Georgia probate, civil and family deadlines
29 deadlines · Last checked 24 October 2026
Each entry gives the period, what starts it, the citation and the words the rule uses. The short label cannot carry every condition, so read the quotation and the rule itself.
This is reference information, not legal advice. Check the current rule and any local rule or court order before relying on it.
Probate
Publish notice to creditors
60 days after the date letters were issued
within 60 days from the date of qualification ... published once a week for four weeks in the official newspaper of the county in which the personal representative qualified.
O.C.G.A. §53-7-41(b) · Checked 4 October 2026 · Read the rule
Inventory delivered to beneficiaries or heirs
6 months after the date letters were issued
deliver a copy of the inventory ... by first-class mail within six months after the qualification of the personal representative
O.C.G.A. §53-7-30 · Checked 4 October 2026 · Read the rule
Six months from qualification: debts become payable, and suits may begin the next day
6 months after the date letters were issued
shall not be required to pay the debts of the estate, wholly or in part, until six months from the date of qualification of the first personal representative to serve
O.C.G.A. §53-7-42 · Checked 4 October 2026 · Read the rule
First annual return
12 months and 60 days after the date letters were issued
Within 60 days of the anniversary of the date of qualification, in each year, every personal representative required by the laws of this state to make annual returns shall file
O.C.G.A. §53-7-67 · Checked 4 October 2026 · Read the rule
Creditors lose equal participation (3 months after last publication)
3 months after the last publication of notice to creditors
Creditors who fail to notify the personal representative of their claims... within three months from the date of publication of the personal representative's last notice shall lose all rights to an equal participation
O.C.G.A. §53-7-41(d) · Checked 4 October 2026 · Read the rule
Civil
Answer due
30 days after the summons and complaint were served
a defendant shall serve an answer within 30 days after the service of the summons and complaint upon the defendant, unless otherwise provided by statute
O.C.G.A. §9-11-12(a)(1) · Checked 24 October 2026 · Read the rule
Last day to open default as of right (file defenses and pay costs)
45 days after the summons and complaint were served
If in any case an answer has not been filed within the time required by this chapter, the case shall automatically become in default unless the time for filing the answer has been extended as provided by law. The default may be opened as a matter of right by the filing of such defenses within 15 days of the day of default, upon the payment of costs.
O.C.G.A. §9-11-55(a) · Checked 24 October 2026 · Read the rule
Answer due after motion denied or postponed
15 days after the court decided the motion
Unless the court sets a different time, serving a motion under this Code section alters the time for serving an answer pursuant to paragraph (1) of this subsection as follows: ... If the court denies the motion or postpones its disposition until trial, the answer shall be served within 15 days after notice of the court’s action; or
O.C.G.A. §9-11-12(a)(2)(A) · Checked 24 October 2026 · Read the rule
Response to amended pleading (only if court orders one)
15 days after the amended pleading was served
A party may plead or move in response to an amended pleading and, when required by an order of the court, shall plead within 15 days after service of the amended pleading, unless the court otherwise orders.
O.C.G.A. §9-11-15(a) · Checked 24 October 2026 · Read the rule
Interrogatory answers and objections due
30 days after the discovery requests were served
The party upon whom the interrogatories have been served shall serve a copy of the answers ... and objections if any, within 30 days after the service of the interrogatories, ... except that a defendant may serve answers or objections within 45 days ... after service of the summons and complaint upon that defendant.
O.C.G.A. §9-11-33(a)(2) · Checked 24 October 2026 · Read the rule
Response to request for production due
30 days after the discovery requests were served
The party upon whom the request is served shall serve a written response within 30 days after the service of the request, except that a defendant may serve a response within 45 days after service of the summons and complaint upon that defendant.
O.C.G.A. §9-11-34(b)(2) · Checked 24 October 2026 · Read the rule
Response to requests for admission due (otherwise admitted)
30 days after the discovery requests were served
The matter is admitted unless, within 30 days after service of the request or within such shorter or longer time as the court may allow, the party to whom the request is directed serves upon the party requesting the admission a written answer or objection ... but unless the court shortens the time, a defendant shall not be required to serve answers or objections before the expiration of 45 days after service of the summons and complaint upon him. ... Any matter admitted under this Code section is conclusively established unless the court, on motion, permits withdrawal or amendment of the admission.
O.C.G.A. §9-11-36(a)(2), (b) · Checked 24 October 2026 · Read the rule
Response to motion due (superior court)
30 days after the motion was served
Unless otherwise ordered by the judge or as provided by law, each party opposing a motion shall serve and file a response, reply memorandum, affidavits, or other responsive material not later than 30 days after service of the motion.
