How to File a Small Claims Case in Fulton County

Claim limit

$15,000

Filing fee

$60

File online

Yes

First court date

Trial

Filing in Fulton County, step by step

Every step below happens at Fulton County Magistrate Court, Civil Division or through the system it uses.

1. 1. Check the amount is within the limit. Fulton County small claims handles claims up to $15,000 (exclusive of interest and costs). Above that, the case belongs in a different division and the clerk will refuse it.
2. 2. Name the defendant exactly. A judgment against a misspelled name or a trade name that is not the legal entity is difficult to collect. For a business, use the registered legal name.
3. 3. Fill out the claim form. Fulton County uses Statement of Claim (MAG 10-01), Answer/Counterclaim, Petition for Review (Appeals). The blank forms are free. What you write in the statement of what happened is what gets the case accepted or sent back.
4. 4. File it and pay. Fulton County accepts filings electronic filing via efilega — fulton magistrate court requires parties to e-file documents into the court's case management system (register at www.odysseyefilega.com); free e-filing at the public access terminals in the clerk's office, suite tg-100 (fee applies for e-filing from home); oral answer given in person at the clerk's office within the 30-day answer period (no telephone answers permitted). The fee is $60.
5. 5. Serve the defendant. Filing does not notify the defendant — service does, and the case cannot proceed without it. Fulton County charges $50 per defendant. The plaintiff selects and pays for the method of service after filing; the county marshal, sheriff, or constable (terminology varies by county) executes it, or the plaintiff may use a court-approved private process server. Clerks do not perform physical service themselves.

If your claim is based on a written agreement, a copy must be attached to the claim form when you file.

Where to file in Fulton County

• Electronic filing via eFileGA — Fulton Magistrate Court requires parties to e-file documents into the court's case management system (register at www.odysseyefilega.com)
• Free e-filing at the public access terminals in the Clerk's Office, Suite TG-100 (fee applies for e-filing from home)
• Oral answer given in person at the Clerk's Office within the 30-day answer period (no telephone answers permitted)

Walk-in filing is available at 3 locations: Downtown Courthouse (Justice Center Tower, 185 Central Ave SW, Atlanta) — main, North Annex, South Annex.

What happens after you file

The court sets your date after the defendant is served. The first appearance is trial. If the defendant loses, they have 30 days to move for a new trial and 30 days to appeal.

Why not just do it yourself?

The forms are free. Why pay anything?

The forms are free. Knowing what to write in them is not. Most rejected filings are rejected on the claim narrative, not the paperwork.

What happens if I get it wrong?

You refile and pay $60 again. That is the actual cost of guessing.

Do I need a lawyer?

No. Small claims is designed for people representing themselves, and most attorneys will not take a case this size.

Common questions

Where do I file a small claims case in Fulton County?

Fulton County Magistrate Court, Civil Division, 185 Central Avenue SW, Suite TG-100, Atlanta, GA 30303. Open 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., Monday-Friday.

Can I file small claims online in Fulton County?

Yes. Fulton County accepts filings through eFileGA (Odyssey File & Serve), and filers representing themselves may register.

How long does a small claims case take in Fulton County?

It depends on the court's calendar and on how quickly the defendant is served. The court sets the date once service is complete.

How much can I sue for in Fulton County?

Up to $15,000, exclusive of interest and costs.