Important: This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Court fees and requirements change frequently. Always verify with your local court before filing.
Eviction in Georgia
Open-data reference.
Filing a eviction in Georgia costs $60–$175 - among the more affordable of the 10 states we track. The typical timeline is Hearing within 7-14 days. Writ issues shortly after judgment., and a mandatory waiting period of 7 days applies before the court can finalize the matter.
Non-payment (7-day demand letter), lease violation, end of term (60-day notice for month-to-month)
What This Means for Your Eviction Filing in Georgia
Filing for eviction in Georgia costs $60–$175 at the courthouse, the first financial barrier most self-represented filers face. $60-$175 in Magistrate Court. Sheriff service fee ~$25-$50 additional. Beyond the filing fee, a mandatory waiting period of 7 days applies before the court can finalize the matter, and the typical case timeline is Hearing within 7-14 days. Writ issues shortly after judgment.. County-level surcharges and service-of-process fees can add to that total; see our court fee waiver guide for who qualifies to file without paying.
Procedurally, Georgia lays out 7 distinct steps, and the clerk typically requires 4 core document categories to open your case. Residency rules matter: standard state residency rules apply. Grounds or legal theory must be stated clearly in the initial petition - Non-payment (7-day demand letter), lease violation, end of term (60-day notice for month-to-month) (see our pro se filing guide for common filing mistakes to avoid).
Filing Fee Details
$60-$175 in Magistrate Court. Sheriff service fee ~$25-$50 additional.
How Georgia compares to other states
Georgia ranks #7 of 10 states for eviction filing cost. Each bar is a state's upper-bound eviction filing fee, from $150 (NC) to $500 (NY); Georgia is highlighted at $175.
Source: state court filing-fee schedules (upper-bound fee per state). Verify current amounts with the relevant court. How we calculate this ranking →
Key Requirements
- Send demand for possession (7 days)
- File Dispossessory Affidavit in Magistrate Court
- Sheriff serves defendant (7-day answer period)
- Writ of Possession after judgment
Step-by-Step Process
- 1
Demand tenant vacate (in writing)
- 2
File Dispossessory Affidavit in Magistrate Court
- 3
Sheriff serves tenant (7 days to answer)
- 4
If no answer: default judgment
- 5
If answer filed: hearing within 7-14 days
- 6
Writ of Possession issued
- 7
Sheriff enforces eviction
Important Notes
Georgia calls eviction "dispossessory." Magistrate Court process is relatively fast.
Grounds / Eligibility
Non-payment (7-day demand letter), lease violation, end of term (60-day notice for month-to-month)
Quick Reference
- Filing Fee
- $60–$175
- Waiting Period
- 7 days
- Typical Timeline
- Hearing within 7-14 days. Writ issues shortly after judgment.
Official Resources
Other Civil Processes in Georgia
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to file for eviction in Georgia?
The filing fee for eviction in Georgia is $60–$175. $60-$175 in Magistrate Court. Sheriff service fee ~$25-$50 additional.
How long does eviction take in Georgia?
Hearing within 7-14 days. Writ issues shortly after judgment.
Do I need a lawyer for eviction in Georgia?
You are not legally required to hire an attorney for eviction in Georgia, but legal representation is recommended for complex cases. Free or low-cost legal aid may be available, see lawhelp.org for Georgia resources.
Is there a waiting period for eviction in Georgia?
Georgia requires a mandatory waiting period of 7 days before the process can be finalized.
Where do I file for eviction in Georgia?
Eviction filings in Georgia are handled through the state court system. Visit the official court website for county-specific filing locations and current fee schedules.
What documents are needed for eviction in Georgia?
Key requirements include: Send demand for possession (7 days); File Dispossessory Affidavit in Magistrate Court; Sheriff serves defendant (7-day answer period).
Where does this data come from?
This information is sourced from Georgia court websites, legal aid organizations, and public court fee schedules, last verified 2026-03. See our methodology for full sourcing details.
Read our methodology - how this data is sourced, computed, and verified.
| Publisher | PlainCivil |
| Sources | Public state court datasets and federal civil-justice records |