Georgia § 18-4-20 - Failure to file claim or traverse in timely manner.
Full text of Georgia Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 18-4-20 — Failure to file claim or traverse in timely manner., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 18-4-20. Failure to file claim or traverse in timely manner.
When no claim has been filed and no traverse has been filed within 20 days after the garnishee's answer is filed: If money is paid or delivered to the court by the garnishee, the clerk of the court shall pay the money to the plaintiff or the plaintiff's attorney upon application, and the garnishee shall be automatically discharged from further liability with respect to the summons of garnishment so answered; If property is delivered to the court by the garnishee, the sheriff, marshal, constable, or like officer of the court shall sell the property in the manner provided by law for the sale of property levied under an execution, and the garnishee shall be automatically discharged from further liability with respect to the summons of garnishment so answered. The proceeds of such sale shall be paid or delivered to the plaintiff or the plaintiff's attorney upon application; or If money or other property admitted to be subject to the garnishment is not paid or delivered to the court, judgment shall be entered for the plaintiff and against the garnishee for such money or other property and execution shall issue on the judgment. The application described under paragraphs (1) and (2) of subsection (a) of this Code section may be made at any time concurrent with, or following the filing of the garnishment action, and need only be made once in any such action regardless of the number of answers filed. (Code 1981, § 18-4-20 , enacted by Ga. L. 2016, p. 8, § 1/SB 255; Ga. L. 2020, p. 691, § 16/SB 443.) The 2020 amendment, effective January 1, 2021, designated the existing provisions as subsection (a) and added subsection (b).
Source: official Georgia text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Georgia § 18-4-20
What does Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 18-4-20 cover?
Section 18-4-20 ("Failure to file claim or traverse in timely manner.") is part of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, the codified statutory law of Georgia. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Georgia § 18-4-20?
A common citation format is "Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 18-4-20" (Georgia). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Georgia law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Georgia official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Georgia attorney.
How does Georgia § 18-4-20 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Georgia can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Georgia.