Georgia · Dwelling or usual place of abode
Abode Service at a Georgia Residence
Georgia allows a summons to be left at the defendant's dwelling house or usual place of abode with a resident of suitable age and discretion, as an alternative to personal delivery.
What Georgia's abode rule says
O.C.G.A. § 9-11-4(e)(7) generally permits service on an individual personally, or by leaving copies at the defendant's dwelling house or usual place of abode with some person of suitable age and discretion then residing there. The statute text does not require a showing that the defendant evaded service first.
The details carry the weight. The person must live at the home, must be old enough and capable enough to understand the papers, and the home must actually be where the defendant lives. A weak return on any of those points invites a motion.
How DFS documents an abode serve
Leaving papers at a Georgia home with a resident of suitable age and discretion, documented for the return.
- Residency questionThe server asks whether the person lives at the address and records the answer.
- Name and descriptionThe recipient's name, approximate age and relationship to the defendant are noted.
- Address basisField notes record what was observed that ties the defendant to the home.
- Body-camera recordThe exchange is filmed from approach through handoff and time-stamped.
- Qualified serverDFS confirms before the first attempt that the server assigned meets the issuing court's requirements for that document.
From instruction to return
- State your preferenceTell DFS whether abode service is acceptable or whether you want personal delivery only.
- Attempt at the homeThe server first asks for the defendant and offers abode service only if you allowed it.
- Record the recipientName, residency and suitability details are captured for the proof.
- Return with specificsThe signed proof states date, place and manner of service and who received the papers.
When abode service does not fit
Abode service applies to an individual defendant's home. Other situations follow other rules.
- A workplace is not a dwelling; papers are not left with coworkers.
- A visitor, contractor or short-term guest is not a person residing there.
- Businesses are served through officers, managing agents or registered agents instead.
- Dispossessory summonses follow a separate statute with its own steps.
Questions about abode service (Georgia)
Does Georgia require the defendant to be evading before abode service?
The text of § 9-11-4(e)(7) lists abode service as an alternative to personal delivery without an evasion requirement. Confirm with counsel for your case.
Can papers be left with a teenager?
The statute says a person of suitable age and discretion residing there. DFS records the person's apparent age and answers so counsel can judge the serve.
Can I require personal service only?
Yes. Tell DFS at intake and the server will not leave papers with anyone else.
Georgia guides
Longer answers from the DFS Guides & FAQ.
Related pages
More on process serving in Georgia.
Reviewed October 2026 by Delator Field Services. General information about Georgia practice, not legal advice.
Papers to serve in Georgia?
Send the documents and the recipient’s last known address through the request form. DFS confirms the county, service level and price in writing before the first attempt.
Questions first? Call or text (629) 310-8667 or email contact@delatorgroup.com.