The provisions of this article shall apply only to proceedings pending prior to January 1, 1998.
O.C.G.A. § 19-3-33 — GA Code / Title 19 / Chapter 3 / Section 19-3-33
Georgia Code Title 19. Domestic Relations § 19-3-33
Status: in_force

(a) A marriage license shall be issued on written application therefor, made by the persons seeking the license, verified by oath of the applicants. The application shall state that there is no legal impediment to the marriage and shall give the full present name of the proposed husband and the full present name of the proposed wife with their dates of birth, their present addresses, and the names of the father and mother of each, if known. If the names of the father or mother of either are unknown, the application shall so state. The application shall state that the persons seeking the license have or have not completed premarital education pursuant to Code Section 19-3-30.1 . If the application states that the applicants seeking issuance of the license have completed premarital education, then the applicants shall submit a signed and dated certificate of completion issued by the premarital education provider.

(a) A marriage license shall be issued on written application therefor, made by the persons seeking the license, verified by oath of the applicants. The application shall state that there is no legal impediment to the marriage and shall give the full present name of the proposed husband and the full present name of the proposed wife with their dates of birth, their present addresses, and the names of the father and mother of each, if known. If the names of the father or mother of either are unknown, the application shall so state. The application shall state that the persons seeking the license have or have not completed premarital education pursuant to Code Section 19-3-30.1 . If the application states that the applicants seeking issuance of the license have completed premarital education, then the applicants shall submit a signed and dated certificate of completion issued by the premarital education provider.

(b) An application supplement-marriage report shall be prepared in connection with each marriage license. Except for the information in paragraph (3) of this subsection, the application supplement-marriage report shall be completed as a part of each application for a marriage license. The application supplement-marriage report shall state, at a minimum, the following: (1) The full name, date of birth, and social security number for each applicant; (2) The number this marriage would be for each applicant; and (3) After the ceremonial marriage has been performed, the date of the marriage ceremony and the county where the marriage ceremony occurred.

(b) An application supplement-marriage report shall be prepared in connection with each marriage license. Except for the information in paragraph (3) of this subsection, the application supplement-marriage report shall be completed as a part of each application for a marriage license. The application supplement-marriage report shall state, at a minimum, the following:

(1) The full name, date of birth, and social security number for each applicant;

(1) The full name, date of birth, and social security number for each applicant;

(2) The number this marriage would be for each applicant; and

(2) The number this marriage would be for each applicant; and

(3) After the ceremonial marriage has been performed, the date of the marriage ceremony and the county where the marriage ceremony occurred.

(3) After the ceremonial marriage has been performed, the date of the marriage ceremony and the county where the marriage ceremony occurred.
O.C.G.A. § 19-5-15 — GA Code / Title 19 / Chapter 5 / Section 19-5-15
Georgia Code Title 19. Domestic Relations § 19-5-15
Status: in_force

A total divorce annuls a marriage from the time of the rendition of the decree, unless the divorce is granted for a cause rendering the marriage void originally, in which case the divorce serves to annul the marriage from its inception. However, the issue of the marriage shall not be rendered born out of wedlock by a divorce, except in cases of pregnancy of the wife by a man other than the husband at the time of the marriage, unknown to the husband.
O.C.G.A. § 19-13a-2 — GA Code / Title 19 / Chapter 13A / Section 19-13a-2
Georgia Code Title 19. Domestic Relations § 19-13A-2
Status: in_force

(a) Except for proceedings involving a nonresident respondent, the superior court of the county where the respondent resides shall have jurisdiction over all proceedings under this chapter.

(a) Except for proceedings involving a nonresident respondent, the superior court of the county where the respondent resides shall have jurisdiction over all proceedings under this chapter.

(b) For proceedings under this chapter involving a nonresident respondent, the superior court where the petitioner resides or the superior court where an act or injury involving dating violence allegedly occurred shall have jurisdiction, where the act or injury involving dating violence meets the elements for personal jurisdiction provided for under paragraph (2) or (3) of Code Section 9-10-91 .

