Georgia Small Claims Court Limit
Georgia small claims court has a dollar limit of $15,000 under O.C.G.A. § 15-10-2(5).
The information on this page is general reference content compiled from publicly available state statutes and court materials. It is not legal advice and does not create an attorney-client relationship. Small claims limits and procedures change. Always verify against the linked official source and consult a licensed attorney in your state for advice on your specific situation.
Dollar Limit
$15,000
Magistrate court has jurisdiction over civil claims where amount demanded or value of property claimed does not exceed $15,000. No dollar limit applies to eviction (dispossessory) actions.
Statute: O.C.G.A. § 15-10-2(5) — Read the statute
Last verified: 2026-05-19
Where to File
Court: Magistrate Court
Filing Fees
Approximately $50-$80 depending on county (set by county under O.C.G.A. § 15-10-80)
Are Attorneys Allowed?
Yes
Attorneys are permitted but not required. Corporations and LLCs may be represented by an officer, employee, or attorney (O.C.G.A. § 15-10-2 and related provisions).
Can You Appeal?
Yes
Either party may appeal de novo to state or superior court within 30 days of judgment (O.C.G.A. § 15-10-41(b)); appeal bond and costs may be required.
Can Corporations Sue or Be Sued?
Yes
Statute of Limitations
How long you have to file depends on the type of claim:
- Written contract: 6 years (O.C.G.A. § 9-3-24)
- Oral contract: 4 years (O.C.G.A. § 9-3-26)
- Personal injury: 2 years (O.C.G.A. § 9-3-33)
- Property damage: 4 years (O.C.G.A. § 9-3-32)
- Debt on open account: 4 years (O.C.G.A. § 9-3-25)
- Libel/slander: 1 year (O.C.G.A. § 9-3-33)
Filing after the statute of limitations has expired is grounds for dismissal. Confirm the deadline for your specific claim type before filing.
What You Can't Sue For Here
Small claims court in Georgia does not handle the following claim types:
- Divorce and family law matters
- Cases requiring determination of title to real estate
- Cases seeking injunctive relief
- Cases requiring equitable remedies beyond magistrate court's statutory authority
If your dispute falls into one of these categories, you will need to file in a different court.
Official Forms
Download official Georgia small claims forms from the state court system:
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the small claims court limit in Georgia?
- The small claims court limit in Georgia is $15,000, set by O.C.G.A. § 15-10-2(5).
- What is the statute of limitations for small claims in Georgia?
- In Georgia, the statute of limitations for filing a small claims case depends on the type of claim. Common deadlines: Written contract: 6 years (O.C.G.A. § 9-3-24); Oral contract: 4 years (O.C.G.A. § 9-3-26); Personal injury: 2 years (O.C.G.A. § 9-3-33); Property damage: 4 years (O.C.G.A. § 9-3-32); Debt on open account: 4 years (O.C.G.A. § 9-3-25); Libel/slander: 1 year (O.C.G.A. § 9-3-33). Filing after the deadline is grounds for dismissal.
- Do I need a lawyer for small claims court in Georgia?
- Yes, attorneys are permitted but not required in Georgia small claims court. Attorneys are permitted but not required. Corporations and LLCs may be represented by an officer, employee, or attorney (O.C.G.A. § 15-10-2 and related provisions).
- Where do I file a small claims case in Georgia?
- Small claims cases in Georgia are filed in Magistrate Court. The court of jurisdiction depends on where the defendant lives or where the claim arose. See the official state court small claims information for filing locations.
- Where can I find official small claims forms for Georgia?
- Official small claims forms for Georgia can be downloaded from the state court system at https://georgiamagistratecouncil.com/forms/.
- What is the filing fee in Georgia small claims court?
- Filing fees in Georgia small claims court are Approximately $50-$80 depending on county (set by county under O.C.G.A. § 15-10-80). Consult the official court fee schedule for current rates.
- Can I appeal a small claims judgment in Georgia?
- Yes, small claims judgments in Georgia can be appealed under state procedure. Either party may appeal de novo to state or superior court within 30 days of judgment (O.C.G.A. § 15-10-41(b)); appeal bond and costs may be required.