Section 45-19-40. Entry of court judgment based upon final order of administrator or special master; notification of parties; effect of judgment

   Any person affected by a final order of the administrator or a special master may file in the superior court of the county of the residence of the respondent a certified copy of a final order of the administrator or of a special master unappealed from or of a final order of a special master affirmed upon appeal, whereupon said court shall render judgment in accordance therewith and notify the parties. Such judgment shall have the same effect and all proceedings in relation thereto shall thereafter be the same as though the judgment had been rendered in an action duly heard and determined by the court.

Ga. L. 1978, p. 859, § 23; Ga. L. 1983, p. 1097, § 1.