DeKalb County Magistrate Court - Civil Division
Filing information for DeKalb County Magistrate Court - Civil Division in Decatur, GA. Part of the DeKalb County small claims court system.
Small claims in Georgia — the numbers that apply at this court
$15,000
maximum claim
$45
filing fee (published)
2–6 yrs
filing deadline by claim type
Yes
e-filing accepted
Published court information — verify before acting. See the full Georgia small claims guide · The form that starts a case (MAG 10-01): every field explained.
Courthouse Details
DeKalb County Magistrate Court - Civil Division
DeKalb County Courthouse, Administration Tower, 556 N. McDonough Street, 2nd Floor, Room 230
Decatur, GA 30030
Hours: 8:30 am until 5:00 pm, Monday through Friday Except Holidays
Area Served
All of DeKalb County
How to File at DeKalb County Magistrate Court - Civil Division
E-filing available
This court accepts electronic filing for small claims cases.
Note: The DeKalb County Magistrate Court website directs users to 'E-File GA (Tyler)' for e-filing. This is a statewide portal that supports filing new cases online.
File in person
Bring your completed forms to the courthouse during business hours.
File by mail
Most small claims courts accept filing by mail — check with this court first. Typically you mail your completed forms with the filing fee plus a self-addressed stamped envelope for your returned copies.
Ready to get your money back?
A demand letter often settles disputes before a case is ever filed — and it only takes a few minutes.
Read the demand letter guideSmall claims rules in Georgia
How much you can sue for
Individuals can sue for up to $15,000.
Deadline to file (statute of limitations)
6 yrs written contract · 4 yrs oral contract · 4 yrs property damage · 2 yrs personal injury
Common questions
How much does it cost to file a small claims case at DeKalb County Magistrate Court - Civil Division?
Filing fees in Georgia are set by the state and are $45. If you can't afford the fee, Georgia offers a fee waiver — ask the clerk how to apply. Fees change, so confirm the current amount with the court clerk before you file.
What's the most I can sue for in DeKalb County?
Small claims cases in DeKalb County are limited to $15,000. If your claim is worth more than that, you either have to bring it in a different court or give up the amount above the limit to stay in small claims. The clerk can confirm which court fits your claim.
Can I file online at DeKalb County Magistrate Court - Civil Division?
Yes — electronic filing is available for small claims in DeKalb County. You can also file in person or by mail. The clerk's office can tell you which option is fastest for your case.
Where is DeKalb County Magistrate Court - Civil Division, and when is it open?
DeKalb County Magistrate Court - Civil Division is at DeKalb County Courthouse, Administration Tower, 556 N. McDonough Street, 2nd Floor, Room 230, Decatur, GA 30030. Posted hours: 8:30 am until 5:00 pm, Monday through Friday Except Holidays. Phone: (404) 371-2261. Hours change around holidays and court closures — call ahead before you travel.
Do I have to have a lawyer to file in Decatur?
Small claims court is built for people representing themselves, and most filers do exactly that. Whether an attorney may appear varies by state — the state guide linked on this page covers the rule where you are, and the clerk can confirm it.
Answers reflect published court data. Court rules and fees change — the clerk is always the authoritative source.