$15,000Claim Limit
$45–$80Filing Fee
4 yrsSOL Period
30 daysAppeal Window
Georgia Small Claims Rules
| Court Name | Magistrate Court — Civil Division |
| Claim Limit | $15,000 ($15,000 for businesses) |
| Filing Fee | ~$45–$80 (varies by claim amount and county) |
| Statute of Limitations | 4 years for most contract disputes |
| Attorneys | ✓ Attorneys allowed Attorneys are allowed |
| Service of Process | Sheriff or certified mail |
| Appeal Deadline | 30 days from judgment |
| Judgment Valid For | 7 years |
| Online Filing | ✗ In-person required |
| Official Court Website | https://georgiacourts.gov → |
Georgia Security Deposit Rules
| Return Deadline | 30 days |
| Penalty for Violation | 3× the wrongfully withheld amount plus attorney fees |
| Wages SOL | 4 years |
💡 Before suing your landlord over a security deposit in Georgia, always send a written demand letter first. Generate one free →
What You Need to Know About Georgia Small Claims
Georgia small claims are handled in Magistrate Court, with a generous $15,000 limit. Georgia has strong tenant protections — landlords who wrongfully withhold deposits face triple damages plus attorney fees. The statute of limitations for wages is 4 years.
Filing Tips for Georgia
1
Georgia's $15,000 limit handles most consumer and landlord disputes in one court
2
Triple damage penalty for deposit disputes makes Georgia one of the most tenant-friendly states
3
File in the magistrate court of the county where the defendant resides
4
The 4-year SOL for wage claims gives you more time than most states
Common Cases in Georgia
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