2018 Georgia Code Annotated

TITLE 19 DOMESTIC RELATIONS

Chap.

• 1. General Provisions, 19-1-1 through 19-1-6.
• 2. Domicile, 19-2-1 through 19-2-6.
• 3. Marriage Generally, 19-3-1 through 19-3-68.
• 4. Annulment of Marriage, 19-4-1 through 19-4-5.
• 5. Divorce, 19-5-1 through 19-5-17.
• 6. Alimony and Child Support, 19-6-1 through 19-6-53.
• 7. Parent and Child Relationship Generally, 19-7-1 through 19-7-54.
• 8. Adoption, 19-8-1 through 19-8-43.
• 9. Child Custody Proceedings, 19-9-1 through 19-9-134.
• 10. Abandonment of Child or Spouse, 19-10-1 through 19-10-2.
• 10A. Safe Place for Newborns, 19-10A-1 through 19-10A-7.
• 11. Enforcement of Duty of Support, 19-11-1 through 19-11-191.
• 12. Name Change, 19-12-1 through 19-12-4.
• 13. Family Violence, 19-13-1 through 19-13-56.
• 14. Trust Fund, 19-14-1 through 19-14-23.
• 15. Child Abuse, 19-15-1 through 19-15-7.

Chapter 1. General Provisions, 19-1-1 through 19-1-6.

• 19-1-1. Injunctions and restraining orders authorized in domestic relations actions.
• 19-1-2 through 19-1-6. [Repealed].

Chapter 2. Domicile, 19-2-1 through 19-2-6.

• 19-2-1. Place of domicile; how domicile changed, generally.
• 19-2-2. Election between two or more domiciles; domicile of transients.
• 19-2-3. Domicile of married person.
• 19-2-4. Domicile of minor.
• 19-2-5. Domicile of person under guardianship.
• 19-2-6. Change of domicile which is dependent on that of another; change of ward's domicile affecting inheritance.

Chapter 3. Marriage Generally, 19-3-1 through 19-3-68.

Article 1 General Provisions.

• 19-3-1. Prerequisites to valid marriage.
• 19-3-1.1. Common-law marriage; effectiveness.
• 19-3-2. Who may contract marriage; parental consent.
• 19-3-3. Degrees of relationship within which intermarriage prohibited; penalty; effect of prohibited marriage.
• 19-3-3.1. Marriages between persons of same sex prohibited; marriages not recognized.
• 19-3-4. Nature of consent required.
• 19-3-5. What marriages void; legitimacy of issue; effect of later ratification.
• 19-3-6. Effect of restraints on marriage; when valid.
• 19-3-7. Contracts attempting to force marriage void.
• 19-3-8. Interspousal tort immunity continued.
• 19-3-9. Each spouse's property separate.
• 19-3-10. Right of married persons to contract; presumptions.
• 19-3-11. Gift from spouse allowed, but not presumed [Repealed].

Article 2 License and Ceremony.

• 19-3-30. Issuance, return, and recording of license.
• 19-3-30.1. Premarital education.
• 19-3-31. Issuance of licenses at satellite courthouses in certain counties.
• 19-3-32. Penalty for improper issuance of license.
• 19-3-33. Application for marriage license; contents; supplement marriage report.
• 19-3-33.1. Use of surname in application for marriage license.
• 19-3-34. Marriage application to be filed; use as evidence; transmission to the state registrar.
• 19-3-35. Issuance of license to applicants otherwise eligible.
• 19-3-35.1. AIDS brochures; listing of HIV test sites; acknowledgment of receipt.
• 19-3-36. Proof of age of applicants.
• 19-3-37. Parental consent to marriage of underage applicants; when necessary; how obtained.
• 19-3-38. Notification of parents of underage applicants; additional fee [Repealed].
• 19-3-39. Certification and recordation of marriage after publication of banns.
• 19-3-40. Blood test for sickle cell disease; information to be provided.
• 19-3-41. Department of Public Health marriage manual; distribution; rules and regulations.
• 19-3-42. Effect on marriage due to the lack of authority in person officiating.
• 19-3-43. Marriage in another state; effect in this state.
• 19-3-44. Return of license to parties.
• 19-3-45. Actions for improper issuance of marriage license; attorney's fee and court costs; disposition of balance of recovery.
• 19-3-46. Forfeiture for officiating at marriage without license or banns.
• 19-3-47. Penalty for filing false information in application for license.
• 19-3-48. Penalty for officiating at illegal marriage ceremony.
• 19-3-49. Acceptance by judges of tips, consideration, or gratuities.

Article 3 Antenuptial Agreements, Marriage Contracts, and Postnuptial Settlements.

• 19-3-60. Definition; marriage as valuable consideration.
• 19-3-61. Effect of minority of party.
• 19-3-62. Requirements and construction of antenuptial agreements.
• 19-3-63. Construction of marriage contract; attestation.
• 19-3-64. Voluntary execution of antenuptial agreement; conveyance of property during marriage.
• 19-3-65. Powers of superior court judge in appointing and removing trustees and protecting trust estate.
• 19-3-66. Enforcement of marriage contracts, postnuptial settlements, and antenuptial agreements.
• 19-3-67. Recordation of marriage contracts and voluntary settlements; effect of failure to record [Repealed].
• 19-3-68. Application for order compelling recordation; effect of application; liability of trustee refusing to record [Repealed].

Chapter 4. Annulment of Marriage, 19-4-1 through 19-4-5.

• 19-4-1. When annulments may be granted.
• 19-4-2. Right to file for annulment or divorce.
• 19-4-3. Petition by next friend.
• 19-4-4. Procedure.
• 19-4-5. Effect of annulment.

Chapter 5. Divorce, 19-5-1 through 19-5-17.

