An order limiting access may be reviewed by interlocutory application to the appellate court that has jurisdiction to hear the appeal.
Rule 21.4.Review
Rule 21. LIMITATION OF ACCESS TO COURT FILES · Last amended 2019 · Last verified July 17, 2026
In one sentenceAnyone affected by an order limiting access to a court file can seek review of that order through an interlocutory application to the appellate court that would have jurisdiction over an eventual appeal in the case.
Full Text of Rule 21.4
Plain-English Summary
An order limiting access to a court file does not have to wait for a final judgment before it can be challenged. Rule 21.4 gives it a review path of its own: an interlocutory application to the appellate court that has jurisdiction to hear the appeal in the underlying case.
That route matters because limitation orders can have consequences that outlast the litigation, keeping records closed to the public or to specific people for years. Allowing interlocutory review means a party, or a member of the public who wants access, does not have to wait for the whole case to finish before an appellate court weighs in on whether the limitation was proper.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can an order limiting access to a court file be reviewed?
By interlocutory application to the appellate court that has jurisdiction to hear the appeal.
Does a party have to wait until final judgment to challenge a limitation order?
No, Rule 21.4 provides for interlocutory review, meaning the order can be reviewed before the case reaches a final judgment.
Which court hears the interlocutory application under Rule 21.4?
The appellate court that has jurisdiction to hear the appeal in the case.
What kind of order does Rule 21.4 allow for review?
An order limiting access to court files.
Is review under Rule 21.4 automatic?
No, it requires filing an interlocutory application with the appropriate appellate court.
Amendment History
Amended effective January 24, 2019.
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 review order limiting access court fileUSCR 21.4interlocutory appeal sealed records Georgiaappeal order sealing court file GeorgiaRule 21.4 Georgia Uniform Superior Court Rules