Georgia § 53-5-46 - Service of process.
Full text of Georgia Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 53-5-46 — Service of process., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 53-5-46. Service of process.
Service of process may be made upon the personal representative of a decedent who dies domiciled outside this state by registered or certified mail, addressed to the personal representative's last reasonably ascertainable address, requesting a return receipt signed by the addressee only. Service of process upon such a personal representative may also be perfected by statutory overnight delivery as provided in Code Section 9-10-12 if the receipt provided by the commercial delivery company is signed by the addressee. Notice by first-class mail is sufficient if certified or registered mail service to the addressee is unavailable. Service may be made upon the personal representative in the manner in which service could have been made under other laws of this state on either the personal representative or the decedent immediately prior to death. If service is made on the personal representative as provided in subsection (a) of this Code section, the personal representative shall be allowed at least 30 days within which to appear and respond. (Code 1981, § 53-5-46 , enacted by Ga. L. 1996, p. 504, § 10; Ga. L. 2000, p. 1589, § 15.) Editor's notes. - Ga. L. 2000, p. 1589, § 16, not codified by the General Assembly, provides that the Act shall be applicable with respect to notices delivered on or after July 1, 2000.
Source: official Georgia text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Georgia § 53-5-46
What does Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 53-5-46 cover?
Section 53-5-46 ("Service of process.") 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 § 53-5-46?
A common citation format is "Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 53-5-46" (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 § 53-5-46 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.