• 19-5-1. Total divorces authorized; trial; referral for alternative dispute resolution.
• 19-5-2. Residence requirements; venue.
• 19-5-3. Grounds for total divorce.
• 19-5-4. Effect of collusion, consent, guilt of like conduct, or condonation.
• 19-5-5. Petition; contents and verification; demand for detailed statement.
• 19-5-6. Grant of divorce to respondent without necessity of counterclaim.
• 19-5-7. Transfer of property after filing of petition; lis pendens notice.
• 19-5-8. Pleading and practice.
• 19-5-9. Incompetency to serve as juror.
• 19-5-10. Duty of judge in undefended divorce cases; appointment of attorney; evidentiary hearings; evidentiary attacks on prior judgments.
• 19-5-11. Use of confession as evidence; corroboration.
• 19-5-12. Form of judgment and decree.
• 19-5-13. Disposition of property in accordance with verdict.
• 19-5-14. New trial.
• 19-5-15. Effect of divorce.
• 19-5-16. Restoration of maiden or prior name.
• 19-5-17. Determination of parties' rights; preventing remarriage forbidden.

Chapter 6. Alimony and Child Support, 19-6-1 through 19-6-53.

"FINAL JUDGMENT AND DECREE Upon consideration of this case, upon evidence submitted as provided by law, it is the judgment of the court that a total divorce be granted, that is to say, a divorce a vinculo matrimonii, between the parties to the above stated case upon legal principles.

Article 1 General Provisions.

• 19-6-1. Alimony defined; when authorized; how determined; lien on estate of party dying prior to order; certain changes in parties' assets prohibited.
• 19-6-2. Attorney's fees; when and how granted; enforcement.
• 19-6-3. Temporary alimony; petition and hearing; factors considered; discretion of judge; revision and enforcement of order; effect of failure to comply.
• 19-6-4. When permanent alimony authorized; how enforced.
• 19-6-5. Factors in determining amount of alimony; effect of remarriage on obligations for alimony.
• 19-6-6. Liability after grant of alimony.
• 19-6-7. Interest in deceased party's estate after grant of permanent alimony.
• 19-6-8. Voluntary separation, abandonment, or driving off of spouse - Agreement for support as bar to alimony.
• 19-6-9. Voluntary separation, abandonment, or driving off of spouse - Equity may compel support.
• 19-6-10. Voluntary separation, abandonment, or driving off of spouse - Petition for alimony or child support when no divorce pending - Order and enforcement; equitable remedies; effect of filing for divorce.
• 19-6-11. Voluntary separation, abandonment, or driving off of spouse - Petition for alimony or child support when no divorce pending - Appeals.
• 19-6-12. Voluntary separation, abandonment, or driving off of spouse - Effect of subsequent cohabitation between spouses on permanent alimony.
• 19-6-13. Liability of parents for necessaries furnished to children pending voluntary provision or court order.
• 19-6-14. Child support and custody pending final divorce; liability to third persons for necessaries.
• 19-6-15. Child support; guidelines for determining amount of award; continuation of duty of support; duration of support.
• 19-6-16. Enforcement of child support orders, decrees, or verdicts.
• 19-6-17. Application for child support when custody awarded to nonparent or noncustodial parent was not subject to divorce court's jurisdiction; procedure; enforcement; judgment.
• 19-6-18. Revision of judgment for permanent alimony and child support rendered prior to July 1, 1977; petition and hearing; expenses of litigation.
• 19-6-19. Revision of judgment for permanent alimony generally - Petition and hearing; cohabitation with third party as ground for revision; attorney's fees; temporary modification.
• 19-6-20. Revision of judgment for permanent alimony, generally - Issues for court to consider.
• 19-6-21. Revision of judgment for permanent alimony - Not available in case of lump sum award.
• 19-6-22. Revision of judgment for permanent alimony - Expenses of litigation.
• 19-6-23. Applicability of Code Section 19-6-18 or Code Sections 19-6-19 through 19-6-22 to judgments on or after March 9, 1955.
• 19-6-24. Applicability of Code Section 19-6-18 or Code Sections 19-6-19 through 19-6-22 to judgments prior to March 9, 1955.
• 19-6-25. Revision of judgments for permanent alimony entered prior to March 9, 1955.
• 19-6-26. Jurisdiction.
• 19-6-27. Application for permanent alimony or child support after grant of foreign divorce decree; venue; hearing; review; modification.
• 19-6-28. Enforcement of orders; contempt; service of rule nisi by mail; rule nisi form.
• 19-6-28.1. Suspension of, or denial of application or renewal of, license for noncompliance with child support order.
• 19-6-29. Inclusion of accident and sickness insurance coverage in order for child support; payroll deductions.
• 19-6-30. Collection of child support by continuing garnishment; child support subject to income deduction.
• 19-6-31. Definitions [Repealed].
• 19-6-32. Entering income deduction order or medical support notice for award of child support; when order or notice effective; hearing on order.
• 19-6-33. Notice and service of income deduction order; hearing on enforcement of order; discharge of obligor; penalties.
• 19-6-33.1. Family support registry.
• 19-6-34. Inclusion of life insurance in order of support.
• 19-6-35. Child support obligee regarded as creditor for attacking certain judgments and transactions.

Article 2 Georgia Child Support Commission.

• 19-6-50. Creation; responsibilities.
• 19-6-51. Members; terms; chairperson, other officers, and committees; staffing and funding.
• 19-6-52. Meetings; members' expenses.
• 19-6-53. Duties; powers; authorization to retain professional services.

Chapter 7. Parent and Child Relationship Generally, 19-7-1 through 19-7-54.

Article 1 General Provisions.

• 19-7-1. In whom parental power lies; how such power lost; recovery for homicide of child.
• 19-7-2. Parents' obligations to child.
• 19-7-3. Actions by grandparents or other family members for visitation rights or intervention; revocation or amendment of visitation rights; appointment of guardian ad litem; mediation; hearing; notification to family members of child's participation in events.
• 19-7-4. Criteria for loss of parental custody.
• 19-7-5. Reporting of child abuse; when mandated or authorized; content of report; to whom made; immunity from liability; report based upon privileged communication; penalty for failure to report.
• 19-7-6. Reporting of juvenile drug use.

Article 2 Legitimacy.

