---
title: O.C.G.A. § 13-4-1. Alteration of written contract — Effect generally.
collection: code
id: 13-4-1
cite_as: O.C.G.A. § 13-4-1 (2025)
canonical_url: https://georgiacommons.org/code/13-4-1
md_url: https://georgiacommons.org/code/13-4-1.md
text_url: https://georgiacommons.org/code/13-4-1/text
source_url: https://www.legis.ga.gov/api/document/docs/default-source/joint-features-document-library/t13-(v11)-2010-pdf.pdf?sfvrsn=e4dbdcfd_0#page=218
date: 2025
status: active
corpus_version: 2025-supplement-89aa39ab3c68
license: CC0-1.0
publisher: Georgia Commons, an independent project of Georgia Civic Data. Not the State of Georgia. Not legal advice.
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version: the only printed version
in_force: true
current_through: Including Acts of the 2025 Regular Session of the General Assembly
heading_path: CONTRACTS / MODIFICATION, EXTINGUISHMENT, AND RENEWAL / GENERAL PROVISIONS
---

# O.C.G.A. § 13-4-1. Alteration of written contract — Effect generally.

If a written contract is altered intentionally and in a material part thereof by a person claiming a benefit under it with intent to defraud the other party, the alteration voids the whole contract, at the option of the other party. If the alteration is unintentional or by mistake or in an immaterial matter or not with intent to defraud and if the contract as originally executed can be discovered and is still capable of execution, it shall be enforced by the court. If the alteration is made by a stranger and not at the instance or by collusion of a party or privy and if the original words can be restored, the contract shall be enforced.

## History

Orig. Code 1863, § 2793; Code 1868, § 2801; Code 1873, § 2852; Code 1882, § 2852; Civil Code 1895, § 3702; Civil Code 1910, § 4296; Code 1933, § 20-802.

## Cross References

Discharge of surety for changes in contract without his consent, § 10-7-21. Effect of alteration of negotiable instrument, § 11-3-407.