Southern District of Georgia
Chatham County Court
Chatham County is part of the Eastern Judicial Circuit within the 1st Superior Court District. At the federal level, Chatham County falls under the jurisdiction of the Savannah Division in the Southern District of Georgia. This page details court information and e-filing procedures for the Superior Court, State Court, Probate Court, Magistrate Court, and other relevant divisions within Chatham County. E-filing is mandatory for civil cases in the Superior, State, and Magistrate Courts. For criminal cases within these courts, only subsequent filings are permitted electronically. Additionally, e-filing is mandatory for family law cases in the Superior Court of Chatham County.
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Court Locations
Chatham County Superior Court
| Location | Hours | Additional info |
|---|---|---|
| 133 Montgomery Street | Monday – Friday, | Public parking is available in surrounding areas, including parking garages and street parking. Fees may apply. |
Payment methods
- AMEX accepted
- Visa/Mastercard/Debit accepted
- Echecks accepted
- Money Order/Cashier Check not accepted
Filing information
The Superior Court, handles felony criminal and civil disputes over $15,000, family, and real estate cases, except when an exception is made for unrepresented parties or as otherwise permitted by the court.
To review statewide rules and case-specific procedures, check out the procedures below and the statewide e-filing guide at the bottom of this page.
Initial e-filing procedure
Before filing, check the court website for standing orders or local rules that may impact your filings.
- Prepare documents: Convert documents to a searchable PDF format. Format lead documents with 1-inch margins and 12-point font. Attach supporting documents (affidavits, exhibits) separately.
- Use clear and concise file names (e.g., “Motion for Summary Judgment.pdf”), and confirm the maximum file size with the Clerk of Superior Court.
- Submit filing: Log in to your e-filing platform (i.e., Clio File, PeachCourt or Odyssey eFileGA) and upload documents.
- Select the correct case type and filing code. You can check the court’s website or the Georgia Superior Court Clerks’ Cooperative Authority electronic filing portal for support with filing codes. (https://efile.gsccca.org/Home.aspx).
- Pay and confirm: Review the Clerk’s website for filing fees and submit payment through your preferred electronic filing platform.
- Verify successful submission, retain the receipt, and file-stamped copies. If your filing is rejected, check the file size, formatting, and required fields.
General e-filing procedures
- Mandatory e-filing: Attorneys must file all civil case documents electronically via Odyssey eFileGA or Clio File, except when an exception is made for unrepresented parties or as otherwise permitted by the court.
- Subsequent filings: Submit all motions, responses, and amendments electronically.
- In criminal cases, you are permitted to e-file subsequent documents. E-filing is not mandatory for criminal filings with the state court unless otherwise ruled by a judge.
- Lead documents: Any document requiring a file stamp must be filed as a separate lead document with the correct filing code.
Tip: Clio users can draft filings via Clio Draft and submit them through Clio File, Clio’s integrated e-filing.
Clerk information
Clerk of Superior Court Contact
Phone: (912) 652-7200
Email: supctclk@chathamcounty.org
Additional links
Clerk of Superior Court Website:
Chatham County State Court
| Location | Hours | Additional info |
|---|---|---|
| 133 Montgomery Street, | Monday – Friday, | Public parking is available in surrounding areas, including parking garages and street parking. Fees may apply. |
Payment methods
- AMEX accepted
- Visa/Mastercard/Debit accepted
- Echecks accepted
- Money Order/Cashier Check not accepted
Filing information
The State Court handles misdemeanor criminal cases, civil disputes up to $15,000, and traffic violations. To review statewide rules and case-specific procedures, check out the procedures below and the statewide e-filing guide at the bottom of this page.
Initial e-filing procedure
Before filing, check the court website for standing orders or local rules that may impact your filings.
- Prepare documents: Convert documents to a searchable PDF format. Format lead documents with 1-inch margins and 12-point font. Attach supporting documents (affidavits, exhibits) separately.
- Use clear and concise file names (e.g., “Motion for Summary Judgment.pdf”), and confirm the maximum file size with the Clerk of Superior Court.
- Submit filing: Log in to your e-filing platform (i.e., Clio File, or PeachCourt and upload documents.
