§ 19-7-53.Confidentiality of hearings
Chapter 7. Parent and Child Relationship Generally · Article 3. Determination of Paternity · Last amended 1980 · Last verified October 9, 2026
Full Text of § 19-7-53
Plain-English Summary
Paternity cases air private matters: sexual relationships, genetic test results and family finances. This section gives the parties a way to keep them out of public view. Upon motion of any party, a hearing or trial in a paternity case under Article 3 may be held in closed court, without admitting anyone other than those necessary to the action or proceeding.
Two features stand out. Any party may make the motion, whether mother, alleged father, child or the Department of Human Services as petitioner. And the court “may” close the courtroom; the section doesn’t require it. The judge decides whether to grant the request, and the section sets no standard for that decision.
This is one of several privacy protections in Article 3. Under § 19-7-45(e), the Department of Human Services and the courts must, insofar as possible, keep written genetic test results off pleadings and orders, and collected genetic material must be destroyed within a reasonable time and never shared. The section has not been amended since its 1980 enactment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are paternity hearings in Georgia open to the public?
They can be closed. On the motion of any party, a hearing or trial in a paternity case may be held in closed court, admitting only those necessary to the action or proceeding. Without a motion, the section doesn’t close the hearing on its own.
How do I ask for a closed paternity hearing in Georgia?
File a motion asking the court to hold the hearing or trial in closed court. Any party may make the motion. The court then decides whether to grant it, since the section says the hearing “may” be closed rather than that it must be.
Who can attend a closed paternity hearing?
Only those necessary to the action or proceeding. The section doesn’t list them, so the judge decides who qualifies. That would ordinarily include the parties and those taking part in the case, while excluding members of the public. Anyone who isn’t necessary to the action or proceeding may be kept out once the court grants the motion.
Does the judge have to close the hearing if I ask?
No. The section says a hearing or trial “may” be held in closed court upon motion of any party. That makes it discretionary. The judge weighs the request and decides, and the section sets no test the judge must apply. A party asking for a closed hearing may want to explain why privacy matters in the case, such as sensitive testimony or test results.
What other privacy protections apply in Georgia paternity cases?
Under § 19-7-45(e), the Department of Human Services and any court must, insofar as possible, avoid attaching written genetic test results to pleadings or orders. Genetic material collected for testing must be destroyed within a reasonable time set by Department rule and may not be shared with any other person or entity.
Amendment History
Laws 1980, p. 1374, § 1.
Formerly Code 1933, § 74-314.