Ga. Unif. Super. Ct. R. 6.2 · Checked 24 October 2026 · Read the rule
Serve written motion and notice of hearing
5 court days before the hearing
A written motion, other than one which may be heard ex parte, and notice of the hearing thereof shall be served not later than five days before the time specified for the hearing, unless a different period is fixed by this chapter or by order of the court.
O.C.G.A. §9-11-6(d) · Checked 24 October 2026 · Read the rule
Opposing affidavits on a motion
1 court day before the hearing
Opposing affidavits may be served not later than one day before the hearing, unless the court permits them to be served at some other time.
O.C.G.A. §9-11-6(d) · Checked 24 October 2026 · Read the rule
Serve summary judgment motion
30 days before the hearing
The motion shall be served at least 30 days before the time fixed for the hearing.
O.C.G.A. §9-11-56(c) · Checked 24 October 2026 · Read the rule
Opposing affidavits on summary judgment
1 court day before the hearing
The adverse party prior to the day of hearing may serve opposing affidavits.
O.C.G.A. §9-11-56(c) · Checked 24 October 2026 · Read the rule
Motion for new trial
30 days after judgment was entered
All motions for new trial, except in extraordinary cases, shall be made within 30 days of the entry of the judgment on the verdict or entry of the judgment where the case was tried without a jury.
O.C.G.A. §5-5-40(a) · Checked 24 October 2026 · Read the rule
Motion for judgment notwithstanding the verdict
30 days after judgment was entered
Not later than 30 days after entry of judgment, a party who has moved for a directed verdict may move to have the verdict and any judgment entered thereon set aside
O.C.G.A. §9-11-50(b) · Checked 24 October 2026 · Read the rule
Motion to make or amend findings (bench trial)
20 days after judgment was entered
Upon motion made not later than 20 days after entry of judgment, the court may make or amend its findings or make additional findings and may amend the judgment accordingly. If the motion is made with a motion for new trial, both motions shall be made within 20 days after entry of judgment.
O.C.G.A. §9-11-52(c) · Checked 24 October 2026 · Read the rule
Notice of appeal (direct appeal)
30 days after judgment was entered
A notice of appeal shall be filed within 30 days after entry of the appealable decision or judgment complained of; but when a motion for new trial, a motion in arrest of judgment, or a motion for judgment notwithstanding the verdict has been filed, the notice shall be filed within 30 days after the entry of the order granting, overruling, or otherwise finally disposing of the motion.
O.C.G.A. §5-6-38(a) · Checked 24 October 2026 · Read the rule
Outer limit for motion to set aside judgment
36 months after judgment was entered
A judgment void because of lack of jurisdiction of the person or subject matter may be attacked at any time. Motions for new trial must be brought within the time prescribed by law. In all other instances, all motions to set aside judgments shall be brought within three years from entry of the judgment complained of.
O.C.G.A. §9-11-60(f) · Checked 24 October 2026 · Read the rule
Civil notes
No day is worked out for these. Read the rule.
No fixed deadline to serve after filing
the person making such service shall make the service within five days from the time of receiving the summons and complaint ... failure to make service within the five-day period will not invalidate a later service. ... within five business days of the service date. ... the time for the party served to answer the process shall not begin to run until such proof of service is filed.
O.C.G.A. §9-11-4(c), (h) · Checked 24 October 2026 · Read the rule
Georgia waiver of service: answer 60 days after request sent
is not required to serve an answer to the complaint until 60 days after the date on which the request for waiver of service was sent, or 90 days after that date if the defendant was addressed outside any judicial district of the United States.
O.C.G.A. §9-11-4(d) · Checked 24 October 2026 · Read the rule
Service by publication: answer within 60 days of the publication order
within 60 days of the date of the order for service by publication
O.C.G.A. §9-11-4(f)(1)(C) · Checked 24 October 2026 · Read the rule
Discovery stayed while pre-answer motion to dismiss is pending
If a party files a motion to dismiss before filing an answer and pursuant to the provisions of this Code section, discovery shall be stayed until the ruling of the court on such motion; ... The discovery period and all discovery deadlines shall be extended for a period equal to the duration of the stay imposed by this subsection.
O.C.G.A. §9-11-12(j) · Checked 24 October 2026 · Read the rule
Superior court discovery period: 6 months after the answer
and within 6 months after the filing of the answer. In any action in which an answer is not filed within 30 days of service, or by the date set forth in any extension or court order, the 6-month period shall begin to run 30 days after service.
Ga. Unif. Super. Ct. R. 5.1 · Checked 24 October 2026 · Read the rule
Superior court motions are usually decided without a hearing
Unless otherwise ordered by the court, all motions in civil actions, including those for summary judgment, shall be decided by the court without oral hearing, except motions for new trial and motions for judgment notwithstanding the verdict.