- Select the correct case type and filing code. You can check the court’s website or the Georgia Superior Court Clerks’ Cooperative Authority electronic filing portal for support with filing codes. (https://efile.gsccca.org/Home.aspx).
- Pay and confirm: Review the Clerk’s website for filing fees and submit payment through your preferred electronic filing platform.
- Verify successful submission, retain the receipt, and file-stamped copies. If your filing is rejected, check the file size, formatting, and required fields.
General e-filing procedures
- Mandatory e-filing: Attorneys must file all civil case documents electronically via Odyssey eFileGA or Clio File, except when an exception is made for unrepresented parties or as otherwise permitted by the court.
- Subsequent filings: Submit all motions, responses, and amendments electronically.
- In criminal cases, you are permitted to e-file subsequent documents. E-filing is not mandatory for criminal filings with the superior court unless otherwise ruled by a judge.
- Lead documents: Any document requiring a file stamp must be filed as a separate lead document with the correct filing code.
Tip: Clio users can draft filings via Clio Draft and submit them through Clio File, Clio’s integrated e-filing.
Clerk information
Clerk of State Court Contact
Phone: (912) 652-7224
Probate Court Contact
Phone: (912) 652-7265
Additional links
State Court Website: Court Information
County Probate Court Website: Fees
Chatham County Magistrate Court
| Location | Hours | Additional info |
|---|---|---|
| 133 Montgomery Street, | Monday – Friday, | Public parking is available in surrounding areas, including parking garages and street parking. Fees may apply. |
Payment methods
- AMEX accepted
- Visa/Mastercard/Debit accepted
- Echecks accepted
- Money Order/Cashier Check not accepted
Filing information
The Magistrate Court handles small claims cases (up to $15,000), issues arrest warrants, conducts preliminary hearings in felony cases, and handles dispossessory actions.
To review statewide rules and case-specific procedures, check out the procedures below and the statewide e-filing guide at the bottom of this page.
Initial e-filing procedure
Before filing, check the court website for standing orders or local rules that may impact your filings.
- Prepare documents: Convert documents to a searchable PDF format. Format lead documents with 1-inch margins and 12-point font. Attach supporting documents (affidavits, exhibits) separately.
- Use clear and concise file names (e.g., “Motion for Summary Judgment.pdf”), and confirm the maximum file size with the Clerk of Superior Court.
- Submit filing: Log in to your e-filing platform (i.e., Clio File, PeachCourt or Odyssey eFileGA) and upload documents.
- Select the correct case type and filing code. You can check the court’s website or the Georgia Superior Court Clerks’ Cooperative Authority electronic filing portal for support with filing codes. (https://efile.gsccca.org/Home.aspx).
- Pay and confirm: Review the Clerk’s website for filing fees and submit payment through your preferred electronic filing platform.
- Verify successful submission, retain the receipt, and file-stamped copies. If your filing is rejected, check the file size, formatting, and required fields.
General e-filing procedures
- Mandatory e-filing: Attorneys must file all civil case documents electronically via Odyssey eFileGA or Clio File, except when an exception is made for unrepresented parties or as otherwise permitted by the court.
- Subsequent filings: Submit all motions, responses, and amendments electronically.
- In criminal cases, you are permitted to e-file subsequent documents. Unless a judge rules otherwise, e-filing is not mandatory for criminal filings with the magistrate court.
- Lead documents: Any document requiring a file stamp must be filed as a separate lead document with the correct filing code.
Tip: Clio users can draft filings via Clio Draft and submit them through Clio File, Clio’s integrated e-filing.
Clerk information
Clerk of Magistrate Court Contact
Phone: (912) 652-7181
Additional links
Georgia Civil E-Filing Rules
General requirements
Unless otherwise specified, filers must file all documents electronically using the Supreme Court E-filing/Docket (SCED) system. The e-filing system will need to meet OASIS LegalXML standards for legal data exchange.
E-filing mechanism: Unless otherwise specified, file all documents electronically using the Court’s e-filing system (SCED).
- Login and security: Maintain a secure login for the EFSP, which serves as your electronic signature.
- Public access terminals: Use public terminals available at courthouses for free e-filing access if you do not have private access.
