Georgia § 15-11-281 - Issuance of summons.

Full text of Georgia Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 15-11-281 — Issuance of summons., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 15-11-281. Issuance of summons.

The court shall direct the issuance of a summons to the mother, legal father or biological father, guardian, legal custodian, attorney, and guardian ad litem, if any, of the child named in the petition to terminate parental rights and any other persons who appear to the court to be proper or necessary parties to the proceeding, requiring them to appear before the court at the time fixed to answer the allegations of the petition. A copy of such petition shall accompany the summons unless the summons is served by publication, in which case the published summons shall indicate the general nature of the allegations and where a copy of such petition can be obtained. The court shall direct notice and a copy of the petition be provided to the child named in the petition if the child is 14 years of age or older. The summons shall include the notice of effect of a termination judgment as set forth in Code Section 15-11-284 and shall state that a party is entitled to an attorney in the proceedings and that the court will appoint an attorney if the party is an indigent person. The court may endorse upon the summons an order directing the parent, guardian, or legal custodian of the child named in the petition to appear personally at the hearing or directing the person having the physical custody or control of such child to bring such child to the hearing. A party other than the child named in the petition may waive service of summons by written stipulation or by voluntary appearance at the hearing. (Code 1981, § 15-11-281 , enacted by Ga. L. 2013, p. 294, § 1-1/HB 242.) Continuance of adjudicatory hearing in Juvenile Court, Uniform Rules for the Juvenile Courts of Georgia, Rule 11.3. Cross references. - Amendment to Juvenile Court petition, Uniform Rules for the Juvenile Courts of Georgia, Rule 6.6. Law reviews. - For article discussing due process in juvenile court procedures in California and Georgia, in light of In re Gault, 387 U.S. 1, 87 S. Ct. 1428 , 18 L. Ed. 2 d 527 (1967), see 8 Ga. St. B. J. 9 (1971).

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

Frequently Asked Questions About Georgia § 15-11-281

What does Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 15-11-281 cover?

Section 15-11-281 ("Issuance of summons.") 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 § 15-11-281?

A common citation format is "Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 15-11-281" (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 § 15-11-281 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.