Ga. Unif. Super. Ct. R. 6.3 · Checked 24 October 2026 · Read the rule
Some civil judgments need an application, not a notice of appeal
Appeals in the following cases shall be taken as provided in this Code section:
O.C.G.A. §5-6-35(a), (d) · Checked 24 October 2026 · Read the rule
Notice of appeal 10 days after application is granted
Within ten days after an order is issued granting the appeal ... shall file a notice of appeal as provided by law
O.C.G.A. §5-6-35(g) · Checked 24 October 2026 · Read the rule
Cross-appeal 15 days after service of notice of appeal
In civil cases, the appellee may institute cross appeal by filing notice thereof within 15 days from service of the notice of appeal by the appellant;
O.C.G.A. §5-6-38(a) · Checked 24 October 2026 · Read the rule
Family
Answer to divorce complaint due
30 days after the petition was served
a defendant shall serve an answer within 30 days after the service of the summons and complaint upon the defendant, unless otherwise provided by statute
O.C.G.A. §9-11-12(a)(1); §19-5-8 · Checked 24 October 2026 · Read the rule
Earliest uncontested divorce with written consent
31 days after the petition was servedEarliest day, not a last day
By written consent of both parties to a hearing a divorce may be granted any time 31 days after service or filing acknowledgment of service.
Ga. Unif. Super. Ct. R. 24.6(A) · Checked 24 October 2026 · Read the rule
Earliest divorce in an unanswered case
46 days after the petition was servedEarliest day, not a last day
In an unanswered action, a divorce may be granted any time 46 days after service, unless the time for response has been extended by court order.
Ga. Unif. Super. Ct. R. 24.6(B) · Checked 24 October 2026 · Read the rule
Response to amended pleading (only if court orders one)
15 days after the amended pleading was served
A party may plead or move in response to an amended pleading and, when required by an order of the court, shall plead within 15 days after service of the amended pleading, unless the court otherwise orders.
O.C.G.A. §9-11-15(a) · Checked 24 October 2026 · Read the rule
Interrogatory answers and objections due
30 days after the discovery requests were served
The party upon whom the interrogatories have been served shall serve a copy of the answers ... and objections if any, within 30 days after the service of the interrogatories, ... except that a defendant may serve answers or objections within 45 days ... after service of the summons and complaint upon that defendant.
O.C.G.A. §9-11-33(a)(2) · Checked 24 October 2026 · Read the rule
Response to request for production due
30 days after the discovery requests were served
The party upon whom the request is served shall serve a written response within 30 days after the service of the request, except that a defendant may serve a response within 45 days after service of the summons and complaint upon that defendant.
O.C.G.A. §9-11-34(b)(2) · Checked 24 October 2026 · Read the rule
Response to requests for admission due (otherwise admitted)
30 days after the discovery requests were served
The matter is admitted unless, within 30 days after service of the request or within such shorter or longer time as the court may allow, the party to whom the request is directed serves upon the party requesting the admission a written answer or objection ... but unless the court shortens the time, a defendant shall not be required to serve answers or objections before the expiration of 45 days after service of the summons and complaint upon him. ... Any matter admitted under this Code section is conclusively established unless the court, on motion, permits withdrawal or amendment of the admission.
O.C.G.A. §9-11-36(a)(2), (b) · Checked 24 October 2026 · Read the rule
Response to motion due (superior court)
30 days after the motion was served
Unless otherwise ordered by the judge or as provided by law, each party opposing a motion shall serve and file a response, reply memorandum, affidavits, or other responsive material not later than 30 days after service of the motion.
Ga. Unif. Super. Ct. R. 6.2 · Checked 24 October 2026 · Read the rule
Serve written motion and notice of hearing
5 court days before the hearing
A written motion, other than one which may be heard ex parte, and notice of the hearing thereof shall be served not later than five days before the time specified for the hearing, unless a different period is fixed by this chapter or by order of the court.
O.C.G.A. §9-11-6(d) · Checked 24 October 2026 · Read the rule
Opposing affidavits on a motion
1 court day before the hearing
Opposing affidavits may be served not later than one day before the hearing, unless the court permits them to be served at some other time.
O.C.G.A. §9-11-6(d) · Checked 24 October 2026 · Read the rule
Serve summary judgment motion
30 days before the hearing
The motion shall be served at least 30 days before the time fixed for the hearing.
O.C.G.A. §9-11-56(c) · Checked 24 October 2026 · Read the rule
Opposing affidavits on summary judgment
1 court day before the hearing
The adverse party prior to the day of hearing may serve opposing affidavits.
O.C.G.A. §9-11-56(c) · Checked 24 October 2026 · Read the rule
Serve Domestic Relations Financial Affidavit
5 court days before the hearing
Except as noted below, at least 5 days before any temporary or final hearing in any action for temporary or permanent child support, alimony, equitable division of property, modification of child support or alimony or attorney's fees, all parties shall serve upon the opposing party the affidavit specifying his or her financial circumstances in the form set forth herein.