(b) For proceedings under this chapter involving a nonresident respondent, the superior court where the petitioner resides or the superior court where an act or injury involving dating violence allegedly occurred shall have jurisdiction, where the act or injury involving dating violence meets the elements for personal jurisdiction provided for under paragraph (2) or (3) of Code Section 9-10-91 .
O.C.G.A. § 19-11-17 — GA Code / Title 19 / Chapter 11 / Section 19-11-17
Georgia Code Title 19. Domestic Relations § 19-11-17
Status: in_force

Whenever a parent has been determined able to support his child pursuant to Code Section 19-11-15 or 19-11-16 but is unable to provide the support because of a change in circumstances, he may demand a hearing for redetermination. The department shall hold the hearing within 30 days after receiving the request.
O.C.G.A. § 19-9-86 — GA Code / Title 19 / Chapter 9 / Section 19-9-86
Georgia Code Title 19. Domestic Relations § 19-9-86
Status: in_force

(a) A court of this state may grant any relief normally available under the laws of this state to enforce a registered child custody determination made by a court of another state.

(a) A court of this state may grant any relief normally available under the laws of this state to enforce a registered child custody determination made by a court of another state.

(b) A court of this state shall recognize and enforce, but may not modify, except in accordance with Part 2 of this article, a registered child custody determination of a court of another state.

(b) A court of this state shall recognize and enforce, but may not modify, except in accordance with Part 2 of this article, a registered child custody determination of a court of another state.
O.C.G.A. § 19-11-46 — GA Code / Title 19 / Chapter 11 / Section 19-11-46
Georgia Code Title 19. Domestic Relations § 19-11-46
Status: in_force

Duties of support arising under the law of this state, when applicable under Code Section 19-11-49 , bind the obligor, present in this state, regardless of the presence or residence of the obligee.
O.C.G.A. § 19-12-4 — GA Code / Title 19 / Chapter 12 / Section 19-12-4
Georgia Code Title 19. Domestic Relations § 19-12-4
Status: in_force

Nothing contained in this chapter shall authorize any person to change his name with a view to deprive another fraudulently of any right under the law.
O.C.G.A. § 19-11-166 — GA Code / Title 19 / Chapter 11 / Section 19-11-166
Georgia Code Title 19. Domestic Relations § 19-11-166
Status: in_force

(a) A party contesting the validity or enforcement of a registered support order or seeking to vacate the registration has the burden of proving one or more of the following defenses: (1) The issuing tribunal lacked personal jurisdiction over the contesting party; (2) The order was obtained by fraud; (3) The order has been vacated, suspended, or modified by a later order; (4) The issuing tribunal has stayed the order pending appeal; (5) There is a defense under the law of Georgia to the remedy sought; (6) Full or partial payment has been made; (7) The statute of limitation under Code Section 19-11-163 precludes enforcement of some or all of the alleged arrearages; or (8) The alleged controlling order is not the controlling order.

(a) A party contesting the validity or enforcement of a registered support order or seeking to vacate the registration has the burden of proving one or more of the following defenses:

(1) The issuing tribunal lacked personal jurisdiction over the contesting party;

(1) The issuing tribunal lacked personal jurisdiction over the contesting party;

(2) The order was obtained by fraud;

(2) The order was obtained by fraud;

(3) The order has been vacated, suspended, or modified by a later order;

(3) The order has been vacated, suspended, or modified by a later order;

(4) The issuing tribunal has stayed the order pending appeal;

(4) The issuing tribunal has stayed the order pending appeal;

(5) There is a defense under the law of Georgia to the remedy sought;

(5) There is a defense under the law of Georgia to the remedy sought;

(6) Full or partial payment has been made;

(6) Full or partial payment has been made;

(7) The statute of limitation under Code Section 19-11-163 precludes enforcement of some or all of the alleged arrearages; or

(7) The statute of limitation under Code Section 19-11-163 precludes enforcement of some or all of the alleged arrearages; or

(8) The alleged controlling order is not the controlling order.

(8) The alleged controlling order is not the controlling order.

(b) If a party presents evidence establishing a full or partial defense under subsection (a) of this Code section, a tribunal may stay enforcement of a registered support order, continue the proceeding to permit production of additional relevant evidence, and issue temporary or other appropriate orders. Any portion of the registered support order which is not in dispute may be enforced by all remedies available under the laws of Georgia.

(b) If a party presents evidence establishing a full or partial defense under subsection (a) of this Code section, a tribunal may stay enforcement of a registered support order, continue the proceeding to permit production of additional relevant evidence, and issue temporary or other appropriate orders. Any portion of the registered support order which is not in dispute may be enforced by all remedies available under the laws of Georgia.

(c) If the contesting party does not establish a defense under subsection (a) of this Code section to the validity or enforcement of a registered support order, the registering tribunal shall issue an order confirming the order.