• 19-7-20. Circumstances of legitimacy; disproving legitimacy; legitimation by marriage of parents and recognition of child.
• 19-7-21. When children conceived by artificial insemination legitimate.
• 19-7-21.1. "Acknowledgment of legitimation" and "legal father" defined; signing acknowledgment of legitimation; when acknowledgment not recognized; making false statement; rescinding acknowledgment [Repealed].
• 19-7-22. Petition for legitimation of child; requirement that mother be named as a party; court order; effect; claims for custody or visitation; third-party action for legitimation in response to petition to establish paternity.
• 19-7-23. "Child born out of wedlock" defined.
• 19-7-24. Parents' obligations to child born out of wedlock.
• 19-7-25. In whom parental power over child born out of wedlock lies.
• 19-7-26. Mother of child born out of wedlock not to be discriminated against in action to recover for injury or death of the child.
• 19-7-27. Hospital program for establishment of paternity.

Article 3 Determination of Paternity.

• 19-7-40. Jurisdiction; administrative determination of paternity.
• 19-7-41. Service outside state.
• 19-7-42. Venue.
• 19-7-43. Petition; by whom brought; effect of agreement on right to bring petition; stay pending birth of child; court order for blood tests; genetic tests.
• 19-7-44. Appointment of guardian ad litem; payment of guardian; notice to natural mother.
• 19-7-45. Genetic tests.
• 19-7-46. Evidence at trial.
• 19-7-46.1. Effect of father's name or social security number on records as evidence of paternity; signed voluntary acknowledgment of paternity; certified copy of voluntary acknowledgment of paternity.
• 19-7-46.2. Temporary order of support.
• 19-7-47. Civil action; testimony of mother and alleged father; default judgments.
• 19-7-48. Settlement, dismissal, or termination of civil action.
• 19-7-49. Final order; effect; evidence of costs.
• 19-7-50. Expenses of litigation.
• 19-7-51. Order of support and other provisions.
• 19-7-52. To whom support payments made; enforcement and modification of orders.
• 19-7-53. Confidentiality of hearings.
• 19-7-54. Motion to set aside determination of paternity.

Chapter 8. Adoption, 19-8-1 through 19-8-43.

Article 1 General Provisions (Effective until September 1, 2018).

• 19-8-1. (Effective until September 1, 2018) Definitions.
• 19-8-2. (Effective until September 1, 2018) Jurisdiction and venue of adoption proceedings.
• 19-8-3. (Effective until September 1, 2018) Who may adopt a child; when petition must be filed in names of both spouses.
• 19-8-4. (Effective until September 1, 2018) When surrender or termination of parental or guardian's rights required; consent of child of 14 or older necessary; acknowledgment of surrender; compliance with Interstate Compact on Placement of Children.
• 19-8-5. (Effective until September 1, 2018) Surrender or termination of parental or guardian's rights where child to be adopted by third party.
• 19-8-6. (Effective until September 1, 2018) Surrender of parental rights where father and mother not still married; surrender of rights where only one parent still living.
• 19-8-7. (Effective until September 1, 2018) Surrender or termination of parental or guardian's rights where child adopted by relative.
• 19-8-8. (Effective until September 1, 2018) Adoption based upon foreign decrees and valid visa.
• 19-8-9. (Effective until September 1, 2018) Surrender of parental rights where legal mother puts up for adoption child she previously adopted herself; withdrawal of surrender; expiration of rights.
• 19-8-10. (Effective until September 1, 2018) When surrender or termination of parental rights of living parent not required; service on parents in such cases.
• 19-8-11. (Effective until September 1, 2018) Petitioning superior court to terminate parental rights; service of process.
• 19-8-12. (Effective until September 1, 2018) Notice to biological father; procedure when identity or location of father not known; petition, hearing, and order; when rights of biological father terminated; legitimation of child by father; rights of mother.
• 19-8-13. (Effective until September 1, 2018) Petition; filing and contents; financial disclosures; attorney's affidavit.
• 19-8-14. (Effective until September 1, 2018) Timing of adoption hearing; required records; filing.
• 19-8-15. (Effective until September 1, 2018) When objections may be filed by relatives to petition for adoption.
• 19-8-16. (Effective until September 1, 2018) Investigation by child-placing agency or other agent.
• 19-8-17. (Effective until September 1, 2018) Report and findings of investigating agency; dismissal of petition; appointment of guardian ad litem.
• 19-8-18. (Effective until September 1, 2018) Hearing and decree of adoption; district attorney to be directed to review inducement of violations; disposition of child on denial of petition.
• 19-8-19. (Effective until September 1, 2018) Effect of decree of adoption.
• 19-8-20. (Effective until September 1, 2018) Forwarding of decree, report, and subsequent orders to department; issuance of adoption certificate; use as evidence.
• 19-8-21. (Effective until September 1, 2018) Adoption of adult individuals; applicability of Code Sections 19-8-19 and 19-8-20.
• 19-8-22. (Effective until September 1, 2018) Recognition and effect of foreign decrees.
• 19-8-23. (Effective until September 1, 2018) Where records of adoption kept; examination by parties and attorneys; use of information by agency and department.
• 19-8-24. (Effective until September 1, 2018) Unlawful advertisements; unlawful inducements; penalties.
• 19-8-25. (Effective until September 1, 2018) Effect of prior consent or surrender of rights.
• 19-8-26. (Effective until September 1, 2018) How surrender of parental rights executed; how and when surrender may be withdrawn; forms.
• 19-8-27. (Effective until September 1, 2018) Postadoption contact agreements; definitions; procedure; jurisdiction; warnings; enforcement or termination; modification; costs and expenses of mediation, alternative dispute resolution, and litigation.

Article 1 General Provisions (Effective September 1, 2018).

