Fayette County Small Claims Court

Fayette County Small Claims Court

Appealing a Judgment

If you are not happy with the court’s decision (and generally at least one party, sometimes both, are not satisfied with the judgment), the party may file an appeal (or ask a higher court to review the judgment). The appeal is heard in the state or superior court of Fayette County. On the appeal, either party may request a jury trial (something you cannot have at the magistrate court level). The appeal must be filed within thirty days of the court’s decision.

What is a default judgment and why is it bad?

If the defendant fails to appear at the hearing or respond to the claim, the judge can issue a default judgment against the defendant. If a default judgment is entered, the plaintiff is awarded the amount that was requested in the claim along with court costs. If the plaintiff asks for damages that are not measured in money (like specific property), the court will likely conduct an additional hearing to place a dollar amount on the value of the property (or item being asked for). The defendant has only thirty days to respond to the claim. If the defendant fails to respond, the defendant is in default.

Do I need to hire an attorney?

We cannot tell you whether or not you should hire an attorney. However, you may hire an attorney if you wish, but are not required to do so. You are able to file the case on your own completely without the assistance of an attorney. All cases are tried and heard before a judge, without a jury. You should remember that the procedures and rules for small claims court cases are designed so that a party should not need to have to retain an expensive attorney in order for their case to be effectively presented. Some courts utilize mediation as a tool to resolve a case without the time and expense of a trial. Some counties will even require a case to attempt to be settled at mediation prior to it being set for trial.

How does the defendant learn of the case?

After the case is filed the court clerk serves the defendant with a copy of the claim along with a summons. After that, the defendant has thirty days to respond or answer the claim.

Types of Cases Filed in Fayette County Small Claims Court

These are some examples of the types of cases that are filed in magistrate court:

• A tenant refuses to pay for damages which are more than the security deposit
• Renter fails to pay rent or Owner seeks to evict renter
• Renter moves out and Owner fails to return deposit
• A Merchant fails to address issues with faulty merchandise
• Borrower refuses to make payments on a loan
• Dry cleaning business damages or loses items and refuses to pay for damage or loss

Unnecessary repairs or work done on a car by a mechanic

Which County do I file my case in?

If the defendant is a person, the case must be filed in the County where they live. If the defendant is a corporation, the claim must be filed in the county of the registered agent for the company. To find the registered agent, contact the Corporations Division of the Secretary of State either online or at 404-656-2817. If the defendant is an unincorporated business (fancy for is not a corporation), file the case in the county where the business is physically located (ie. if the business is located in Fayette County, file it here).
The plaintiff must also pay a filing fee which is submitted along with the initial paperwork (the sworn statement). The filing fee includes the cost to serve one defenant. The filing fee varies by each county but is generally between $45 and $55. If an additional defendant is named in the action, there is an extra charge for serving the additional party. The extra charge could is usually between $25-$35 (to serve the added party).
The Fayette County Clerk for the Magistrate Court can help you complete the necessary forms but CANNOT give legal advice. For example, the court clerk would be able to review your completed forms to make sure your signature is in the appropriate blanks but is not able to tell you which defendant you should sue. Also, the clerk will not be able to tell you if they think you will win.

Can the Defendant File a Claim Against the Plaintiff?

Yes. This is called a counterclaim. The defendant can file this against the plaintiff’s original claim if the defendant’s claim is related to the plaintiff’s initial claim and the amount asked for by the defendant is less than $15,000. A defendant’s counterclaim is generally heard at the same time and date as the plaintiff’s original claim.

When will my hearing date be?

The court will select a hearing date after the defendant files an answer to the claim. Hearing dates are usually 15 to 30 days after the date the answer was filed.

How should I prepare for the hearing?

We recommend taking the following steps to prepare for your hearing:

• Ensure you have all copies of any documents you need for the case. You should make at least two additional sets of copies (one for the court and one for the other party).
• Contact any witnesses you need to call to prove your case and confirm that they will appear on the hearing date
• If you need to bring in a witness to prove your case and the witness is not being cooperative with you, prepare a subpoena.
• If you need additional documents for your case, you can issue a subpoena for those documents to obtain documents from other parties.
• A subpoena is a piece of paper completed by you and issued by the court which commands certain persons to appear in court and may direct them to bring documents with them or to produce evidence. A subpoena can be obtained from the clerk’s office of the Magistrate Court for Fayette County.
  

  Fayette County Court Location

  The Fayette County magistrate court is located at:

  Fayette County Justice Center
  One Center Drive
  Fayetteville, GA 30214

  The court can be reached by telephone at: 770-716-4230 and fax at 770-716-4855. The magistrate judge is Chief Magistrate Robert A. Ruppenthal.

  What are the hearing procedures?

  In some counties, the court requires both parties to attempt to resolve the case through mediation before the court will hear the case (if the mediation is unsuccessful). Mediation is a way for both parties to meet with an independent third party who can evaluate the case and try to reach a settlement that is agreeable to both parties. Even if the parties agree to settle the case out of court, the plaintiff may still ask the defendant to pay court costs (costs for filing the case, serving defendants, any subpoenas issues, etc.). If the parties cannot agree to settle the case, the the court will hear arguments presented by the plaintiff and the defendant. The court will also allow the plaintiff and defendant to question or dispute each other’s evidence during the hearing. When both parties are done, the judge will issue a decision (or judgment). The court could award damages to the plaintiff, the defendant, or both depending on the merits of the case.
  The court has several options if the plaintiff does not appear at the hearing:

  • The court can allow defendant to put on his or her evidence and then issue a decision without hearing from the plaintiff.
  • continue the case.
  • The court can dismiss the case

  If the defendant does not show at the hearing, the court has the authority to grant a default judgment against the defendant. The name comes from the fact that because the defendant does not show, the plaintiff wins the case by “default.” It is strongly recommended you attend the hearing whether you are the plaintiff or defendant (regardless of whether you believe the case to be strong or weak).

  What are the procedures for filing a case?

  A plaintiff (person who starts the claim or lawsuit) must file a sworn statement with the clerk of the appropriate magistrate court. The sworn statement describes the charges made against the defendant (the person or business that is being sued by the plaintiff). The sworn statement should include the following details:

  • Name, address, and telephone number of the plaintiff (and attorney if the plaintiff has one)
  • Name and strees address of the defendant
  • The amount of money the plaintiff is requesting
  • Brief, succint statement detailing why the defendant is being sued (include dates of all relevant events)
  • Copies of all relevant documents regarding the claim (for example, any contracts, receipts, etc.)

  

  Small Claims courts are also called Magistrate Courts in Fayette County. If you are unable to settle a dispute with a person or business, the matter can be filed in magistrate court.
  The magistrate or small claims court was designed so that disputes under a certain amount ($15,000) could be handled informally. They are designed to quickly and inexpensively settle the dispute.