Synovus Bank D/b/a First Community Bank of Tifton v. Kelley

Summary

The Georgia Supreme Court held that, as between a judgment creditor and debtor, a lien on real property is not created until the judgment or writ of fieri facias is recorded, and that the lien’s effective date does not relate back to the judgment date. The Court answered two certified questions presented by the federal district court, applying plain‑meaning construction of OCGA §§ 9‑12‑80 and 9‑12‑86.