No action or proceeding shall be transferred except upon written order of the court in which the case is pending, notice of which shall be given to all parties. Such order shall specify the court to which the case is to be transferred.
(a) Such order shall also provide notice to the plaintiff that if costs are not paid within 20 days as provided in rule T-11, the case shall automatically stand dismissed without prejudice. The court granting (or denying) an order of transfer may impose reasonable attorney fees incurred in relation to such motion in favor of the prevailing party. Unless the court in its discretion expressly determines otherwise in such order of transfer, and except in Magistrate Courts (see OCGA § 1510-80), a transfer fee of $50 shall automatically be imposed. (b) Where a party has filed a successful claim of indigence, the payment of costs shall not be a condition of transfer. Last revised and adopted by the Judicial Council on 12/7/2018.