Georgia Quiet Title Action: Complete Guide for 2025
Everything you need to know about filing a quiet title action in Georgia—costs, timeline, legal requirements, and when you actually need one.
Georgia Quiet Title Cost Breakdown
| Court Filing Fee | $250 - $350 |
| Service of Process | $50 - $100 per defendant |
| Publication (if needed) | $150 - $350 |
| Title Search | $150 - $300 |
| Attorney Fees(Uncontested) | $1,500 - $4,000 (uncontested) |
| Total Range | $2,000 - $5,000 (uncontested) | $5,000 - $12,000+ (contested) |
Costs vary by county and case complexity. Contested cases involving disputes or trials can significantly exceed these estimates.
Georgia Quiet Title Timeline
Title Search & Petition Preparation
1-2 weeksAttorney examines title chain, identifies all potential claimants, and drafts the petition.
Filing & Service
2-4 weeksPetition filed with Superior Court. Defendants served personally or by publication if not locatable.
Publication Period (if needed)
4 weeks minimumIf defendants cannot be found, notice published weekly for 4 consecutive weeks in county newspaper.
Response Period
30-60 daysDefendants have 30 days (personal service) or 60 days from first publication to respond.
Default Judgment or Hearing
2-6 weeksIf no response, motion for default judgment filed. If contested, hearing scheduled.
Final Judgment & Recording
1-2 weeksCourt issues final judgment quieting title. Recorded in county deed records.
Note: These timelines assume an uncontested action. If any party disputes your claim, the process can extend significantly due to discovery, motions, and potential trial.
Georgia Legal Requirements
- Governing Statute
- O.C.G.A. Title 23, Chapter 3 (Quia Timet and Quieting Title)
- Court
- Superior Court
- Jurisdiction
- County where property is located
- Service Requirements
- All defendants must be served personally. If a defendant cannot be located after diligent search, service by publication is permitted after court order.
- Publication Requirements
- Publication must run once per week for 4 consecutive weeks in the official county newspaper. Defendants then have 60 days from first publication to respond.
When You Need a Quiet Title in Georgia
- After purchasing property at Georgia tax sale
- Heir property with missing or unknown heirs
- Break in chain of title from unrecorded deeds
- Clearing old security deeds that should have been canceled
- Boundary disputes with neighbors
- Adverse possession claims (20-year statutory period)
- Removing deceased persons from title
Georgia-Specific Considerations
- Georgia is a tax deed state with a 12-month redemption period (right of redemption)
- Georgia uses "security deeds" instead of mortgages - these must be properly canceled
- Tax sales in Georgia require the buyer to serve notice on the owner after purchase
- Barment of right of redemption must be filed after 12 months to fully clear title
- Georgia courts may require quia timet action for prospective title issues
Alternatives to Quiet Title in Georgia
Barment of Right of Redemption
After 12 months from tax sale, buyer can file to permanently bar owner's redemption right.
Best for: Tax deed purchases after redemption period expires
Affidavit of Descent and Distribution
Recorded affidavit identifying heirs of deceased owner under Georgia probate law.
Best for: Heir property where heirs are known and cooperative
Corrective Instruments
Corrective deeds, affidavits, or releases to fix specific title defects.
Best for: Minor defects like name variations or missing signatures
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a quiet title action cost in Georgia?
An uncontested quiet title action in Georgia typically costs $2,000 to $5,000, including attorney fees, filing fees ($250-350), service costs, and publication fees if needed. Contested cases can exceed $8,000-$12,000 depending on complexity.
How long does a quiet title take in Georgia?
An uncontested quiet title action in Georgia typically takes 90-120 days. If service by publication is required, add 8-10 weeks due to the 60-day response period. Contested cases can take 6-12 months.
Do I need a quiet title after buying a Georgia tax deed?
Usually yes. After purchasing at a Georgia tax sale, you must wait 12 months, then file a barment of right of redemption. Even after barment, title companies often require quiet title for full insurability.
What is barment of right of redemption in Georgia?
Barment is a legal proceeding filed 12 months after tax sale to permanently eliminate the former owner's right to redeem the property. It requires proper notice to the former owner and any interest holders.
What is the redemption period for Georgia tax sales?
Georgia has a 12-month right of redemption from the date of the tax sale. During this period, the former owner can redeem by paying the purchase price plus a 20% premium. After 12 months, you can file for barment.
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