Georgia Judgment Enforcement Guide | Debt Collection & Skip Tracing

Georgia Judgment Enforcement — Quick Facts

7 yrs

Judgment Lifespan

6 yrs

Debt SOL (Written)

Post-Judgment Interest

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COMMUNITY PROPERTY STATE

Georgia provides a 7-year judgment lien renewable for additional terms, with a 7% post-judgment interest rate. Wage garnishment is available, and the homestead exemption is relatively modest, making real property liens a viable collection strategy.

Georgia Statute of Limitations on Debt

Debt Type	Limitation Period	Statute
Written Contract	6 years	`OCGA §9-3-24`
Open Account / Credit Card	4 years	`OCGA §9-3-25`
Oral Contract	4 years	`OCGA §9-3-25`
Promissory Note	6 years	`OCGA §9-3-24`
Judgment Lien	7 years (renewable)	`OCGA §9-12-60`

Georgia’s 6-year SOL for written contracts is standard for the Southeast. Revival of time-barred judgments is possible under OCGA §9-12-60.

Post-Judgment Interest Rate

Georgia post-judgment interest accrues at 7% per annum under OCGA §7-4-12. Interest is simple and begins accruing from the date of judgment.

Judgment Recovery Methods in Georgia

Wage Garnishment yes

Georgia allows garnishment of 25% of disposable earnings after serving a summons of garnishment on the employer (OCGA §18-4-4). Debtor may claim exemption within 30 days.

Bank Account Levy yes

Bank garnishment summons may be served after judgment under OCGA §18-4-4. Financial institutions must hold non-exempt funds pending resolution.

Abstract of Judgment / Lien yes

Recording a judgment in the county where real property is located creates a lien on all non-exempt real property (OCGA §9-12-80). Lien lasts 7 years and is renewable.

Turnover Order limited

Georgia courts may compel post-judgment discovery and disclosure of assets. Contempt proceedings available if debtor fails to comply.

Writ of Execution yes

A fi. fa. (writ of execution) directs the sheriff to levy on non-exempt personal property and apply proceeds to the judgment (OCGA §9-13-1).

Vehicle Levy yes

One motor vehicle up to $5,000 in equity is exempt under OCGA §44-13-100(a)(3). Additional vehicles may be levied.

Debtor Exemptions

Asset Type	Exemption Amount	Statute
Homestead	$21,500 (single) / $43,000 (married)	`OCGA §44-13-100`
Motor Vehicle	$5,000 equity	`OCGA §44-13-100(a)(3)`
Wages	75% of disposable earnings	`OCGA §18-4-6`
Personal Property	$5,000 general	`OCGA §44-13-100(a)(5)`
Retirement	All ERISA-qualified plans	`OCGA §44-13-100(a)(2.1)`

Judgment Value Calculator

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Official Georgia Resources

Georgia Courts – Case SearchStatewide civil case lookup Georgia SOS – Business Entity SearchEntity & registered agent lookup Georgia Superior Court Clerks – Lien RecordsReal property & UCC filings Official Code of Georgia – LegislatureOfficial state statutes

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Disclaimer: This page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Statutes change — verify current law with a licensed Georgia attorney before taking collection action.