If you cannot resolve a dispute with a business or a person and the amount in controversy is less than $15,000.00, you may file a case in Magistrate court in your own name without an attorney or you may hire an attorney at your own expense. The Plaintiff (person filing the suit) must prove to the Judge that he/she is entitled to receive compensation from the Defendant (person being sued).
Once served with a civil claim, the Defendant has thirty (30) days to file an answer. If an answer is not filed within 30 days, the defendant is in default. The defendant may file a counterclaim against the plaintiff in Magistrate Court, if the counterclaim is related to the plaintiff's original charge and the defendant's total monetary claims are less than $15,000. Counterclaims are usually heard at the same time as the plaintiff's claims.
The forms below are generally accepted by the Magistrate Court and can be found at https://georgiamagistratecouncil.com. You can go to the website and use the fillable PDF forms or you can print the forms below and hand write the required information. Please note that there may be forms required that are not on this site. If you have any questions about what you need to file in our court, please contact our office.
A Designation of Agent for Business Entity is required if you are filing on behalf of a business or another person.
An Affidavit of Military Service must also be filed.
Applicable Forms