Northern District of Georgia
DeKalb County Court
DeKalb County courts serve the community by handling civil, criminal, probate, and small claims matters. The Stone Mountain Judicial Circuit oversees Superior Court cases, while State, Magistrate, and Probate Courts address specific legal needs. Filers can choose in-person services or use e-filing platforms like PeachCourt, Clio File, and eFileGA. Contact the Clerk’s Office to confirm eligibility and filing procedures.
Last updated:
Court Locations
DeKalb County Superior Court
| Location | Hours | Additional info |
|---|---|---|
| DeKalb County Courthouse | Monday – Friday | Parking is available in the deck behind the courthouse for a flat fee of $6.00. Free parking for jurors is available at 125 West Trinity Place |
Payment methods
- AMEX accepted
- Visa/Mastercard/Debit accepted
- Echecks not accepted
- Money Order/Cashier Check not accepted
Filing information
E-filing is mandatory for civil cases and family law matters.
The Superior Court of DeKalb County handles felony cases, family law matters (e.g., divorce, custody), civil cases with claims exceeding $15,000, equity cases, and other matters as defined by state law.
Initial e-filing procedure
- Prepare documents:
- Convert documents to searchable PDF format.
- Ensure lead documents meet formatting standards (e.g., margins, font size).
- Attach the required supporting materials.
- Submit and pay:
- Use correct filing codes.
- Pay applicable fees through Clio File, Peach Court, or eFileGA.
- Confirm filing:
- Verify acceptance of filings.
- Retain submission receipts and file-stamped copies.
General e-filing procedures
- Mandatory for all civil and family law cases. Use PeachCourt, Clio File, or eFileGA.
- Subsequent e-filings: Required for motions, responses, and amendments. Use the same e-filing platforms.
- Lead documents: Ensure the primary document meets formatting standards, including searchable PDF format, appropriate margins, and font size.
- Resources: Forms, fee schedules, and local rules are available on the court’s website.
Clerk information
General Information: 404-371-2836
Clerk of Superior Court: 404-371-2451
Additional links
DeKalb County State Court
| Location | Hours | Additional info |
|---|---|---|
| Division A: 556 N. McDonough Street, Decatur, GA 30030 | Monday – Friday | Division A: Park in the deck behind the courthouse for a flat fee of $6.00. Jurors can park for free at 125 West Trinity Place. Division B: On-site parking is available. Contact the court for details. |
Payment methods
- AMEX accepted
- Visa/Mastercard/Debit not accepted
- Echecks accepted
- Money Order/Cashier Check not accepted
Filing information
The DeKalb County State Court handles:
- Misdemeanor criminal cases
- Traffic violations
- Civil cases with claims under $15,000
E-filing is mandatory for:
- Civil cases
- Traffic violations
Initial e-filing procedure
- Prepare documents:
- Convert documents to searchable PDF format.
- Ensure lead documents meet formatting standards
- Attach the required supporting materials
- Submit and pay:
- Apply the correct filing codes.
- Pay fees through PeachCourt, Clio File, or eFileGA
- Confirm filing:
- Verify acceptance of filings.
- Retain submission receipts and file-stamped copies.
General filing procedures
- E-filing: Submit filings for all civil and traffic-related cases through PeachCourt, Clio File, or eFileGA.
- Optional e-filing: Use e-filing for certain case types, such as civil and traffic-related matters, through PeachCourt, Clio File, or eFileGA. Contact the Clerk’s Office to confirm eligibility.
- Lead documents: Submit the primary filing, such as complaints, petitions, or motions, as lead documents. Ensure compliance with formatting standards, including margins, font size, and searchable PDF format. Attach and clearly label supporting documents.
Resources available: Access forms, fee schedules, and local rules on the court’s website.
Clerk information
Phone: 404-371-2822
Email: dscinfo@dekalbstatecourt.gov
Additional links
DeKalb County Magistrate Court
| Location | Hours | Additional info |
|---|---|---|
| 3630 Camp Circle | Monday – Friday | Parking is available in the deck behind the courthouse for a flat fee of $6.00. Free parking for jurors is available at 125 West Trinity Place |
Payment methods
- AMEX accepted
- Visa/Mastercard/Debit not accepted
- Echecks accepted
- Money Order/Cashier Check not accepted
Filing information
E-filing is permissive, meaning it is encouraged for efficiency but not mandatory.
The Magistrate Court handles civil claims under $15,000, including small claims cases, landlord-tenant disputes, and garnishments. It also processes warrant applications and conducts misdemeanor arrest and search warrant hearings.
Initial e-filing procedure
- Prepare documents:
- Convert documents to searchable PDF format.
- Ensure lead documents meet formatting standards
- Attach the required supporting materials
- Submit and pay:
- Apply the correct filing codes.
- Pay fees through PeachCourt, Clio File, or eFileGA
- Confirm filing:
- Verify acceptance of filings.
- Retain submission receipts and file-stamped copies.
General filing procedures
- E-filing: Submit filings through PeachCourt, Clio File, or eFileGA. E-filing is encouraged for efficiency but is not mandatory.
- Subsequent filings: Submit subsequent filings for motions, responses, or other case updates through the e-filing platforms. Ensure they meet the same formatting and coding standards as initial filings.
- Optional e-filing: Available for small claims, garnishments, and landlord-tenant disputes. Check with the Clerk’s Office to confirm eligibility.
- Lead documents: File primary documents, such as claims or warrants, as lead documents. Ensure compliance with formatting standards, including searchable PDF format, proper margins, and font size. Attach and label supporting documents.
Resources available: Access forms, fee schedules, and local rules on the court’s website.
Clerk information
Civil Matters: 404-371-2261 Criminal Matters: 404-294-2150
Additional links
DeKalb County Probate Court
| Location | Hours | Additional info |
|---|---|---|
| 556 North McDonough St. | Monday – Friday |
Payment methods
- AMEX not accepted
- Visa/Mastercard/Debit accepted
- Echecks not accepted
- Money Order/Cashier Check not accepted
Filing information
The DeKalb County Probate Court handles:
- Estate administration (wills, administration, and guardianships)
- Conservatorships
- Marriage licenses
- Firearm permits
- Mental health cases
- Other matters assigned under Georgia law
Initial e-filing procedure
- Prepare documents:
- Convert documents to searchable PDF format.
- Ensure lead documents meet formatting standards
- Attach the required supporting materials
- Submit and pay:
- Apply the correct filing codes.
- Pay fees through PeachCourt, Clio File, or eFileGA
- Confirm filing:
- Verify acceptance of filings.
- Retain submission receipts and file-stamped copies.
General filing procedures
- E-filing: Submit filings through PeachCourt, Clio File, or eFileGA. E-filing is optional but recommended for efficiency.
- Optional e-filing: Available for estate administration and conservatorship matters. Contact the Clerk’s Office to confirm eligibility and current filing procedures.
- Lead documents: File primary documents, such as petitions for administration or guardianship, as lead documents. Ensure compliance with formatting standards, including searchable PDF format, proper margins, and font size. Attach and label supporting documents clearly.
- Subsequent filing: Submit subsequent filings for motions, amendments, or additional documentation through the e-filing platforms. Ensure they meet the same formatting and coding standards as initial filings.
Resources available: Access forms, fee schedules, and local rules on the court’s website.
Clerk information
Chief Clerk/ Probate Court Administrator: 404-371-2608
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.