What court should I use to collect a business debt in Georgia?

Claims of $15,000 or less can be filed in magistrate court, which is faster and less expensive. State court and superior court can hear claims of any amount. We choose the court that best fits the size and nature of your claim.

What can I do after I get a judgment?

Georgia provides wage garnishment (intercept the debtor's paycheck), bank account garnishment, and liens on real property through a fi. fa. We use these tools to collect the money, not just to obtain a judgment on paper.

How long do I have to collect on a Georgia judgment?

A Georgia judgment becomes dormant if the fi. fa. is not recorded and kept active, generally through a recorded entry or public collection effort at least every seven years (O.C.G.A. § 9-12-60). A dormant judgment can be revived within three years. We track these deadlines so a judgment does not lapse.

What if the debtor files for bankruptcy?

A bankruptcy filing automatically stays (stops) most collection activity. GA Law Group coordinates with bankruptcy counsel when debtors file and evaluates whether your debt may be non-dischargeable because of fraud or other misconduct, which would allow collection to resume after the bankruptcy.

Civil Litigation

Debt Collection Attorney in Northeast Georgia

Recovering What You Are Owed.

When a customer, client, or debtor refuses to pay a legitimate debt, you have legal remedies. GA Law Group pursues debt collection through Georgia courts, from filing suit through judgment and collection, for businesses and individuals throughout Northeast Georgia.

Schedule a Consultation 770-904-9375

Commercial debt collection in Georgia involves more than a demand letter. When debtors will not pay voluntarily, we file suit, obtain judgment, and use Georgia's post-judgment tools, including garnishment, levy, and liens, to recover what you are owed.

Filing Suit and Obtaining Judgment

For claims of $15,000 or less, magistrate court is an efficient, low-cost forum. Larger claims go to state or superior court. GA Law Group evaluates which forum best serves your claim and files suit with the documentation necessary to obtain a quick default judgment when the debtor fails to appear.

Post-Judgment Collection

A judgment is only the first step. To actually collect money, Georgia provides several tools: wage garnishment through the debtor's employer, garnishment of bank accounts, and the writ of fieri facias (fi. fa.), which can be levied on the debtor's property.

Judgment Liens on Real Estate

Recording the fi. fa. on the general execution docket creates a lien on the debtor's property in that county, including real estate. The lien generally must be paid before the debtor can sell or refinance, which makes it a powerful tool against debtors who own real estate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Debt Collection FAQ

: Claims of $15,000 or less can be filed in magistrate court, which is faster and less expensive. State court and superior court can hear claims of any amount. We choose the court that best fits the size and nature of your claim.
: Georgia provides wage garnishment (intercept the debtor's paycheck), bank account garnishment, and liens on real property through a fi. fa. We use these tools to collect the money, not just to obtain a judgment on paper.
: A Georgia judgment becomes dormant if the fi. fa. is not recorded and kept active, generally through a recorded entry or public collection effort at least every seven years (O.C.G.A. § 9-12-60). A dormant judgment can be revived within three years. We track these deadlines so a judgment does not lapse.
: A bankruptcy filing automatically stays (stops) most collection activity. GA Law Group coordinates with bankruptcy counsel when debtors file and evaluates whether your debt may be non-dischargeable because of fraud or other misconduct, which would allow collection to resume after the bankruptcy.

Related Services

More Civil Litigation Services

Contract Disputes

When a contract is breached, you have legal recourse, but recovering requires strategy, documentation, and a command of Georgia contract law. GA Law Group represents businesses and individuals in contract disputes throughout Northeast Georgia.

Learn More

Business Litigation

Business disputes between partners, with customers or competitors, or over ownership call for counsel who understands both the law and the business stakes. GA Law Group represents Northeast Georgia businesses in the full range of commercial disputes.

Learn More

Property Disputes

Disputes over boundary lines, easements, adverse possession, trespass, and encroachments call for an attorney who knows Georgia real property law and the local courts.

Learn More

Appeals

An unfavorable trial court judgment is not necessarily the end. GA Law Group handles civil appeals to the Court of Appeals of Georgia, the Supreme Court of Georgia, and seven federal circuits, challenging legal errors and defending favorable verdicts.

Learn More

All Civil Litigation Services →

Schedule a Consultation

Talk to a Georgia Debt Collection Attorney

GA Law Group handles debt collection matters throughout Northeast Georgia. Schedule a free consultation to discuss your situation.

Schedule a Free Consultation

Or call us directly: 770-904-9375