In all motions for a new trial the opposite party shall be served with a copy of the rule nisi unless such copy is waived. The clerks of the courts shall not be required, except by order of the presiding judge, to enter upon the minutes of the courts motions for new trial in cases tried therein; but the motions shall be filed in the clerk's office as are other papers and shall be recorded together with the other pleadings in the cases when the same are finally disposed of as required by law.
OCGA § 5-5-44