Georgia Judgment: Types, Records, Duration, and What to Expect

A judgment is the court's ultimate decision that settles a dispute and lays out each party's rights and responsibilities. In Georgia, judgments are frequently rendered in family law cases, property disputes, debt collection, and even criminal cases. A judgment is legally binding once it is issued and can have long-term effects on a person's assets and income, including through credit reporting, wage garnishment, or liens.

What Is a Judgment in Georgia?

In Georgia, a judgment is the court's formal declaration that brings the case to a close. It gives a party the right to take steps to collect a debt, such as placing liens on property or garnishing wages. It may also order one party to pay money, transfer property, or stop certain actions. Once entered, judgments are enforceable by law and remain in effect until satisfied or expired.

According to Article 1 of Georgia Code Title 9, Chapter 12, a verdict shall cover the issues made by the pleadings and shall be for the plaintiff or for the defendant, which serves as the basis for a written judgment.

A judge may use a judgment in family court to make sure the couple fulfills their responsibilities or that child support is paid as and when due. In Georgia, verdicts of any kind are severe and have long-term financial repercussions.

Types of Judgments in Georgia

Judgments in Georgia take several forms depending on the type of case:

1. Default Judgments

When a defendant doesn't respond to a complaint promptly, a default judgment is recorded. It enables the court to decide on the support of the plaintiff without considering the arguments of the defendant. Nonetheless, a defendant can usually "open the default" by paying court costs and responding within 15 days after the original 30-day deadline.

2. Summary Judgments

Summary judgment is a decision by the court that was made without a full trial. It is given when there are no real disagreements on any important facts, that is, the facts are clear and undisputed. When it is appropriate, summary judgments can be highly helpful in speeding up the case to get to a resolution.

3. Declaratory Judgments

A court order that makes clear the parties' legal rights or obligations is known as a declaratory judgment. It is a special kind of judgment since it settles a legal ambiguity or dispute before any harm or violation has happened. It doesn't mandate action from a party or grant damages.

4. Foreign Judgments

A foreign judgment is any order rendered by a court in a different state or jurisdiction outside of Georgia. A party may "domesticate" or register a foreign judgment in Georgia under the Uniform Enforcement of Foreign Judgments Act, giving it the same enforceability and effect as if it had been rendered by a Georgia court.

How to Search for Judgments in Georgia

Judgments are public records in Georgia, and there are several ways to access them:

1. Clerk of Superior Court Offices – Records of judgments are kept by the Clerk of Superior Courtin each county. Certified copies are available for a fee, and searches can be done in person.
2. Georgia Superior Court Clerks’ Cooperative Authority (GSCCCA): This statewide service allows users to search for judgment liens, real estate filings, and other court data in every county.
3. County Online Portals – Online databases are available for searching civil cases and decisions in several counties. You can use either the case number or the party name to do these searches.
4. Third-Party Services – While official court or GSCCCA records are the most accurate, there are paid platforms that aggregate judgment data from many counties. These can be reasonably priced substitutes, but users should ensure that the platform they choose has updated records. One notable benefit of these platforms is that they compile judgment data from all the county's authorities.

Judgment records typically show:

• Case number
• Names of the parties
• The court where the judgment was entered
• Judgment date
• Amount owed or relief granted

Judgment Records in Major Georgia Counties

Accessing judgment records can vary by location, though the GSCCCA system provides a useful centralized option.

• Atlanta (Fulton County): The Fulton County Superior Court keeps judgment records that are available both in person at the courthouse and online via the county clerk's portal.
• Savannah (Chatham County): GSCCCA's online system and the Clerk of Superior Court in Chatham County both offer judgment searches.
• Augusta (Richmond County): Richmond County judgment records are available locally at the Clerk of Superior Court's Officeand online via GSCCCA.

While GSCCCA covers most filings, you can get certified copies and official documentation directly from local courthouses.

How Long Does a Judgment Last in Georgia?

A judgment in Georgia is enforceable and valid for seven years after the date of entry. Before the judgment expires, creditors have the option to renew or revive it, extending its enforcement for an additional seven years. Judgments can last for decades if they are repeatedly renewed.

If a judgment is not settled, it may cause garnishments, liens, or levies during its enforceable period, which would be a long-term financial issue for the debtors.

What Happens After a Judgment Is Entered in Georgia?

Once a judgment is entered, creditors gain enforcement rights, and debtors face financial and legal consequences.

For Creditors:

• Wage Garnishment: To prevent a debtor's wages from being paid until the judgment is paid, creditors may ask for a garnishment order.
• Judgment Liens: When creditors impose a lien on real estate, it may stop the property from being sold or refinanced until the obligation is settled.
• Bank Levies: Creditors may take money straight out of a debtor's bank account with a judge's approval.

For Debtors:

• Credit Reporting: Credit reports typically contain judgments, and this can reduce a person’s credit score and have an impact on their borrowing options.
• Satisfaction of Judgment: To formally release the debtor, the creditor must submit a Satisfaction of Judgment to the court after the debt has been paid.
• Appeals or Motions to Vacate: If the judgment was entered unfairly (such as in a default case without proper notice), debtors may appeal or file a motion to vacate the judgment.