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: DeKalb County Magistrate Court offers e-filing services.
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?
Electronic filing exists here, but the record indicates it isn't open to people representing themselves — it's for attorneys. Plan to file in person or by mail, and ask the clerk whether that's still the 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.