Except in cases of emergency, having determined the necessity for the service of a senior judge, the requesting judge shall certify the reason such service is required, which shall include an order of appointment giving the scope and tenure of such requested service as in the discretion of the requesting judge is necessary to meet the need. Such certificate and order shall be filed in the office of clerk of superior court of the county in which service is to be performed and with the district administrative judge of such district.
Rule 18.3.Certificate of Need
Rule 18. RULES FOR SERVICE OF SENIOR JUDGES · Not amended since adoption on record · Last verified July 17, 2026
In one sentenceOutside of emergencies, a judge who determines a senior judge’s help is needed must certify the reason in writing and issue an order of appointment spelling out the scope and length of that service, then file both the certificate and order with the clerk of the relevant county and the district’s administrative judge.
Full Text of Rule 18.3
Plain-English Summary
Calling in a senior judge is not just a phone call — outside emergencies, it leaves a paper trail. Rule 18.3 requires the requesting judge, once satisfied that a senior judge’s help is needed, to certify in writing why that service is required.
That certificate travels with an order of appointment, which the requesting judge tailors to the situation, setting the scope of what the senior judge will handle and how long the assignment will run. Both documents then get filed in two places: the office of the clerk of superior court in the county where the senior judge will serve, and with the administrative judge of that judicial district. Filing in both spots keeps the county’s own records straight while also giving district leadership visibility into where senior judges are being deployed.
Frequently Asked Questions
What must a requesting judge do before calling on a senior judge, outside of an emergency?
Certify in writing the reason the senior judge’s service is required.
What must the order of appointment include?
The scope and tenure of the requested service, set at whatever the requesting judge determines, in the judge’s discretion, is necessary to meet the need.
Where must the certificate and order of appointment be filed?
With the clerk of superior court of the county in which the senior judge’s service will be performed, and with the district administrative judge of that district.
Does Rule 18.3 apply to emergency requests for a senior judge?
No, the rule expressly excepts cases of emergency from the certificate-of-need requirement.
Who decides the scope and length of a senior judge’s assignment?
The requesting judge, exercising discretion over what is necessary to meet the identified need.
Source & verification. Rule text and amendment history are
reproduced verbatim from the Uniform Superior Court Rules, published by the
Council of Superior Court Judges of Georgia. Last verified July 17, 2026.
· Official source
Also known as: Georgia certificate of need senior judgeUSCR 18.3order of appointment senior judge Georgiarequesting judge senior judge serviceRule 18.3 Georgia Uniform Superior Court Rules