• 19-8-1. (Effective September 1, 2018) Definitions.
• 19-8-2. (Effective September 1, 2018) Jurisdiction and venue of adoption proceedings.
• 19-8-3. (Effective September 1, 2018) Who may adopt a child; when petition must be filed in names of both spouses.
• 19-8-4. (Effective September 1, 2018) Adoption through the department, child-placing agency, or out-of-state licensed agency.
• 19-8-5. (Effective September 1, 2018) Third party adoption by party who is not stepparent or relative of child.
• 19-8-6. (Effective September 1, 2018) Stepparent adoption.
• 19-8-7. (Effective September 1, 2018) Adoption by certain relatives related to child by blood or marriage.
• 19-8-8. (Effective September 1, 2018) Domestication of adoption of child born in foreign country; Certificate of Foreign Birth; authority of court to change date of birth.
• 19-8-9. (Effective September 1, 2018) Revocation of surrender of rights; time limit; effect of voluntary surrender of rights by legal mother.
• 19-8-10. (Effective September 1, 2018) When surrender or termination of parental rights of living parent not required; service on parents in such cases; involuntary termination of rights.
• 19-8-11. (Effective September 1, 2018) Petitioning superior court to terminate rights of one parent or guardian of child; service of process.
• 19-8-12. (Effective September 1, 2018) Notice to biological father; procedure when identity or location of father not known; effect of order terminating biological father's rights; legitimation of child by father; rights of mother.
• 19-8-13. (Effective September 1, 2018) Petition; filing and contents; financial disclosures; attorney's affidavit; redaction of certain information unnecessary.
• 19-8-14. (Effective September 1, 2018) Timing of adoption hearing; record retention; clerk's duties.
• 19-8-15. (Effective September 1, 2018) Objections to petition for adoption.
• 19-8-16. (Effective September 1, 2018) Investigation by court-appointed agent; criminal history records check for adoption petitioners.
• 19-8-17. (Effective September 1, 2018) Report and findings of investigating agent; dismissal of petition; appointment of guardian ad litem.
• 19-8-18. (Effective until September 1, 2018) Hearing; district attorney to be directed to review inducement violations; decree of adoption; factors considered in determining best interests of child; disposition of child on denial of petition.
• 19-8-19. (Effective September 1, 2018) Effect of decree of adoption.
• 19-8-20. (Effective September 1, 2018) Forwarding of decree, report, and subsequent orders to department; issuance of adoption certificate; use as evidence.
• 19-8-21. (Effective September 1, 2018) Adoption of adult individuals; applicability of Code Sections 19-8-19 and 19-8-20.
• 19-8-22. (Effective September 1, 2018) Recognition and effect of order by court or administrative body within or outside United States.
• 19-8-23. (Effective September 1, 2018) Where records of adoption kept; examination by parties and attorneys; use of information by agency and department.
• 19-8-24. (Effective September 1, 2018) Advertising restrictions and requirements; "inducements" defined; unlawful inducements; penalties; exemption for personal communications; civil actions.
• 19-8-25. (Effective September 1, 2018) Effect of prior consent or surrender of rights.
• 19-8-26. (Effective September 1, 2018) Forms.
• 19-8-27. (Effective September 1, 2018) Postadoption contact agreements; definitions; procedure; jurisdiction; warnings; enforcement, termination, or modification; expenses of litigation.
• 19-8-28. (Effective September 1, 2018) Adoption of an orphan.

Article 2 Embryo Transfers.

• 19-8-40. Definitions.
• 19-8-41. Release of responsibility by legal embryo custodian; procedures; presumption of parentage.
• 19-8-42. Petition for expedited order of adoption or parentage; notice; waiver of technical requirements.
• 19-8-43. Finality of orders of adoption or parentage.

Chapter 9. Child Custody Proceedings, 19-9-1 through 19-9-134.

Office of Adoptions Georgia Department of Human Services

Atlanta, Georgia within 15 days from the execution thereof.Upon receipt of the copy the department may commence its investigation as required in Code Section 19-8-16.

Office of Adoptions Department of Human Services

Atlanta, Georgia b)The department or the child-placing agency may, in its sole discretion, make use of any information contained in the records of the respective department or agency relating to the adoptive parents in connection with a subsequent adoption matter involving the same adoptive parents or to provide notice when required by subsection (a) of this Code section.

PRE-BIRTH SURRENDER OF RIGHTS FINAL RELEASE FOR ADOPTION

NOTICE TO ALLEGED BIOLOGICAL FATHER: This is an important legal document and by signing it you are surrendering any and all of your right, title, and claim to the child identified herein, so as to facilitate the child's placement for adoption. You have the right to wait to execute a Surrender of Rights Final Release for Adoption after the child is born, but by signing this document you are electing to surrender your rights prior to the birth of this child. You are to receive a copy of this document and as explained below have the right to withdraw your pre-birth surrender within ten days from the date you sign it.

________ I, the undersigned, understand that I have been named by ______________, the mother of the child expected to be born in ____________ (city) ____________ (county) ____________ (state) on or about the ________ day of ____________ (month), ____________ (year), as the biological father or possible biological father of her child. I further understand that the mother wishes to place this child for adoption.

ARTICLE 1 GENERAL PROVISIONS (EFFECTIVE SEPTEMBER 1, 2018)

State Adoption Unit Department of Human Services

Atlanta, Georgia 30303 b)The department or child-placing agency may, in its sole discretion, make use of any information contained in the records of the respective department or child-placing agency relating to the adoptive parents in connection with a subsequent adoption matter involving the same adoptive parents or to provide notice when required by subsection (a) of this Code section.

Article 1 General Provisions.

• 19-9-1. Parenting plans; requirements for plan.
• 19-9-1.1. Binding arbitration on issue of child custody and related matters.
• 19-9-1.2. Required domestic relations case filing information form.
• 19-9-2. Right of surviving parent to custody of child; discretion of judge.
• 19-9-3. Establishment and review of child custody and visitation.
• 19-9-4. Investigation of abuse, neglect, or other acts which adversely affect health of child in custody disputes; cost.
• 19-9-5. Custody agreements; ratification; supplementation.
• 19-9-6. Definitions.
• 19-9-7. Visitation by parent who has committed acts of family violence; conditional orders; confidentiality; joint counseling; conditions for supervised visitation.

Article 2 Child Custody Intrastate Jurisdiction Act.

