Do I Need A Lawyer?

Magistrate court, also called small claims court, is an informal court that handles money claims of less than $15,000.  This court offers a quick and inexpensive legal forum to resolve complaints. It is not necessary to have an attorney to file a suit or defend a suit in this court. As a matter of fact, the Court is designed to help non-lawyers with the various steps in handling their own cases.

This is not to say that lawyers are not welcomed and even encouraged, but there are many occasions when the amounts of money in controversy do not warrant engaging an attorney. Always remember that the Magistrate Court Judge is obligated by law to conduct the Court in a way that is fair to non-lawyers as well as to lawyers. The procedural rules of law are not as strictly enforced in the Magistrate Court as in other courts. The Magistrate Judge will apply rules of pleading and practice so as to administer substantial justice.

The magistrate Court and its employees cannot and will not offer an legal advice -- to do so is unlawful.  Our office will be happy to explain any process of the various proceedings that may be encountered in the Magistrate Court.If you have any questions, please feel free to ask any person associated with the Magistrate Court. Hopefully, this will answer and question you may have.

For Forms and additional information visit this website http://www.georgiacourts.org