Georgia § 15-11-163 - Interlocutory order of disposition when summons served by publication.

Full text of Georgia Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 15-11-163 — Interlocutory order of disposition when summons served by publication., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 15-11-163. Interlocutory order of disposition when summons served by publication.

If service of summons upon a party is made by publication, the court may conduct a provisional hearing upon the allegations of the petition alleging dependency and enter an interlocutory order of disposition if: The petition alleges dependency of a child; The summons served upon any party: States that prior to the final hearing on such petition a provisional hearing will be held at a specified time and place; Requires the party who is served other than by publication to appear and answer the allegations of the petition alleging dependency at the provisional hearing; States further that findings of fact and orders of disposition made pursuant to the provisional hearing will become final at the final hearing unless the party served by publication appears at the final hearing; and Otherwise conforms to the requirements of Code Section 15-11-160; and A child named in a petition alleging dependency is brought is personally before the court at the provisional hearing. Findings of fact and orders of disposition shall have only interlocutory effect pending final hearing on the petition alleging dependency. If a party served by publication fails to appear at the final hearing on the petition alleging dependency, the findings of fact and interlocutory orders made shall become final without further evidence. If a party appears at the final hearing, the findings and orders shall be vacated and disregarded and the hearing shall proceed upon the allegations of such petition without regard to this Code section. (Code 1981, § 15-11-163 , enacted by Ga. L. 2013, p. 294, § 1-1/HB 242.)

Source: official Georgia text · Last verified 2026-08-27

Frequently Asked Questions About Georgia § 15-11-163

What does Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 15-11-163 cover?

Section 15-11-163 ("Interlocutory order of disposition when summons served by publication.") 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 § 15-11-163?

A common citation format is "Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 15-11-163" (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 § 15-11-163 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.