Short answer. In Georgia, small claims (Magistrate court) cover claims up to $15,000. Where to file: Individual defendant: the county where they live. The fee to start a case is $45 to $55, depending on the claim.
Can I file my claim in Georgia small claims?
Enter an amount to compare it with the Georgia limit of $15,000.
Georgia small claims at a glance
- Limit
- $15,000. Money claims of less than $15,000; counterclaims must also total less than $15,000.
- Court
- Magistrate court
- Who can file
- You may file in your own name without an attorney or hire one.
- Lawyers
- Allowed
- Where to file
- Individual defendant: the county where they live. Corporation: the county of its registered agent. Unincorporated business: the county where it is physically located.
- Serving the other side
- The court serves the defendant with the claim and a summons. The defendant generally has 30 days to answer.
- Appeal
- Within 30 days of the decision, to the state court or superior court in the county; a filing fee applies.
Georgia filing fees
| Fee | Amount | Note |
|---|---|---|
| filing fee with serving one defendant, low end | $45 | varies by county |
| filing fee with serving one defendant, high end | $55 | varies by county |
The Consumer Protection Division says the fee varies by county, about $45 to $55 including service on one defendant, plus about $25 to $35 for each additional defendant.
Not confirmed for Georgia: online filing. The official Georgia page we checked didn't state this, so we left it out. Ask the clerk or see the official page.
Filing a small claim in Georgia, step by step
- Check that your claim fitsUse the checker above: the Georgia limit is $15,000, and the official wording is in the summary. Count only what you can show with papers or photos.
- Pick the right courtIndividual defendant: the county where they live. Corporation: the county of its registered agent. Unincorporated business: the county where it is physically located.
- Fill out the claim and pay the feeThe filing fee in Georgia is $45 to $55, depending on the claim. The Consumer Protection Division says the fee varies by county, about $45 to $55 including service on one defendant, plus about $25 to $35 for each additional defendant.
- Have the other side servedThe court serves the defendant with the claim and a summons. The defendant generally has 30 days to answer.
- Get ready for the hearingLawyers: allowed. Bring the contract, receipts, photos, messages and a short timeline, with copies for the judge and the other side.
- After the decisionWithin 30 days of the decision, to the state court or superior court in the county; a filing fee applies.
Official Georgia links
Last checked November 2026.
General information checked against the official Georgia pages above, not legal advice. MCC Solutions isn't a law firm and isn't affiliated with any court. Rules and fees change: the official page and the clerk have the final word. The checker runs in your browser, and nothing you enter is sent or saved.
Georgia small claims questions
What is the small claims limit in Georgia?
$15,000. Money claims of less than $15,000; counterclaims must also total less than $15,000.
How much does it cost to file a small claim in Georgia?
filing fee with serving one defendant, low end: $45 (varies by county); filing fee with serving one defendant, high end: $55 (varies by county). The Consumer Protection Division says the fee varies by county, about $45 to $55 including service on one defendant, plus about $25 to $35 for each additional defendant.
Can a lawyer represent me in Georgia small claims?
Allowed in Georgia, per the official page. You may file in your own name without an attorney or hire one.
Where do I file a small claim in Georgia?
Individual defendant: the county where they live. Corporation: the county of its registered agent. Unincorporated business: the county where it is physically located.
Can I appeal a small claims decision in Georgia?
Within 30 days of the decision, to the state court or superior court in the county; a filing fee applies.
How is the other side served in a Georgia small claims case?
The court serves the defendant with the claim and a summons. The defendant generally has 30 days to answer.
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