Original wills: Filers and attorneys applying to probate a document as an original will must file the original one with the necessary court clerk within three business days of the application.
Exceptions
If you are representing yourself, you are not required to e-file, but you may choose to do so. Courts will accept paper filings and convert them into electronic format.
Deadlines and technical failures
E-filed documents are deemed filed once the EFSP confirms receipt with a timestamp. If confirmation is not received, the document is not considered filed.
In case of a system outage or user error, the court may provide extensions or allow for nunc pro tunc (retroactive) filing to meet deadlines.
Electronic signatures
Attorneys will need to include an electronic or conformed signature by typing “/s/ [Your Name]” on all filings representing digital authorization.
Format standards
Submit filings in searchable PDF format.
- Use a 12-point Courier or 14-point Times New Roman.
- Ensure that documents have 1.2x or double spacing, with one-inch margins on all sides.
Electronic notices, orders and pleadings
Once your documents are submitted, the Court will send electronic notifications for updates and case actions. In civil matters, filers will receive notifications electronically, and exempt parties will receive notifications via mail.
Document service
According to Rule 14, filers must serve documents on opposing counsel. A certificate of service must accompany every filing.
Sensitive data and sealed materials
Filings cannot contain sensitive personal information, such as minor’s names, home addresses or unredacted personally identifiable information.
In civil matters, the court requires sealed documents to be filed provisionally under seal.
Georgia Criminal E-filing Rules
General requirements
All documents in criminal cases must be filed electronically using an approved Electronic Filing Service Provider (EFSP).
The Judicial Council authorizes the use of e-filing systems that meet the OASIS LegalXML standards for legal data exchange.
Exceptions
Documents required to be filed under seal, or for in-camera review, must be physically filed and cannot be submitted electronically.
- E-filing is prohibited for certain sensitive materials, such as original wills in probate cases or grand jury materials.
Deadlines and technical failures
The Court considers your filing submitted on the day it is received, as long as it is filed by 11:59 p.m. If technical issues prevent you from filing on time, you must file a motion explaining the delay and requesting relief.
Electronic signatures
E-filed documents must include the attorney’s signature in the form of “/s/ [Attorney Name],” representing their digital authorization.
Format standards
All documents must be in searchable PDF format or directly converted into PDF, with scanned documents only when necessary.
Electronic notices, orders and pleadings
Filers will receive notifications of case updates and filings electronically through the Court’s system, and exempt parties will receive notifications via mail.
Document service
Ensure that all documents are properly served in compliance with the rules for criminal case filings. A certificate of service must accompany every filing.
Sensitive data and sealed materials
Do not include sensitive personal information, such as minors’ names, or unredacted personally identifiable information in any criminal filings.
Georgia Appellate E-Filing Rules
General requirements
All documents must be filed electronically using an approved Electronic Filing Service Provider (EFSP). Submit records, including transcripts, electronically through the SCED-Trial Court Access System whenever possible.
Exceptions
For some appeals, such as habeas corpus, the Clerk may transmit original paper records. However, electronic submission is preferred.
- Documents required to be filed under seal, or for in-camera review, must be physically filed.
Deadlines and technical failures
E-filed documents are considered filed once the EFSP confirms receipt with a timestamp. Submit documents by 11:59 p.m. on the day they are due.
Electronic signatures
When several attorneys are listed on a document, the use of one attorney’s login details implies consent from all listed attorneys.
Format standards
You must submit all appellate documents as searchable PDFs.
- Use a 13-point serif font, such as Century Schoolbook.
- Ensure 1.2x to double spacing and one-inch margins on all sides.
Electronic notices, orders and pleadings
Filers will receive notifications of case updates and filings electronically through the Court’s system, and exempt parties will receive notifications via mail unless otherwise stated by the court.
Document service
You must serve documents in compliance with Rule 14 and include a certificate of service with every filing.
Sensitive data and sealed materials
Filers should avoid including sensitive personal information, such as minors’ names or home addresses, in appellate filings. Sealed appellate records require court approval before unsealing or public disclosure.
Disclaimer: This information applies to US practices. These pages are provided for informational purposes only. They do not constitute legal, business or accounting advice.