Knowledge Base

Claims for up to $15,000 can be filed in the Magistrate Court, Civil Division,  225 Pine Avenue 3^rd floor Room 309.

1) If you are the Plaintiff:

·         You must sue in your proper name (individual, partnership or corporation).

·         You CANNOT sue in your tradename.

·         You must sue the defendant in the defendant’s proper name (NOT tradename).

·         At least one defendant MUST reside in Dougherty County.

·         You must sue for MONEY damages not more than $15,000.

     If you are the Defendant:

·         You must answer by filing a written answer with the clerk in person to the Court within 30 days of the time you are served.

·         If you fail to answer within 30 days, you have an additional 15 days to answer but you must pay the accrued court costs at the time of the answer.

·         If you fail to answer, a default judgment will be rendered against you.

·         At the time of you answer you may state any claim that you have against the plaintiff.

      After the answer is filed, a hearing will be held not sooner than 15 days and not later than 30 days from the date of answer. If an attorney is involved with the case, the hearing could be scheduled after 30 days. If you fail to appear at the scheduled hearing, judgment may be entered against you.

      Judgments of the Magistrate Court may be appealed within 30 days to the State Court or Superior Court by filing a Notice of Appeal, paying the accrued costs in the Magistrate Court, and paying the State/Superior Court filing fee.

The Magistrate, Civil Division, is located at 225 Pine Avenue, Suite 309, Albany, Ga. 31701. Telephone 229-302-3700.