Georgia Small Claims Filing Guide (2026)
Free step-by-step guide for your state: which court, the limit, the official form, filing fees and what to bring. Georgia limit: up to $15,000 for cases filed through December 31, 2026; up to $25,000 for cases filed on or after January 1, 2027 (2026 HB 999).
Free guide · The demand letter kit adds a ready-to-send letter (PDF + Word)
How to file in Georgia small claims court
- Send a demand letter first.
- Check the limit and the right court (below).
- Fill out the official claim form and file it with the clerk in the county where the defendant lives or where the transaction happened.
- Pay the filing fee or ask for a fee waiver if you cannot afford it.
- Have the defendant served as the court requires (in many states you cannot serve the papers yourself).
- Prepare for the hearing: bring the note/contract, receipts, photos, messages, your demand letter and proof of mailing, and copies for the judge and the other side.
- If you win and are not paid, ask the clerk about post-judgment collection options.
Georgia
- Court: Magistrate Court in the defendant's county.
- Limit: up to $15,000 for cases filed through December 31, 2026; up to $25,000 for cases filed on or after January 1, 2027 (2026 HB 999).
- Lawyers: allowed but not required. No jury trials.
- Form: Statement of Claim (from your county Magistrate Court).
- Filing fee: varies by county.
- Official help: https://georgiacourts.gov/a2j/self-help-resources/navigating-the-courts/
General information, not legal advice. Rules, fees and forms change — confirm with the court clerk before filing.
Georgia small claims: key facts
- Court
- Magistrate Court in the defendant's county.
- Limit
- up to $15,000 for cases filed through December 31, 2026; up to $25,000 for cases filed on or after January 1, 2027 (2026 HB 999).
- Demand letter required first?
- No requirement was found, but sending one first is good practice and gives you proof that you asked.
- Official form
- Statement of Claim (from your county Magistrate Court).
- Filing fee
- varies by county.
Official sources: Georgia HB 999 (2026) · Georgia Courts — Navigating the courts · Last reviewed: October 2026
Frequently asked questions
- What is the small claims limit in Georgia?
- up to $15,000 for cases filed through December 31, 2026; up to $25,000 for cases filed on or after January 1, 2027 (2026 HB 999).
- Do I have to send a demand letter before suing in Georgia?
- No requirement was found, but sending one first is good practice and gives you proof that you asked.
- How much does it cost to file in Georgia?
- varies by county.
- Can I have a lawyer in Georgia small claims?
- allowed but not required. No jury trials.
- What if I am owed more than the limit?
- You may reduce your claim to the limit and give up the rest, or file in a regular civil court. The guide shows this if your amount is above the limit.
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