• 19-9-20. Short title.
• 19-9-21. Purpose; construction.
• 19-9-22. Definitions.
• 19-9-23. Actions to obtain change of legal custody; how and where brought; use of certain complaints prohibited.
• 19-9-24. Actions by physical or legal custodian not permitted in certain instances.

Article 3 Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act.

Part 1 GENERAL PROVISIONS.

• 19-9-40. Short title.
• 19-9-41. Definitions.
• 19-9-42. Article inapplicable to adoptions or authorizations for emergency care.
• 19-9-43. Proceeding pertaining to Indian child exempted from article.
• 19-9-44. Child custody determinations of foreign country.
• 19-9-45. Binding authority of child custody determination.
• 19-9-46. Priority of question of jurisdiction.
• 19-9-47. Notice and proof of service on persons outside the state.
• 19-9-48. Personal jurisdiction not obtained in other matters; service of process.
• 19-9-49. Communication between court of this state and other states.
• 19-9-50. Testimony by deposition; electronic deposition; evidence transmitted by technological means not to be excluded.
• 19-9-51. Hearings and studies in another state; costs.
• 19-9-52 through 19-9-60. [Repealed].

Part 2 JURISDICTION.

• 19-9-61. Jurisdiction requirements for initial child custody determinations; physical presence alone insufficient.
• 19-9-62. Prerequisites for termination of exclusive, continuing jurisdiction.
• 19-9-63. Prerequisites for modifying custody determination from foreign court.
• 19-9-64. Temporary emergency jurisdiction; continuing effect; communicating with other courts.
• 19-9-65. Notice required; intervention.
• 19-9-66. Procedure when proceedings pending in another state.
• 19-9-67. Finding of inconvenient forum; conditions.
• 19-9-68. Wrongfully obtained jurisdiction; actions to prevent repetition of unjustifiable conduct; expenses.
• 19-9-69. Information required as part of pleading or affidavit; continuing duty; sealing of information; children residing in family violence shelters.
• 19-9-70. Requiring appearance for in state and out of state residents; other court orders.

Part 3 JURISDICTION AND ENFORCEMENT OF FOREIGN DECREES.

• 19-9-81. Definitions.
• 19-9-82. Orders made under the Hague Convention.
• 19-9-83. Recognition of foreign custody decrees; remedies.
• 19-9-84. Authority to enter temporary orders if lacking jurisdiction; remedy from court with jurisdiction; victims of family violence.
• 19-9-85. Registering foreign custody determinations; requirements of registering court; contesting registration; confirmation of registered order.
• 19-9-86. Granting relief and enforcing registered custody determinations.
• 19-9-87. Communication between enforcing court and modifying court.
• 19-9-88. Verification and petition for enforcement requirements; sealing; appearance; expenses.
• 19-9-89. Service of petitions and orders.
• 19-9-90. Finding of immediate physical custody; awarding of fees, costs, and expenses; drawing adverse inference from refusal to testify; spousal relationship irrelevant.
• 19-9-91. Verified application for warrant seeking physical custody; requirement for serious physical harm; warrant requirements; enforceability; conditions.
• 19-9-92. Awarding of necessary and reasonable expenses.
• 19-9-93. Full faith and credit to orders of other states.
• 19-9-94. Appeals.
• 19-9-95. Actions by district attorney.
• 19-9-96. Assistance by law enforcement.
• 19-9-97. Recovering expenses of district attorney and law enforcement.

Part 4 CONSTRUCTION.

• 19-9-101. Promotion of uniformity between states.
• 19-9-102. Application.
• 19-9-103. Construction.
• 19-9-104. Conflicts with Child Custody Intrastate Jurisdiction Act.

Article 4 Power of Attorney for the Care of a Minor Child.

• 19-9-120. (Effective until September 1, 2018) Short title.
• 19-9-121. (Effective until September 1, 2018) Definitions.
• 19-9-122. (Effective until September 1, 2018) Delegation of authority; hardships; exception.
• 19-9-123. (Effective until September 1, 2018) Powers granted by power of attorney.
• 19-9-124. (Effective until September 1, 2018) Liability; education; compliance with court orders.
• 19-9-125. (Effective until September 1, 2018) Protection from criminal or civil liability.
• 19-9-126. (Effective until September 1, 2018) Grant of temporary written permission for emergency services.
• 19-9-127. (Effective until September 1, 2018) Violations; execution of power of attorney; power of attorney to be signed and acknowledged.
• 19-9-128. (Effective until September 1, 2018) Revocation of power of attorney; termination of power of attorney; resignation of agent grandparent.
• 19-9-129. (Effective until September 1, 2018) Power of attorney form.

Article 4 Power of Attorney for the Care of a Child.

• 19-9-120. (Effective September 1, 2018) Short title.
• 19-9-121. (Effective September 1, 2018) Definitions.
• 19-9-122. (Effective September 1, 2018) Delegation of child caregiving authority.
• 19-9-123. (Effective September 1, 2018) Reporting requirement from nonprofit entities or faith based organizations; departmental responsibilities and liabilities; regulation.
• 19-9-124. (Effective September 1, 2018) Parental limitation on delegation of power of attorney; rights, duties, and responsibilities of agents; acknowledgment of acceptance of responsibilities; approval of agents; organizational and entity record keeping.
• 19-9-125. (Effective September 1, 2018) Notice to noncustodial parent of execution of power of attorney; objection by noncustodial parent; compliance with relocation notice requirements.
• 19-9-126. (Effective September 1, 2018) Impact of execution on parental rights.
• 19-9-127. (Effective September 1, 2018) Temporary written permission to seek emergency medical treatment or other services for children.
• 19-9-128. (Effective September 1, 2018) No limitation on role of Division of Family and Children Services.
• 19-9-129. (Effective September 1, 2018) Execution of power of attorney; probate court responsibilities; revocation or execution of subsequent power of attorney.
• 19-9-130. (Effective September 1, 2018) Authority of agent; revocation, termination, or resignation of agent exercising power of attorney; right of parent to access records while power of attorney in effect.
• 19-9-131. (Effective September 1, 2018) Child's status upon execution of power of attorney; delegation of authority must specify applicability.
• 19-9-132. (Effective September 1, 2018) Delegation to grandparent; delegation by deployed parents.
• 19-9-133. (Effective September 1, 2018) Continuing application of former provisions as applicable to grandparents.
• 19-9-134. (Effective September 1, 2018) Power of attorney form.