(c) If the contesting party does not establish a defense under subsection (a) of this Code section to the validity or enforcement of a registered support order, the registering tribunal shall issue an order confirming the order.
O.C.G.A. § 19-11-43 — GA Code / Title 19 / Chapter 11 / Section 19-11-43
Georgia Code Title 19. Domestic Relations § 19-11-43
Status: in_force

“Duty of support” includes any duty of support imposed or imposable by law or by any court order, decree, or judgment, whether interlocutory or final, and whether incidental to a proceeding for divorce, judicial (legal) separation, separate maintenance, or otherwise; for purposes of this article, in determining the existence of a duty of support, the following criteria may be considered, without limitation:

(1) A person in one state is declared to be liable for the support of the person's spouse, in conformity with the support laws of this state, and for the support of any child or children of his under 18 years of age and residing or found in the same state or in another state having substantially similar or reciprocal laws; and, if the person is possessed of sufficient means or is able to earn such means, he may be required to pay for this support a fair and reasonable sum according to his means, as may be determined by the court having jurisdiction of the respondent in a proceeding instituted under this article. Notwithstanding the fact that either spouse has obtained in any state or county a final decree of divorce or separation from the other spouse or a decree dissolving their marriage, the obligor under this Code section shall be deemed legally liable for the support under this article of any dependent child of the marriage, whether or not there has been an award of alimony or support for the child or children;

(1) A person in one state is declared to be liable for the support of the person's spouse, in conformity with the support laws of this state, and for the support of any child or children of his under 18 years of age and residing or found in the same state or in another state having substantially similar or reciprocal laws; and, if the person is possessed of sufficient means or is able to earn such means, he may be required to pay for this support a fair and reasonable sum according to his means, as may be determined by the court having jurisdiction of the respondent in a proceeding instituted under this article. Notwithstanding the fact that either spouse has obtained in any state or county a final decree of divorce or separation from the other spouse or a decree dissolving their marriage, the obligor under this Code section shall be deemed legally liable for the support under this article of any dependent child of the marriage, whether or not there has been an award of alimony or support for the child or children;

(2) The parents in one state are declared to be severally liable for the support of a child 18 years of age or older, residing or found in the same state or in another state having substantially similar or reciprocal laws, whenever the child is unable to maintain himself and is likely to become a public charge;

(2) The parents in one state are declared to be severally liable for the support of a child 18 years of age or older, residing or found in the same state or in another state having substantially similar or reciprocal laws, whenever the child is unable to maintain himself and is likely to become a public charge;

(3) A child or children born of parents who, at any time prior or subsequent to the birth of the child, have entered into a civil or religious marriage ceremony shall be deemed the legitimate child or children of both parents, regardless of the validity of the marriage;

(3) A child or children born of parents who, at any time prior or subsequent to the birth of the child, have entered into a civil or religious marriage ceremony shall be deemed the legitimate child or children of both parents, regardless of the validity of the marriage;

(4) A child or children born to parents who held or hold themselves out as husband and wife by virtue of a common-law marriage recognized as valid by the laws of the initiating state and of the responding state shall be deemed the legitimate child or children of both parents;

(4) A child or children born to parents who held or hold themselves out as husband and wife by virtue of a common-law marriage recognized as valid by the laws of the initiating state and of the responding state shall be deemed the legitimate child or children of both parents;

(5) A common-law marriage recognized as valid by the laws of the initiating state and of the responding state shall be deemed to be a valid marriage for purposes of this article;

(5) A common-law marriage recognized as valid by the laws of the initiating state and of the responding state shall be deemed to be a valid marriage for purposes of this article;

(6) Whenever a person has been adjudicated by a court of competent jurisdiction as the parent of a child born out of wedlock, the person shall be legally liable for the support of the child in the same manner in which the person would owe the duty of support if the child were a legitimate child.

