In the Summer 2025 issue of GTLA’s Verdict, Cannella Snyder attorneys Rob Snyder and Hannah Amanuel break down one of the most consequential changes to Georgia civil procedure in decades: Senate Bill 68’s modification of the voluntary dismissal rule.

For more than 50 years, Georgia plaintiffs had the ability to unilaterally dismiss their cases without prejudice into trial. SB 68 changes that. Plaintiffs now have only 59 days after a defendant serves an answer to unilaterally dismiss a case without prejudice. After that point, dismissal requires either the consent of the parties or a court order — one that can now be granted with prejudice at the judge’s discretion.

In their article, Rob and Hannah provide:

• A detailed history of Georgia’s voluntary dismissal rule
• A clear breakdown of the changes introduced by SB 68 relating to dismissal
• Practical guidance for trial lawyers navigating this new legal landscape
• Strategic considerations for preserving clients’ rights, such as how to use the 60-day window and how to approach motions for dismissal after the deadline

They also flag key unanswered questions, including how the rule applies in multi-defendant cases and whether Georgia courts will follow federal precedent when considering contested motions for dismissal without prejudice.

As longtime advocates for plaintiffs’ rights, Rob and Hannah offer a balanced analysis of the implications for litigators across the state and emphasize the importance of early case preparation.

Read the full article in The Verdict.