Information for Filers Without Lawyers
Do you need to file with the Court but don’t have a lawyer to represent you? If you are representing yourself, you are called a self-represented litigant, or sometimes called a pro se or pro per party.
You must complete TWO STEPS to file documents with the Court:
- Find and prepare the right documents.
- File your documents online with the Court.
STEP 1: Preparing Your Documents
Visit the Georgia Guide & File site to see
if there is a guided interview for the type of case you need to file. You can e-file directly at the end of
some of the interviews.
(If you can't e-file at the end, save your documents and follow the instructions in the next section to
e-file.) Below are links to some of the most popular case types
- Dispossessory Affidavit (Eviction Complaint) and Dispossessory Answer (Eviction Answer)
- General Statement of Claim (Small Claim) and Defendant's Answer and Counterclaim (Small Claim Answer)
- Garnishment Affidavit (Collecting a Money Judgment)
- Divorce Without Minor Children
- Adult Name Change
- Temporary Protective Order
- Affidavit of Indigency (Request to Waive Court Fees)
If you don't find what you need on the Georgia Guide & File site, visit the GeorgiaLegalAid.org (in English and Spanish) to find the right forms. Below are links to some of the most popular case types. After you prepare your documents, follow the instructions in the next section.
STEP 2: File Your Documents Online
- Make sure your documents are in PDF format for e-filing. Click here to learn how to turn them into PDFs.
- Check the Active Courts section to see if the Court you need to file in allows you to file online
- If your court allows online filing, visit the eFileGA
site to file your documents. If you created an account on the Georgia Guide & File site, you can use
the same login on the eFileGA site.
- To learn how to file a new case, click here to read how or click here to watch a video.
- To learn how to file into an existing case, click here to read how or click here to watch a video.
- If your Court does not allow online filing, you can mail your documents or take them to the court.
Where to Find More Help
Click the links below for more information.
- Information (in English and Spanish) about how courts work and representing yourself
- Find legal research through the county law libraries for Fulton, Gwinnett, Cobb and DeKalb
- Free legal answers (if you qualify)
- Legal aid providers (you must qualify for help based on your income)
- Find a lawyer through the State Bar of Georgia
