Georgia

Georgia Legal Resources

Free legal information, aid organizations, and court resources for residents of Georgia. Know your rights and find help.

Legal Aid Organizations

Georgia Legal Services Program (GLSP)

Provides free civil legal services to low-income residents in 154 counties outside metro Atlanta.

Visit Website →

Atlanta Legal Aid Society

Serves low-income residents in the five-county metro Atlanta area with free legal help in housing, family, and consumer matters.

Visit Website →

Georgia Legal Aid

Online portal connecting Georgians to legal aid resources, self-help information, and legal assistance programs statewide.

Visit Website →

Georgia Law Center for the Homeless

Provides free legal services to people experiencing homelessness in metro Atlanta, focusing on benefits, identification, and housing.

Visit Website →

Latin American Association Legal Services

Offers free immigration and family law services to the Latino community in Georgia.

Visit Website →

ACLU of Georgia

Defends civil liberties through litigation and advocacy on voting rights, criminal justice reform, and immigrants' rights.

Visit Website →

Court System Overview

The Supreme Court of Georgia is the court of last resort with seven justices. The Court of Appeals handles intermediate appeals. Superior Courts are the general jurisdiction trial courts in each county. State Courts handle civil and certain criminal matters. Magistrate Courts handle small claims and minor offenses. Probate Courts handle wills, estates, and guardianship.

The Supreme Court of Georgia has seven justices and sits in Atlanta. The Court of Appeals has 15 judges organized into five divisions. Georgia's 159 counties each have a Superior Court (general jurisdiction), with 49 judicial circuits. State Courts (in 71 counties) handle misdemeanors and civil cases. Magistrate Courts handle small claims (up to $15,000), warrants, and preliminary hearings. Juvenile Courts handle matters involving children under 17.

Key State Laws & Protections

Georgia Landlord-Tenant Act

Governs rental relationships under OCGA Title 44, Chapter 7, including security deposit limits and eviction procedures through dispossessory proceedings.

Georgia Fair Employment Practices Act

Prohibits employment discrimination by state and local government employers based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex, disability, and age.

Georgia Fair Business Practices Act

Consumer protection law under OCGA 10-1-390 prohibiting unfair or deceptive business practices.

Georgia Crime Victims' Bill of Rights

Provides victims with rights including notification of court proceedings, right to be heard, and right to restitution.

Georgia Family Violence Act

Provides for Temporary Protective Orders (TPOs) and permanent protective orders for victims of family violence, with mandatory arrest provisions under OCGA 19-13.

Georgia Lemon Law

Protects consumers who purchase or lease defective new vehicles, requiring manufacturers to repair, replace, or refund within specified time and mileage limits.

Georgia Restrictive Covenant Act

Governs non-compete, non-solicitation, and non-disclosure agreements in employment, providing balanced protections for both employers and workers.

Bar Association

State Bar of Georgia
Visit Official Website →

Legal Aid Hotline

Need Immediate Legal Help? Call Georgia Legal Services at 1-800-498-9469 for free legal help.

Emergency Legal Resources

National Domestic Violence Hotline

24/7 confidential support for domestic violence victims

1-800-799-7233

Georgia Crisis & Access Line

24/7 mental health and substance abuse crisis support

1-800-715-4225

Georgia Consumer Protection Division

Georgia Attorney General consumer complaint line

404-651-8600

Suicide & Crisis Lifeline

Call or text 988 for immediate mental health crisis support

988

Recent Legal Updates (2025–2026)

Georgia Tax Reform (2025)

Gradual reduction of state income tax rate continuing toward a flat tax structure, with increased standard deductions for lower-income filers.

Mental Health Parity Act Updates (2025)

Strengthened requirements for insurance companies to provide equal coverage for mental health and substance use disorder treatment.

Georgia First-Time Homebuyer Assistance (2025)

Expanded state programs providing down payment assistance and tax credits for first-time homebuyers in Georgia.

Related Guides

Know Your Rights Find a Lawyer Legal Aid Resources Court Preparation

Filing Deadlines (Statute of Limitations)

Personal Injury

Statute of Limitations: 2 years

This is the maximum time after an event within which you may file a lawsuit. Missing this deadline typically means losing your right to sue.

Contract Disputes

Statute of Limitations: 4 years (oral) / 6 years (written)

This is the maximum time after an event within which you may file a lawsuit. Missing this deadline typically means losing your right to sue.

Property Damage

Statute of Limitations: 4 years

This is the maximum time after an event within which you may file a lawsuit. Missing this deadline typically means losing your right to sue.

Medical Malpractice

Statute of Limitations: 2 years

This is the maximum time after an event within which you may file a lawsuit. Missing this deadline typically means losing your right to sue.

Fraud

Statute of Limitations: 4 years

This is the maximum time after an event within which you may file a lawsuit. Missing this deadline typically means losing your right to sue.

Court Filing Fees

Small Claims Court

Typical filing fee: $45-$75 (claims up to $15,000 in Magistrate Court)

Small claims court is designed for individuals to resolve minor disputes quickly and affordably without an attorney.

Civil Court

Typical filing fee: $250-$350

Civil court handles larger disputes including personal injury, contract breaches, and property claims. Attorney representation is common.

Family Court

Typical filing fee: $200-$300

Family court handles divorce, custody, child support, adoption, and domestic violence matters. Fee waivers are often available for low-income filers.