ARTICLE 4 POWER OF ATTORNEY FOR THE CARE OF A CHILD

Chapter 10. Abandonment of Child or Spouse, 19-10-1 through 19-10-2.

• 19-10-1. Abandonment of dependent child; criminal penalties; continuing offense; venue; evidence; expenses of birth of child born out of wedlock; support of child born out of wedlock.
• 19-10-2. Abandonment of dependent pregnant wife; criminal penalties; continuing offense.

• 19-10A-1. Short title.
• 19-10A-2. Definitions.
• 19-10A-3. Purpose.
• 19-10A-4. No criminal prosecution for leaving child in custody of medical facility, fire station, or police station.
• 19-10A-5. Investigating and reporting utilization of provisions.
• 19-10A-6. Reimbursement of medical costs; placement with Department of Human Services.
• 19-10A-7. Liability.
• 19-10A-8. Posting of signs at medical facilities, fire stations, or police stations indicating authorized location for leaving newborns.

Chapter 11. Enforcement of Duty of Support, 19-11-1 through 19-11-191.

Article 1 Child Support Recovery Act.

• 19-11-1. Short title.
• 19-11-2. Purposes of article; construction.
• 19-11-3. Definitions.
• 19-11-4. Application of Chapter 13 of Title 50, the "Georgia Administrative Procedure Act."
• 19-11-5. Debt to state created by payment of public assistance; amount of debt; waiver, reduction, or negotiation of certain repayments.
• 19-11-6. (For effective date, see note.) Enforcement of child support payments and alimony for public assistance recipients.
• 19-11-7. Enforcement of support payments for dependent minor child public assistance recipients; attorney's fees; interest on judgment; limited scope of action.
• 19-11-8. (For effective date, see note.) Department's duty to enforce support of abandoned minor public assistance recipient; scope of action.
• 19-11-9. Putative father registry; location of absent parents by department; assistance of other governmental agencies; use of information obtained.
• 19-11-9.1. Duty to furnish information about obligor to department; use of information obtained; penalty for noncompliance.
• 19-11-9.2. Duty of employers to report employee hiring or rehiring.
• 19-11-9.3. Suspension or denial of license for noncompliance with child support order; interagency agreements; report to General Assembly; duty to inform obligors.
• 19-11-10. Investigation to determine ability to support; notification of parent; information forms; penalty for falsifying parents' report.
• 19-11-11. Department subpoenas; court order requiring compliance.
• 19-11-12. Review of orders for child support; review procedures; order adjusting support award amount; no release from liability due to subsequent financial obligation.
• 19-11-13. Determination of paternity; acknowledgment under oath; legal proceedings.
• 19-11-14. Father's liability for support of child born out of wedlock; full faith and credit to paternity determination by another state.
• 19-11-15. Voluntary support agreement; notice and hearing; notice of final determination.
• 19-11-15.1. Information required to be given to individuals receiving services.
• 19-11-16. Periodic redeterminations and reinvestigations.
• 19-11-17. Redetermination at request of parent; time for hearing.
• 19-11-18. Collection procedures; notice; judicial review.
• 19-11-19. Garnishment and income deduction orders; notice and hearing; procedure; liability of employer.
• 19-11-20. Wage assignments.
• 19-11-21. Payment of support to department.
• 19-11-22. Article not exclusive.
• 19-11-23. Authority of district attorneys.
• 19-11-24. Conformity with federal law intended; adoption of necessary regulations authorized.
• 19-11-25. Availability of information about overdue support to consumer reporting agency; notice to debtor parent; fee.
• 19-11-26. Accident and sickness insurance coverage for children; order requiring medical support.
• 19-11-27. Accident and sickness insurance coverage for children; National Medical Support Notice or other notice of enrollment; establishment of coverage.
• 19-11-28. Accident and sickness insurance coverage for children; authorization of payments of benefits; notice of termination; immunity from liability of person or entity providing access to coverage.
• 19-11-29. Accident and sickness insurance coverage for children; liability and penalty applicable to person or entity providing access to coverage and insurers.
• 19-11-30. Confidentiality of information and records; safeguards against unauthorized use.
• 19-11-30.1. Bank Match Registry.
• 19-11-30.2. Information from financial institutions.
• 19-11-30.3. Responsibility of Department of Human Services Bank Match Registry.
• 19-11-30.4. Disclosure of information.
• 19-11-30.5. Failure of financial institution to comply.
• 19-11-30.6. Reciprocal agreements with other states.
• 19-11-30.7. Construction.
• 19-11-30.8. Annual reports.
• 19-11-30.9. Information subject to disclosure; penalty.
• 19-11-30.10. Authority to levy and seize deposit.
• 19-11-30.11. Fee on levied accounts.
• 19-11-31. Joint Study Committee on Child Support [Repealed].
• 19-11-32. Process to collect delinquent support accounts.
• 19-11-33. Notice.
• 19-11-34. Verification; immunity from liability.
• 19-11-35. Initiation of administrative action for levy; required information in notice to financial institution.
• 19-11-36. Required information in notice to obligor.
• 19-11-37. Challenges to levy; mistakes; procedures; reimbursement.
• 19-11-38. Required financial institution action.
• 19-11-39. Computerized central case registry for support orders.

Article 2 Uniform Reciprocal Enforcement of Support Act.

