2026 Guide Georgia 25 Dispute Types
Georgia Small Claims Court — Dispute Guides
Select who you're suing for a guide tailored to Georgia's court rules, the $15,000 limit, and your specific dispute type.
$15,000
SC limit
$45–$75
Filing fee
Magistrate Court
Court name
Who Are You Suing in Georgia?
Landlord
$500–$5,000 Security deposits, unpaid repairs & habitability disputes
Georgia guide →
Contractor
$500–$10,000 Incomplete work, shoddy repairs & contractor fraud
Georgia guide →
Employer
$200–$7,500 Unpaid wages, last paycheck & withheld commissions
Georgia guide →
Amazon
$50–$2,000 Damaged goods, undelivered orders & third-party seller disputes
Georgia guide →
Car Dealer
$500–$10,000 Undisclosed damage, deposit disputes & lemon car issues
Georgia guide →
Insurance Company
$500–$10,000 Claim denials, underpayment & bad faith delays
Georgia guide →
Neighbor
$200–$5,000 Property damage, fence disputes & nuisance claims
Georgia guide →
Mechanic / Auto Shop
$200–$5,000 Overcharges, unauthorized repairs & damage while in their care
Georgia guide →
Roommate
$200–$5,000 Unpaid rent, stolen deposits & property damage
Georgia guide →
Airline
$100–$3,000 Canceled flights, baggage loss & denied boarding compensation
Georgia guide →
Airbnb / VRBO
$200–$3,000 Host disputes, property damage & refund denials
Georgia guide →
Moving Company
$500–$8,000 Damaged belongings, inflated bills & hostage loads
Georgia guide →
Online Seller (eBay, Facebook, Craigslist)
$100–$3,000 Misrepresented items, non-delivery & fraud
Georgia guide →
Dog Owner
$200–$10,000 Bite injuries, property damage & vet bills
Georgia guide →
Friend or Family Member
$100–$5,000 Unpaid loans, bounced checks & personal money disputes
Georgia guide →
Uber or Lyft
$100–$5,000 Accidents, overcharges & property damage
Georgia guide →
Hotel
$100–$5,000 Injury, overcharges & accommodation disputes
Georgia guide →
Store / Retailer
$50–$3,000 Return disputes, defective products & overcharges
Georgia guide →
Car Accident (Other Driver)
$500–$10,000 Vehicle damage, injuries & uninsured drivers
Georgia guide →
Cell Phone Company
$100–$2,000 Overcharges, broken contracts & deposit disputes
Georgia guide →
Gym / Fitness Club
$100–$1,500 Membership cancellation disputes & unauthorized charges
Georgia guide →
Wedding Vendor
$500–$10,000 Deposit disputes, no-shows & broken vendor contracts
Georgia guide →
Doctor / Medical Provider
$200–$5,000 Billing errors, overcharges & surprise bills
Georgia guide →
Property Manager
$300–$8,000 Mismanagement, fee disputes & unauthorized charges
Georgia guide →
Internet / Cable Provider
$100–$2,000 Overcharges, broken speed promises & equipment deposits
Georgia guide →
Best Seller
Small Claims Demand Letter Template
$14
instant download
A professionally written demand letter template that puts the other party on notice before you file. Courts expect a demand letter before you sue — and it gets you paid 40% of the time without ever stepping foot in a courtroom. Works in all 50 states.
Lawyer-written letter
$300+
This download
$14
You keep
$286+
- 6 variants included: General, Landlord/Tenant, Contractor, Unpaid Loan, Property Damage, Follow-Up Notice
- Fillable HTML — open in any browser, click fields to type, print to PDF when done
- Editable Word (.docx) — fill in Microsoft Word using Find & Replace
- Certified mail instructions included — how to send, what to keep as proof
- Instant download — ready to fill in and send today
HTMLWord (.docx)
Code SUMMER20 = 20% off at checkout
Secure checkout via Payhip · Instant delivery · 30-day guarantee
Georgia Small Claims — At a Glance
Court name Magistrate Court
Maximum claim $15,000
Filing fee range $45–$75
Written contract SoL 6 years
Property damage SoL 4 years
Oral contract SoL 4 years
Georgia tip
Georgia's Magistrate Court is one of the most accessible small claims systems in the US.Frequently Asked Questions
What is the small claims limit in Georgia?
The small claims limit in Georgia is $15,000. This is the maximum dollar amount you can sue for in the Magistrate Court. If your actual damages exceed this amount, you can reduce your claim to fit within the limit or file in a higher civil court for the full amount.
How do I file a small claims case in Georgia?
To file a small claims case in Georgia: (1) get the plaintiff's claim form from the Magistrate Court or its website; (2) complete it with the defendant's full legal name and address; (3) file at the courthouse and pay the $45–$75 filing fee; (4) serve the defendant; (5) attend your hearing with all evidence.
How long do I have to file a small claims case in Georgia?
In Georgia, the statute of limitations for written contracts is 6 years and for oral contracts is 4 years. You must file before this deadline — courts dismiss time-barred claims regardless of merit. The clock starts from the date of the dispute or breach.
Can I bring a lawyer to small claims court in Georgia?
Attorney representation rules in Georgia small claims court vary. Most small claims cases are handled without lawyers — the simplified process and short hearing times make self-representation practical. If the amount is significant or the issues are complex, a brief attorney consultation before the hearing (not at the hearing) can help you prepare your case.
What happens if I win but the other party doesn't pay in Georgia?
If the other party refuses to pay your judgment, you can use enforcement tools: wage garnishment, bank account levy, or a property lien recorded with the county. All require a Writ of Execution from the court. Your judgment also earns post-judgment interest while unpaid. See our full Georgia judgment collection guide for step-by-step enforcement instructions.