Free Legal Aid Organizations

Atlanta Legal Aid Society

Free civil legal services in the metro Atlanta area for housing, family, consumer, and public benefits matters.

Visit Website →

Georgia Legal Services Program

Serves 154 counties outside metro Atlanta with free legal help in housing, family, and benefits.

Visit Website →

Atlanta Volunteer Lawyers Foundation

Pro bono legal representation for low-income Atlantans in family law and domestic violence cases.

Visit Website →

State Bar Resources

State Bar of Georgia

Referral: Lawyer Referral Service: (404) 527-8700

Pro Bono: Georgia Pro Bono Resource Center connects attorneys with qualifying clients.

Visit State Bar Website →

State Court Websites

Supreme Court of Georgia

Georgia's court of last resort with seven justices, located in Atlanta. Handles appeals involving constitutional questions, elections, title to land, wills, and capital cases.

Visit Court Website →

Georgia Court of Appeals

Fifteen judges organized into five divisions handling intermediate appeals from Superior Courts and State Courts. Access opinions, case information, and filing procedures.

Visit Court Website →

Georgia Superior & State Courts

Superior Courts (general jurisdiction) in 49 judicial circuits across 159 counties. State Courts handle misdemeanors and civil cases. Access court locator and case search.

Find Your Local Court →

Key Statute Citations

OCGA §44-7-1 through §44-7-81

Georgia Landlord-Tenant Law. Governs residential rental agreements, security deposits, landlord obligations, eviction through dispossessory proceedings, and tenant remedies.

OCGA §45-19-20 through §45-19-45

Georgia Fair Employment Practices Act. Prohibits employment discrimination by state and local government employers based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex, disability, and age.

OCGA §10-1-390 through §10-1-408 (FBPA)

Fair Business Practices Act. Prohibits unfair or deceptive acts and practices in consumer transactions, with enforcement by the AG's Consumer Protection Division and limited private right of action.

OCGA §19-13-1 through §19-13-56

Family Violence Act. Authorizes Temporary Protective Orders (TPOs) and permanent protective orders for victims of family violence, with mandatory arrest provisions and firearms restrictions.

OCGA §34-8-1 through §34-8-280

Employment Security Law. Governs unemployment insurance eligibility, benefits calculations, employer contributions, and the appeals process through the Georgia Department of Labor.

Additional Legal Aid Organizations

Georgia Legal Aid

Statewide online portal connecting Georgians to free legal information, self-help resources, court forms, and referrals to legal aid organizations.

Visit Website →

Atlanta Volunteer Lawyers Foundation

Connects low-income Atlanta residents with pro bono attorneys for family law, domestic violence, and Saturday Lawyer Program walk-in clinics.

Visit Website →

Georgia Asylum and Immigration Network (GAIN)

Provides free legal services to asylum seekers and immigrants in Georgia, including representation in immigration court and assistance with visa applications.

Visit Website →

Attorney General — Consumer Protection

Georgia Attorney General — Consumer Protection Division

The Georgia AG's Consumer Protection Division investigates unfair and deceptive business practices, scams, price gouging, and identity theft. The division mediates consumer complaints and can take enforcement action against businesses.

Phone: (404) 651-8600

Online Complaints: File at consumer.georgia.gov/consumer-complaint

Visit AG Consumer Protection →

Civil Rights Agency

Georgia Commission on Equal Opportunity (GCEO)

The GCEO promotes equal opportunity and fair treatment in employment for state government. Note: Georgia does not have a comprehensive state civil rights commission like many other states. Federal protections (EEOC for employment, HUD for housing) are the primary avenue for private-sector discrimination claims. Several local jurisdictions, including Atlanta and DeKalb County, have local human relations commissions.

Atlanta Office of Human Relations: (404) 330-6455

EEOC Atlanta District Office: (800) 669-4000

EEOC Atlanta Office →
Featured Attorney
Your Firm Name Here
Serving your state — all practice areas
★★★★★
Experienced attorneys ready to help with your legal situation. Free consultations available.
Get Free Consultation Sponsored — Place Your Ad Here

Frequently Asked Legal Questions in Georgia

Georgia has multiple legal aid organizations that provide free or low-cost legal help to income-eligible residents. You can also contact your local bar association for pro bono referrals, or visit our Legal Aid Finder to search by zip code.
In Georgia, tenants generally have the right to a habitable dwelling, proper notice before eviction, the return of security deposits within a specified timeframe, and protection from housing discrimination. Specific rules vary — visit our Tenant Rights Checker for Georgia-specific details.
Georgia allows expungement or record sealing for many misdemeanor and some felony convictions, typically after a waiting period and no subsequent offenses. Eligibility depends on the charge type, sentence served, and time elapsed. Use our Expungement Eligibility Checker to see if you qualify.
Georgia sets its own minimum wage, which may be higher than the federal minimum of $7.25/hr. Many cities within the state may have even higher local minimums. Use our Wage & Overtime Calculator to check the current Georgia minimum wage and calculate your pay.
The statute of limitations in Georgia sets the deadline to file a lawsuit after an injury or dispute. It varies by case type — personal injury, contracts, and criminal charges all have different limits. Use our Legal Deadline Calculator to find your specific deadline in Georgia.