O.C.G.A. § 15-11-421: Time limitations for filing petition.

(a) If a child alleged to be a child in need of services is not released from temporary custody at a continued custody hearing, a petition seeking an adjudication that such child is a child is in need of services shall be filed within five days of such continued custody hearing.

(b) If a child alleged to be a child in need of services was never taken into temporary custody or is released from temporary custody at a continued custody hearing, a petition seeking an adjudication that such child is a child in need of services shall be filed:

(1) Within 30 days of the filing of the complaint with the juvenile court intake officer; or

(2) Within 30 days of such child’s release from temporary custody.

(c) Upon a showing of good cause and notice to all parties, the court may grant a requested extension of time for filing a petition seeking an adjudication that a child is a child in need of services in accordance with the best interests of the child. The court shall issue a written order reciting the facts justifying the extension.

(d) If no petition seeking an adjudication that a child is a child in need of services is filed within the required time frame, the complaint may be dismissed without prejudice.