OCGA 5-6-34 (B) Interpretation

In deprivation proceedings, it has been held that even juvenile court orders providing for the temporary, as opposed to permanent, legal custody of a child are final orders subject to direct appeal. See Sanchez v. Walker County, 235 Ga. 817 (221 SE2d 589) (1976). In Sanchez v. Walker County, 235 Ga. 817 (221 SE2d 589) (1976), the Supreme Court addressed whether temporary custody orders were final judgments as opposed to interlocutory judgments requiring a certificate of immediate review. Id.; For judgments that are not final or otherwise subject to direct appeal, an appellant must follow the procedure for obtaining interlocutory review found in OCGA 5-6-34 (b). See also Sanchez v. Walker County Dept. of Family &c, 135 Ga. App. 891, 892 (2) (219 SE2d 583) (1975). the Supreme Court concluded that orders providing for the temporary legal custody of a child are final orders subject to direct appeal rather than an interlocutory appeal even though the only order that could be considered absolutely final in a deprivation matter would be an order terminating parental rights. Sanchez, 235 Ga. at 817.