If a Sheriff’s deputy just handed you a stack of papers, or if you found a Summons tacked to your door, your 30-day countdown has begun.
In Georgia, debt collectors move fast. But the law gives you a powerful tool to stop them: The Answer. By filing this simple document, you prevent them from emptying your bank account instantly. Here is exactly how to do it.
⚠️ Don’t Have Your Document Yet?
Filing is the easy part. Writing the legal defense is the hard part. One wrong word can ruin your case.
[Generate Your Georgia-Compliant Answer in 15 Minutes]
1. The 30-Day Deadline
Under Georgia law (O.C.G.A. § 9-11-12), you have 30 calendar days from the date you were served to file your Answer.
- Count carefully: Include weekends. If the 30th day falls on a weekend or holiday, your deadline is the next business day.
- The “Default” Trap: If you miss the 30-day window, the case automatically goes into “Default.” However, Georgia is unique: you get a 15-day grace period to reopen the case, but you must pay court costs to do so. After 45 days, it’s game over—you lose.
2. Filing Fees: Is It Free?
This is where many people get confused.
The Court Fee: $0
Generally, Georgia courts do not charge a fee to file an Answer. Unlike the person suing you (who paid $200+ to start the case), your right to defend yourself is usually free.
The E-Filing Fee: $7 – $30
If you choose to file online (which is required for lawyers but optional for you), the website system (like PeachCourt or Odyssey) charges a “transaction fee.” This is for the software, not the judge.
3. How to File: 3 Options
Georgia has modernized its court system. Depending on your county (Fulton, Gwinnett, Cobb, etc.), you have three ways to get your Answer to the judge.
Option A: E-Filing (Fastest)
Most Georgia counties use PeachCourt or Odyssey eFileGA.
- Pros: Instant proof of delivery; no driving.
- Cons: Costs money (approx. $7–$30); account setup can be tricky for first-timers.
Option B: In Person (Free)
Go to the Clerk of Superior/State/Magistrate Court listed on your Summons.
- Bring 3 copies of your signed Answer.
- Ask the clerk to stamp all copies. One stays with the court, one is for you, one is for the plaintiff.
- Cost: Usually free.
Option C: By Mail
If you live far from the courthouse, you can mail it.
- Use USPS Certified Mail with Return Receipt.
- Warning: It must arrive at the court before the deadline, so do not wait until day 29 to mail it.
4. The Verification Rule (Crucial!)
Georgia has a special rule that trips up many people representing themselves. Look at the Complaint (the paper accusing you of debt).
- Is it “Verified”? Does the last page have a signature sworn under oath or before a notary?
- If YES: Your Answer MUST also be verified. This means you must sign your Answer in front of a notary public.
- If NO: You can typically sign it normally.
💡 DebtAegis Protection: Our system checks these details. We provide you with a “Verification” page if your case requires it, ensuring you don’t get thrown out on a technicality.
5. Statute of Limitations in Georgia
Is the debt too old to collect? Check the dates:
- Credit Cards / Open Accounts: 4 Years (O.C.G.A. § 9-3-25).
- Written Contracts: 6 Years (O.C.G.A. § 9-3-24).
If it has been more than 4 or 6 years since you last paid, you have a powerful defense. But you must file an Answer to tell the judge this. The judge will not check the dates for you.
🚀 Protect Your Paycheck Today
Georgia allows wage garnishment of up to 25% of your disposable income. Don’t let a debt collector take your hard-earned money just because you didn’t file a piece of paper.
[Create Your Georgia Answer Now]
- Tailored for PeachCourt & Odyssey formats.
- Includes “Verification” template if needed.
- 100% Money-Back Guarantee.