Georgia’s Magistrate Courts

If you can’t to resolve a dispute with a person or a business, you may take your problem to magistrate court.

Magistrate court, also called small claims court, is an informal court that handles money claims of less than $15,000.  This court offers a quick and inexpensive process to resolve complaints.

General Statement of Claim Info:

1. The Magistrate Court only accepts civil cases with a maximum claim of $15,000.
2. You may file a claim in magistrate court in your own name without an attorney
3. In order to file your case in Magistrate Court in the situation that your actual claim is more than $15,000, you cannot voluntarily reduce your claim amount or sue for only a part of that claim.
4. The person suing is the Plaintiff and the person being sued is the Defendant.
5. Civil cases must be filed in the county where the defendant lives, including those filed in a Magistrate Court.
6. If the defendant is a corporation, the claim must be filed in the county of the registered agent for the company.
7. If the defendant is an unincorporated business, the claim must be filed in the county where the business is physically located.
8. The Plaintiff must fill out the original statement of claim form in order to begin the lawsuit.

Rules of Conduct:

1. Be on time
2. Throw away gum, food, and drinks before entering the courtroom
3. Stand when the judge enters and leaves the courtroom
4. Stand when you are speaking to the judge
5. Speak clearly when you respond to the judge’s questions
6. Always address the judge as “Your Honor”
7. Never interrupt the If you are unsure of what you heard, wait until the judge or other person speaking has finished talking before ask- ing a question
8. Enter and leave the courtroom quietly, so you do not disturb others
9. Only approach the bench when instructed to do so

Attire (What NOT to wear):

1. Hats or other head coverings inside the courtroom (except those worn for religious or medical purposes)
2. Sunglasses
3. T-shirts depicting violence, sexual acts, profanity, or illegal drugs
4. Tube or halter tops/plunging necklines/ bare midriffs
5. Ripped or torn jeans
6. Miniskirts or shorts
7. Baggy pants that fall below the waist
8. Muscle shirts (usually worn as undergarments)

FORMS & GENERAL INFO

• Uniform Rules of Georgia Magistrate Courts
• Georgia Magistrate Court Rules
• Georgia Magistrate Court Information for Consumers

Below is a Directory of all magistrate courts in Georgia: