Which requirement must a claimant meet to collect damages from the education, research, and recovery fund?

To collect damages from the education, research, and recovery fund in Georgia, a claimant must have received a valid judgment from a court. This requirement is crucial because it ensures that the claimant has a legally recognized basis for their claim. The fund is designed to protect consumers and ensure that those who have suffered a financial loss due to the actions of a licensed real estate professional can be compensated, but the claim must be substantiated by a court's ruling that confirms the validity of the damages.

Without a valid judgment, there is no official determination of wrongdoing or financial harm, which means the fund cannot be accessed. This process safeguards the integrity of the fund and ensures that only legitimate claims are paid out. While being a licensee, the spouse of a licensee, or starting an action within a specific timeframe may be relevant in certain contexts, they do not independently qualify a claimant for recovery from the fund without that critical court judgment.