Civil Litigation Attorney in Athens, GA

Dispossessory proceedings for Athens landlords follow Georgia's Dispossessory Act. The process: (1) serve a written demand to vacate (or pay rent, for nonpayment cases) on the tenant; (2) if the tenant does not comply, file a dispossessory affidavit in Clarke County Magistrate Court; (3) the tenant is served and has seven days to answer; (4) a hearing is scheduled if the tenant answers, or a default writ of possession is available if not. For Athens student tenant evictions, critical caution: accepting any rent payment after serving the demand restarts the entire process. Clarke County Magistrate Court handles dispossessory filings for Athens properties. Near-UGA properties often have lease terms that expire August 1 — timing your demand correctly relative to the academic calendar matters. GA Law Group handles Athens dispossessory proceedings.

Business partner disputes in Athens typically involve claims for breach of the operating agreement, breach of fiduciary duty, or both. Your first step is to review the LLC operating agreement or shareholder agreement for dispute resolution provisions — many require mediation before litigation. If the dispute proceeds to litigation, Clarke County Superior Court has jurisdiction over business entity disputes. Georgia law provides member remedies including judicial dissolution for conduct that is oppressive or fundamentally unfair. Frequently, partner disputes that feel intractable resolve through negotiated buyouts once litigation becomes realistic and the cost is understood by both sides. GA Law Group evaluates Athens business partner disputes and advises on the most efficient resolution path.

Clarke County has a Superior Court (major claims, equitable relief, real property), a State Court (claims up to $25,000, jury trials without equitable jurisdiction), and a Magistrate Court (small claims up to $15,000, dispossessory proceedings). All are part of the Athens-Clarke County consolidated government and located in or near the courthouse complex at 325 E Washington St in downtown Athens. GA Law Group litigates in all three courts depending on the nature and amount of the dispute.