Ga. Code § 22-2-139
Nothing in this article which refers to any ruling or order, or time for responding thereto, shall be held or construed to exclude any person by way of default from making known his rights or claims in the property or interest or in the fund arising therefrom. Any person making any such claim may file appropriate pleadings or intervention at any time before verdict or award, and such person shall be fully heard thereon. If any person after judgment of condemnation desires to come in and be heard on any such claim, he shall be allowed to do so. After condemnation is had and the fund paid into the registry of the court, the condemnor shall not be concerned with or affected by any subsequent proceedings unless upon appeal from the verdict or award as provided in Code Section 22-2-136.
OCGA § 22-2-139