(6) Whenever a person has been adjudicated by a court of competent jurisdiction as the parent of a child born out of wedlock, the person shall be legally liable for the support of the child in the same manner in which the person would owe the duty of support if the child were a legitimate child.
O.C.G.A. § 19-11-100 — GA Code / Title 19 / Chapter 11 / Section 19-11-100
Georgia Code Title 19. Domestic Relations § 19-11-100
Status: in_force

This article shall be known and may be cited as the “Uniform Interstate Family Support Act.”
O.C.G.A. § 19-9-120 — GA Code / Title 19 / Chapter 9 / Section 19-9-120
Georgia Code Title 19. Domestic Relations § 19-9-120
Status: in_force

This article shall be known and may be cited as the “Supporting and Strengthening Families Act.”
O.C.G.A. § 19-11-30-3 — GA Code / Title 19 / Chapter 11 / Section 19-11-30-3
Georgia Code Title 19. Domestic Relations § 19-11-30.3
Status: in_force

The Department of Human Services Bank Match Registry shall examine the data provided, make positive identification of cases submitted by the child support enforcement agency for child support enforcement purposes, and report the matched accounts in machine readable form. Upon the receipt of such information, the department, and where appropriate local contractors, shall seek to verify the accuracy of the information presented.
O.C.G.A. § 19-11-132 — GA Code / Title 19 / Chapter 11 / Section 19-11-132
Georgia Code Title 19. Domestic Relations § 19-11-132
Status: in_force

(a) The petitioner may not be required to pay a filing fee or other costs.

(a) The petitioner may not be required to pay a filing fee or other costs.

(b) If an obligee prevails, a responding tribunal of Georgia may assess against an obligor filing fees, reasonable attorney's fees, other costs, and necessary travel and other reasonable expenses incurred by the obligee and the obligee's witnesses. The tribunal may not assess fees, costs, or expenses against the obligee or the support enforcement agency of either the initiating or the responding state or foreign country, except as provided by other law. Attorney's fees may be taxed as costs and may be ordered paid directly to the attorney, who may enforce the order in the attorney's own name. Payment of support owed to the obligee has priority over fees, costs, and expenses.

(b) If an obligee prevails, a responding tribunal of Georgia may assess against an obligor filing fees, reasonable attorney's fees, other costs, and necessary travel and other reasonable expenses incurred by the obligee and the obligee's witnesses. The tribunal may not assess fees, costs, or expenses against the obligee or the support enforcement agency of either the initiating or the responding state or foreign country, except as provided by other law. Attorney's fees may be taxed as costs and may be ordered paid directly to the attorney, who may enforce the order in the attorney's own name. Payment of support owed to the obligee has priority over fees, costs, and expenses.

(c) The tribunal shall order the payment of costs and reasonable attorney's fees if it determines that a hearing was requested primarily for delay. In a proceeding under Part 6 of this article, a hearing is presumed to have been requested primarily for delay if a registered support order is confirmed or enforced without change.

(c) The tribunal shall order the payment of costs and reasonable attorney's fees if it determines that a hearing was requested primarily for delay. In a proceeding under Part 6 of this article, a hearing is presumed to have been requested primarily for delay if a registered support order is confirmed or enforced without change.
O.C.G.A. § 19-11-130 — GA Code / Title 19 / Chapter 11 / Section 19-11-130
Georgia Code Title 19. Domestic Relations § 19-11-130
Status: in_force

(a) In a proceeding under this article, a petitioner seeking to establish a support order to determine parentage of a child, or to register and modify a support order of a tribunal of another state or a foreign country must file a petition. Unless otherwise ordered under Code Section 19-11-131 , the petition or accompanying documents must provide, so far as known, the name, residential address, and social security numbers of the obligor and the obligee or the parent and alleged parent and the name, sex, residential address, social security number, and date of birth of each child for whose benefit support is sought or whose parentage is to be determined. Unless filed at the time of registration, the petition must be accompanied by a copy of any support order known to have been issued by another tribunal. The petition may include any other information that may assist in locating or identifying the respondent.

(a) In a proceeding under this article, a petitioner seeking to establish a support order to determine parentage of a child, or to register and modify a support order of a tribunal of another state or a foreign country must file a petition. Unless otherwise ordered under Code Section 19-11-131 , the petition or accompanying documents must provide, so far as known, the name, residential address, and social security numbers of the obligor and the obligee or the parent and alleged parent and the name, sex, residential address, social security number, and date of birth of each child for whose benefit support is sought or whose parentage is to be determined. Unless filed at the time of registration, the petition must be accompanied by a copy of any support order known to have been issued by another tribunal. The petition may include any other information that may assist in locating or identifying the respondent.

(b) The petition must specify the relief sought. The petition and accompanying documents must conform substantially with the requirements imposed by the forms mandated by federal law for use in cases filed by a support enforcement agency.

(b) The petition must specify the relief sought. The petition and accompanying documents must conform substantially with the requirements imposed by the forms mandated by federal law for use in cases filed by a support enforcement agency.