Georgia § 53-7-42 - Time for payment of debts; time for commencing action to recover debt.
Full text of Georgia Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 53-7-42 — Time for payment of debts; time for commencing action to recover debt., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 53-7-42. Time for payment of debts; time for commencing action to recover debt.
The personal representative shall not be required to pay the debts of the estate, wholly or in part, until six months from the date of qualification of the first personal representative to serve. If partial payment shall be made, it shall be pro rata on debts of equal priority, including debts due the personal representative, and shall continue pro rata until the debts of the estate shall be paid out. Successive dividends to creditors shall be made at the end of every year until the estate shall be paid out. No action to recover a debt due by the decedent shall be commenced against the personal representative until the expiration of six months from the date of qualification of the first personal representative to serve. (Code 1981, § 53-7-42 , enacted by Ga. L. 1996, p. 504, § 10.) Administrative Rules and Regulations. - Recovery of assistance; probate, Official Compilation of the Rules and Regulations of the State of Georgia, Estate Recovery, Department of Community Health, Medical Assistance, Estate Recovery, Sec. 111-3-8-.05 Law reviews. - For article surveying developments in Georgia wills, trusts, and administration of estates law from mid-1980 through mid-1981, see 33 Mercer L. Rev. 307 (1981). For article surveying torts law, see 34 Mercer L. Rev. 271 (1982). For article, "Defending the Lawsuit: A First-Round Checklist," see 22 Ga. St. B.J. 24 (1985).
Source: official Georgia text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Georgia § 53-7-42
What does Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 53-7-42 cover?
Section 53-7-42 ("Time for payment of debts; time for commencing action to recover debt.") 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 § 53-7-42?
A common citation format is "Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 53-7-42" (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 § 53-7-42 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.