• 19-11-40. Short title.
• 19-11-40.1. Effective date for application of article.
• 19-11-41. Purposes of article.
• 19-11-42. Definitions.
• 19-11-43. Duty of support defined; criteria for determining existence of duty of support.
• 19-11-44. Declaration of reciprocating status of Canadian province or territory by Attorney General.
• 19-11-45. Remedies cumulative.
• 19-11-46. Liability of obligor in state not dependent on obligee's presence.
• 19-11-47. Support proceedings when obligor and obligee are found in different counties of state.
• 19-11-48. When extradition of obligor authorized; how extradition avoided; petition; temporary order of support; delivery of copies of order; suspension of extradition proceedings.
• 19-11-49. Choice of law for determining duties of support.
• 19-11-50. Remedies of state or political subdivision furnishing support; court orders for present or future support not to be jeopardized.
• 19-11-51. Duties enforceable by petition; jurisdiction; venue.
• 19-11-52. Contents of petition; when cause of action arises.
• 19-11-53. Representation of petitioner by district attorney; fees; monthly collection reports; payment to county for services; clerk's fees.
• 19-11-54. By whom petition for minor obligee brought; guardian ad litem not necessary.
• 19-11-55. Duty of court of this state when acting as initiating state; transmittal of copies of petition, certificate, and article; monetary recommendation to Canadian court.
• 19-11-56. Payment of costs and fees by state; issuance of execution to reimburse state.
• 19-11-57. When respondent's arrest authorized.
• 19-11-58. Department of Human Services designated state information agency; duties.
• 19-11-59. Payment of district attorney's fee.
• 19-11-60. Duty of court of this state when acting as responding state.
• 19-11-61. Procedure when responding court unable to obtain jurisdiction; cooperation of police in locating respondent; transfer of documents upon location of respondent or his property.
• 19-11-62. Discovery procedures.
• 19-11-63. Order of support or reimbursement.
• 19-11-64. Transmittal of copy of order to initiating state.
• 19-11-65. Power of court to assure compliance with orders.
• 19-11-66. Determination of paternity.
• 19-11-67. Transmittal of payments to court of initiating state; certified statement of payments made by respondent.
• 19-11-68. Duty of court of initiating state to disburse payments received.
• 19-11-69. Spouses competent and compellable to testify.
• 19-11-70. Rules of evidence.
• 19-11-71. Previous support orders not superseded; how payments credited.
• 19-11-72. Jurisdiction in other proceedings not conferred.
• 19-11-73. Construction of article.
• 19-11-74. Temporary order.
• 19-11-75. Right of appeal; effect of appeal on order of support.
• 19-11-76. Additional remedies on foreign support order.
• 19-11-77. Registration of foreign support order; filing in registry of foreign support orders.
• 19-11-78. Application of Code Section 19-11-53.
• 19-11-79. Registration procedure - Transmittal of documents to district attorney; filing; notice; docketing.
• 19-11-80. Registration procedure - Hearing; defenses; grounds for stay; entry of order as registration; county's entitlement to fee; through whom payments made.
• 19-11-81. Effect of registration of foreign support order.

Article 3 Uniform Interstate Family Support Act.

Part 1 GENERAL PROVISIONS.

• 19-11-100. Short title.
• 19-11-101. Definitions.
• 19-11-102. Designated tribunals; support enforcement agency.
• 19-11-103. Nature of remedies.
• 19-11-104. Applicability.

Part 2 JURISDICTION; COOPERATION BETWEEN STATES.

• 19-11-110. Jurisdiction.
• 19-11-111. Personal jurisdiction continues while Georgia tribunal retains continuing, exclusive jurisdiction.
• 19-11-112. Authority of tribunal.
• 19-11-113. Limitation on jurisdiction of Georgia tribunal if action filed in another state or foreign country.
• 19-11-114. Continuing, exclusive jurisdiction to modify support order.
• 19-11-115. Initiating tribunal; responding tribunal.
• 19-11-116. Governing tribunal when conflicting orders; determination of controlling order.
• 19-11-117. Enforcement of two or more child support orders, at least one of which was issued by another state or foreign country.
• 19-11-118. Crediting of amounts collected.
• 19-11-119. Evidentiary issues outside state; application.
• 19-11-119.1. Spousal support order; modification; initiating tribunal to request enforcement; responding tribunal to enforce or modify order.

Part 3 CIVIL PROVISIONS.

• 19-11-120. Application of part; initiation of a proceeding.
• 19-11-121. Representative for minor parent.
• 19-11-122. Governing law and procedure for responding Georgia tribunal.
• 19-11-123. Information to be provided to responding tribunal.
• 19-11-124. Receipt of petition of pleading by responding Georgia tribunal; action authorized; limitations; foreign currency conversion.
• 19-11-125. Receipt by inappropriate tribunal.
• 19-11-126. Support enforcement agency's services; determining controlling order; foreign currency conversion; enforcement of support order and income withholding order of another state; absence of fiduciary relationship.
• 19-11-127. Authority of Attorney General.
• 19-11-128. Employment of private counsel.
• 19-11-129. State information agency.
• 19-11-130. Filing of petition to establish, register, or modify support order; required information; relief sought.
• 19-11-131. Nondisclosure of identifying information when health, safety, or liberty at risk; disclosure of information in the interest of justice.
• 19-11-132. Fees and costs.
• 19-11-133. Personal jurisdiction.
• 19-11-134. Defense of nonparentage.
• 19-11-135. Physical presence of individual nonresident party not required; admissible evidence.
• 19-11-136. Communication between tribunals.
• 19-11-137. Tribunal's authority to accomplish discovery.
• 19-11-138. Disbursement of funds; redirecting payments.

Part 4 ESTABLISHMENT OF SUPPORT ORDER.

• 19-11-140. Authority of tribunal upon failure to issue support order; temporary child support order.
• 19-11-141. Responding tribunal.

Part 5 DIRECT ENFORCEMENT OF ORDER OF ANOTHER STATE WITHOUT REGISTRATION.

• 19-11-150. Issuance of income-withholding orders.
• 19-11-151. Obligation of employer upon receipt of income-withholding order.
• 19-11-152. Receipt of two or more income-withholding orders.
• 19-11-153. Employer's civil liability.
• 19-11-154. Penalties for employer's noncompliance.
• 19-11-155. Contesting of order from another tribunal.
• 19-11-156. Enforcement of orders issued by another state or foreign country.

