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The first step in domesticating a judgment or order from another state is to obtain a certified copy of that judgment or order. After an action is filed in the new state seeking domestication of the judgment or order, the obligated party must receive notice in a form approved by the new state.

Domestication is the process that allows a creditor to attach the judgment as a lien to the debtor's property, and otherwise enforce it.

Enforcement cannot be accomplished by means of letters rogatory in the United States. Under U.S. law, an individual seeking to enforce a foreign judgment, decree or order in this country must file suit before a competent court. The court will determine whether to recognize and enforce the foreign judgment.

The judgment creditor or its attorney must file a written affidavit to enforce the foreign judgment, along with a certified copy of the judgment from the other state The written affidavit must provide the name and address of the judgment creditor, its attorney (if any), and the judgment debtor.

O.C.G.A. § 9-12-131. In other words, a judgment from a ?foreign? state can be ?domesticated? in Georgia and will be enforceable as if the judgment was rendered by a Georgia court. Similarly, judgments obtained in Georgia will be recognized and enforceable in other states if that state has adopted the Act.

Foreign means from another jurisdiction, usually another state. In order to register or enforce a foreign decree in Georgia, the decree must be domesticated. Different procedures are necessary depending on the reasons you need your Order domesticated.