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Georgia Small Claims Court Limits
Georgia small claims court limit is $15,000 for all plaintiffs. No limit applies in eviction cases.
Court Name: Magistrate Court
Official Website: https://consumer.georgia.gov/resolve-your-dispute/other-options-resolving-your-dispute
Filing Fees in Georgia
Filing fees vary based on the amount you're claiming:
| Claim Amount | Filing Fee |
|---|---|
| Typical Range | $45-75 |
Filing fees vary by county. Additional fees for service of process by sheriff or marshal.
Serving the Defendant
Service must be completed at least 15 days before the hearing date.
Allowed Service Methods:
- Personal service by sheriff or marshal
- Certified mail
- Process server
Important: You must serve the defendant at least 15 days before the hearing date.
What to Expect at Your Hearing
After filing, you'll typically wait 30-60 days for your hearing date.
Attorneys Allowed: Attorneys are permitted in Georgia Magistrate Court. Many parties choose self-representation.
Appeals
Either party may appeal to State or Superior Court within 30 days.
Georgia Statute of Limitations
You must file your lawsuit within these time limits from when the dispute occurred:
| Type of Claim | Time Limit |
|---|---|
| Written Contract | years |
| Oral Contract | years |
| Property Damage | years |
| Personal Injury | years |
Do I Need a Demand Letter Before Filing?
Sending a demand letter is recommended. Georgia courts favor parties who attempted resolution before filing suit.
Create Your Free Demand Letter
Before going to court, try sending a demand letter. It's free, takes 5 minutes, and often resolves disputes without filing.
Create Free Demand LetterFrequently Asked Questions
What is the small claims court limit in Georgia?
The Georgia small claims court limit is $15,000 for all plaintiffs. Cases are heard in Magistrate Court.
What is small claims court called in Georgia?
In Georgia, small claims cases are heard in Magistrate Court, which handles civil disputes up to $15,000.
How long do I have to sue for breach of contract in Georgia?
In Georgia, you have 6 years for written contracts and 4 years for oral contracts from the date of breach.
Can I have a lawyer in Georgia small claims court?
Yes. Attorneys are permitted in Georgia Magistrate Court, though most people represent themselves.
More Resources: All State Guides | Demand Letter Templates | Statute of Limitations Lookup