This matter arises out of litigation over a real estate transaction in Effingham County. The case was tried by a jury, and a verdict and judgment were entered in favor of plaintiff/appellee Savannah Restaurant Corporation. Defendant/appellant Herman E. Woods moved to set aside the judgment pursuant to OCGA § 9-11-60 g. Woods appeals from the denial of his motion to set aside judgment. In his sole enumeration of error, Woods contends that the trial court erred in denying his request to set aside and reissue the final judgment because the trial court failed to provide him with notice of the entry of the judgment as required by OCGA § 15-6-21 c. Finding no error, we affirm. OCGA § 15-6-21 c provides that it is the duty of the trial judge to notify counsel of an adverse decision on a motion, unless notice is waived under OCGA § 9-11-5 for failure to file pleadings. This court has concluded that the language of OCGA § 15-6-21 c “also requires service of notice of final judgments. Cit.” Reliable Bonding Co. v. State, 262 Ga. App. 280, 282 585 SE2d 192 2003; Morgan v. Starks , 214 Ga. App. 265, 266 447 SE2d 651 1994. “If a trial court fails to send notice to the losing party, that party can file a motion to set aside the earlier order or judgment. Brown v. E.I. du Pont de Nemours & Co. , 240 Ga App. 893, 896 4 525 SE2d 731 1999.” Sea Tow/Sea Spill of Savannah v. Phillips , 247 Ga. App. 613, 614 2 545 SE2d 34 2001. “Upon a finding that the losing party did not receive notice, the trial court should grant the motion to set aside, reenter the final judgment, and give the losing party 30 days to file a notice of appeal. Cits.” Id. See also Cambron v. Canal Ins. Co. , 246 Ga. 147 269 SE2d 426 1980.
This case was tried before a jury on May 18 and 19, 2000. The jury returned a verdict in favor of Savannah Restaurant Corporation on May 19, 2000. Judgment was not entered by the trial court on the jury’s verdict until June 12, 2003, more than three years later. At the time the final judgment was signed by the trial court, Woods was no longer represented by counsel. However, Woods last counsel’s notice of withdrawal set out an address at which Woods could be served with any legal notices.