Part 6 ENFORCEMENT AND MODIFICATION OF SUPPORT ORDER AFTER REGISTRATION.

• 19-11-160. Registration of orders issued by another state or foreign country.
• 19-11-161. Requirements for registration of orders issued by another state or foreign country; other filings.
• 19-11-162. Filing in Georgia tribunal required for registration; enforcement; modification.
• 19-11-163. Governing law; statute of limitations; application of procedural and remedial law of Georgia; prospective application of law of other state or foreign country.
• 19-11-164. Notification to nonregistering party and obligor's employer.
• 19-11-165. Contesting the validity of registered support order by nonregistering party.
• 19-11-166. Burden of proof in contesting validity of registered support order; stays.
• 19-11-167. Effect of confirmation.
• 19-11-168. Petitions for modification.
• 19-11-169. Enforcement pending modification.
• 19-11-170. Requirements for modification; effect on jurisdiction.
• 19-11-171. Recognition of modification by another tribunal.
• 19-11-172. Jurisdiction; application of article.
• 19-11-173. Filing requirement for modified order.
• 19-11-174. Jurisdiction to modify child support order.
• 19-11-175. Registration of foreign child support order.

Part 7 DETERMINATION OF PARENTAGE.

• 19-11-180. Definitions.
• 19-11-181. Applicability of part.
• 19-11-182. Department of Human Services recognized as designated agency.
• 19-11-183. Duties of Department of Human Services; available support proceedings.
• 19-11-184. Filing direct requests; entitlement to assistance; preference for simplified and expeditious processes.
• 19-11-184.1. Request for registration.
• 19-11-184.2. Contest of registered convention support order.
• 19-11-184.3. Grounds for refusal of recognition and enforcement of registered convention support order.
• 19-11-184.4. Option to enforce portions of convention support order.
• 19-11-184.5. Recognition and enforcement of foreign support agreement.
• 19-11-184.6. Modification of convention child support order.
• 19-11-184.7. Personal information.
• 19-11-184.8. Language.

Part 8 INTERSTATE RENDITION.

• 19-11-185. "Governor" defined; authority.
• 19-11-186. Prosecutor's duties upon request by governor; rendition.

Part 9 MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS.

• 19-11-190. Construction of article; uniformity.
• 19-11-190.1. Effective date.
• 19-11-191. Severability.

Chapter 12. Name Change, 19-12-1 through 19-12-4.

• 19-12-1. Petition for name change; request by victim of family violence; notice of filing; consent of minor's parents or guardian.
• 19-12-2. Hearing on objections to petition.
• 19-12-3. Certificate of name change; use as evidence; form of certificate.
• 19-12-4. Name change with fraudulent intent not authorized.

Chapter 13. Family Violence, 19-13-1 through 19-13-56.

Article 1 Granting of Relief by Superior Courts.

• 19-13-1. "Family violence" defined.
• 19-13-2. Jurisdiction of superior court.
• 19-13-3. Petition seeking relief from family violence; temporary relief ex parte; hearing; dismissal of petition upon failure to hold hearing; procedural advice for victims; delays.
• 19-13-4. Protective orders and consent agreements; contents; delivery to sheriff; expiration; enforcement.
• 19-13-5. Supplemental nature of remedies provided by article.
• 19-13-6. Penalties.

Article 1A Family Violence Intervention.

• 19-13-10. Definitions.
• 19-13-11. Fee for certification application; valid period of certification.
• 19-13-12. [Reserved].
• 19-13-13. Administration and supervision of certification.
• 19-13-14. Standards and requirements for course content; course operators; certification of programs; maintenance of list of certified programs.
• 19-13-15. Cooperation with State Board of Pardons and Paroles.
• 19-13-16. Mandatory participation; cost for participation.
• 19-13-17. Administrative fine.

Article 2 Family Violence Shelters.

• 19-13-20. Definitions.
• 19-13-21. Powers and duties of council.
• 19-13-22. Eligibility for licensing and funding; application; receiving and referral functions; shelters and programs; admission procedures; board of shelter.
• 19-13-23. Confidentiality of location of family violence shelter; exceptions.

Article 3 State Commission on Family Violence.

• 19-13-30. State Commission on Family Violence.
• 19-13-31. Commission created; comprehensive state plan for ending family violence; establishment of community task forces.
• 19-13-32. Membership; terms; filling of vacancies; officers.
• 19-13-33. Meetings; quorum; reimbursement for expenses.
• 19-13-34. Powers and duties of commission.
• 19-13-35. Termination provisions [Repealed].

Article 4 Protective Order Registry.

• 19-13-50. Short title.
• 19-13-51. Definitions.
• 19-13-52. Purpose of registry; maintenance; access to information; linking to National Crime Information Center Network.
• 19-13-53. Standardized forms; timing of transmission of information and data entry; sheriff's responsibility.
• 19-13-54. Foreign protective orders.
• 19-13-55. Confidential nature of information in registry.
• 19-13-56. Liability of court or law enforcement personnel.

Chapter 14. Trust Fund, 19-14-1 through 19-14-23.

Article 1 Children's Trust Fund Commission.

• 19-14-1. Transfer of functions, duties, and personnel of State Children's Trust Fund Commission to Governor's Office for Children and Families.
• 19-14-2 through 19-14-9. [Repealed].

Article 2 Children's Trust Fund.

• 19-14-20. Creation.
• 19-14-21. Source of funds.
• 19-14-22. Investments; interest.
• 19-14-23. Issuance of warrants.

Chapter 15. Child Abuse, 19-15-1 through 19-15-7.

• 19-15-1. Definitions.
• 19-15-2. Protocol committee on child abuse; written protocol; training of members; written sexual abuse and exploitation protocol.
• 19-15-3. County review committee; chairperson; eligible deaths for review; notification to coroner; reporting to chairperson; committee review.
• 19-15-4. Georgia Child Fatality Review Panel.
• 19-15-5. Meetings and proceedings of committees or subcommittees and panels.
• 19-15-6. Use of information and records of protocol committees, review committees, and panels.
• 19-15-7. Construction of chapter.