Courts in Georgia: Magistrate Court, State Court, Superior Court, Court of Appeals, Supreme Court, Federal District Court, Federal Appeals Court
When it comes time for a person to file a lawsuit in Georgia, there are many different courts to choose from. It is often confusing for a non-lawyer to determine which court is the proper one for his dispute. This blog will hopefully shed some light on the appropriate trial court in which to pursue disputes. However, this is by no means a comprehensive list. Make sure to contact an experienced business attorney for further guidance on choice of forum.
Superior Court: This court has exclusive jurisdiction to hear all civil business disputes concerning any amount of money between citizens of Georgia (1) where the party filing suit wants to force another party to act (affirmative equitable relief) and (2) where parties seek a determination as to ownership of land. Aside from these cases, superior courts can hear almost any other civil case, except those with certain specialized subject matter.
State Court: This court can hear almost all civil business cases between citizens of Georgia with the exception of cases where the superior court has exclusive jurisdiction or cases concerning specialized subject matter.
Magistrate Court: This court can hear any case between citizens of Georgia that State Courts can hear so long as the dispute is for less than $15,000.
Federal District Court: In order for a case to qualify to be heard in this court, the case must (1) concern citizens of different states and (2) the party filing suit must be able to prove that more than $75,000 is in dispute. This court does not hear cases concerning divorce, alimony, child custody or probate matter.
Additional Specialized Courts: Various counties have also establishes courts to address specific business issues. Once such court, the Fulton County Business Court, maintains a website with criteria for the admission of cases at http://www.fultoncourt.org/sca200807/offices/business-court.html.
