Civil practice; require depositions to be taken before certified court reporters

Georgia depositions require certified court reporters

Beginning July 1, 2026, depositions—sworn questioning of witnesses—held in Georgia must take place before a certified court reporter. Unless a court orders otherwise, a certified court reporter must also record the testimony. The party taking the deposition pays the recording costs; the law sets no fee amount. Audio or video may supplement stenographic recording, and courts may set other recording methods and rules for saving and filing recordings. Parties may obtain transcripts from those recordings or arrange extra recording methods at their own expense, with notice. Recordings must not distort how witnesses or attorneys look or act. Remote depositions require agreement among the parties or a court order. Their legal location is where the witness answers questions, so the Georgia requirement applies when the witness is in Georgia. Outside Georgia, depositions may take place before an officer authorized to administer oaths or a court reporter.