Ga. Unif. Super. Ct. R. 24.2 · Checked 24 October 2026 · Read the rule
Serve notice of temporary hearing
15 days before the hearing
Notice of the date of any temporary hearing shall be served upon the adverse party at least 15 days before the date of the hearing, unless otherwise ordered by the Court.
Ga. Unif. Super. Ct. R. 24.2 · Checked 24 October 2026 · Read the rule
Motion to make or amend findings (bench trial)
20 days after the judgment was entered
Upon motion made not later than 20 days after entry of judgment, the court may make or amend its findings or make additional findings and may amend the judgment accordingly. If the motion is made with a motion for new trial, both motions shall be made within 20 days after entry of judgment.
O.C.G.A. §9-11-52(c) · Checked 24 October 2026 · Read the rule
Outer limit for motion to set aside judgment
36 months after the judgment was entered
A judgment void because of lack of jurisdiction of the person or subject matter may be attacked at any time. Motions for new trial must be brought within the time prescribed by law. In all other instances, all motions to set aside judgments shall be brought within three years from entry of the judgment complained of.
O.C.G.A. §9-11-60(f) · Checked 24 October 2026 · Read the rule
Application for discretionary appeal (divorce/alimony)
30 days after the judgment was entered
Appeals from judgments or orders in divorce, alimony, and other domestic relations cases including, but not limited to, granting or refusing a divorce or temporary or permanent alimony ... The application shall be filed with the clerk of the Supreme Court or the Court of Appeals within 30 days of the entry of the order, decision, or judgment complained of ... When a motion for new trial, a motion in arrest of judgment, or a motion for judgment notwithstanding the verdict has been filed, the application shall be filed within 30 days after the entry of the order granting, overruling, or otherwise finally disposing of the motion.
O.C.G.A. §5-6-35(a)(2), (d), (g) · Checked 24 October 2026 · Read the rule
Motion for new trial in divorce
30 days after the judgment was entered
All motions for new trial, except in extraordinary cases, shall be made within 30 days of the entry of the judgment on the verdict or entry of the judgment where the case was tried without a jury.
O.C.G.A. §19-5-14; §5-5-40(a) · Checked 24 October 2026 · Read the rule
Family notes
No day is worked out for these. Read the rule.
Service by publication: answer within 60 days of the publication order
within 60 days of the date of the order for service by publication
O.C.G.A. §9-11-4(f)(1)(C) · Checked 24 October 2026 · Read the rule
Superior court motions are usually decided without a hearing
Unless otherwise ordered by the court, all motions in civil actions, including those for summary judgment, shall be decided by the court without oral hearing, except motions for new trial and motions for judgment notwithstanding the verdict.
Ga. Unif. Super. Ct. R. 6.3 · Checked 24 October 2026 · Read the rule
No default judgment in divorce, alimony or custody
No verdict or judgment by default shall be taken in any such case but the allegations of the pleadings shall be established to the satisfaction of the court by the verified pleadings, by affidavit, by evidentiary hearing, or otherwise, as provided in Code Section 19-5-10.
O.C.G.A. §19-5-8; §19-5-10(a) · Checked 24 October 2026 · Read the rule
Divorce served by publication: 61 days after first publication
A divorce action served by publication may be granted any time suitable to the judge and attorneys 61 days or more after date of the first publication.
Ga. Unif. Super. Ct. R. 24.6(C) · Checked 24 October 2026 · Read the rule
Child custody judgments are directly appealable
All judgments or orders in child custody cases awarding, refusing to change, or modifying child custody
O.C.G.A. §5-6-34(a)(11); §5-6-38(a) · Checked 24 October 2026 · Read the rule
Notice of appeal 10 days after application is granted
Within ten days after an order is issued granting the appeal ... shall file a notice of appeal as provided by law
O.C.G.A. §5-6-35(g) · Checked 24 October 2026 · Read the rule
No waiting period or disclosure deadline runs from filing
By written consent of both parties to a hearing a divorce may be granted any time 31 days after service or filing acknowledgment of service.
Ga. Unif. Super. Ct. R. 24.6, 24.2 · Checked 24 October 2026 · Read the rule
Counting days under the court rules
the first day shall not be counted but the last day shall be counted; and, if the last day falls on Saturday or Sunday, the party having such privilege or duty shall have through the following Monday
O.C.G.A. §§9-11-6(a), 1-3-1(d)(3) · Checked 24 October 2026 · Read the rule
Counting one of these from a real date? Try the date calculator, or look around a sample workspace.
This is reference information, not legal advice. Check the current rule and any local rule or court order before relying on it.