Civil Litigation Attorney in Athens, GA

Evictions follow Georgia's dispossessory statute. The process: (1) give the tenant a written demand for possession (for nonpayment under residential leases signed or renewed on or after July 1, 2024, a written notice allowing three business days to pay or leave); (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. Be careful about accepting rent after you demand possession, because it can waive the demand and force you to start over. Many leases near UGA turn over in late July or August, so timing 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. Start by reviewing the operating or shareholder agreement for dispute resolution provisions, since many require mediation before litigation. If the dispute proceeds to litigation, Clarke County Superior Court has jurisdiction over business entity disputes. Georgia law lets a court dissolve an LLC when it is no longer reasonably practicable to carry on the business under its governing documents (O.C.G.A. § 14-11-603), and lets corporate shareholders seek dissolution when those in control act illegally, oppressively, or fraudulently. 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.

Athens-Clarke County has a superior court (claims of any amount, plus equitable relief and title to land), a state court (civil claims of any amount, but no equitable relief or title to land), and a magistrate court (claims up to $15,000 and dispossessory proceedings). All are in or near the downtown courthouse at 325 E Washington St. GA Law Group litigates in all three courts depending on the nature and amount of the dispute.