Section 18-3-9. Requirement of application for order authorizing issuance of writ of attachment prior to entry of judgment; contents of application for writ; procedure for granting or denial of issuance of writ

   (a) When the plaintiff contends one or more of the grounds set forth in Code Section 18-3-1 exist, prior to obtaining judgment against the defendant, the plaintiff may make application to a judge of any court of record, other than the probate court, in the county of the residence of the defendant, if known, and, if not known, in the county wherein the property sought to be attached is located, for an order authorizing issuance of a writ of attachment. The application shall be made in writing, under oath, and shall set forth the specific facts that show the existence of one or more of such grounds, the basis and nature of the claim, and the amount of indebtedness claimed therein by the plaintiff.

(b) Upon presentation of plaintiff's sworn application for a writ of attachment, it shall be the duty of the judge to inquire into the facts alleged, going beyond mere conclusions of fact alleged by the plaintiff and clearly setting forth the facts entitling the creditor to a writ of attachment as set forth in Code Section 18-3-1. Upon consideration of the inquiry, the judge shall have the discretion to grant or deny the issuance of a writ of attachment. Any order by a judge granting the issuance of a writ of attachment shall be subject to approval of a bond by the clerk of the court, pursuant to Code Section 18-3-10, prior to filing of the writ of attachment.

Ga. L. 1855-56, p. 25, § 2; Code 1863, § 3189; Code 1868, § 3200; Code 1873, § 3265; Code 1882, § 3265; Ga. L. 1893, p. 117, § 1; Civil Code 1895, § 4511; Civil Code 1910, § 5056; Code 1933, § 8-109; Ga. L. 1968, p. 1013, § 1; Ga. L. 1980, p. 1065, § 1.