Georgia Debt Lawsuit Answer Form: what to file, where, and by when
Last verified against official court sources: 2026-07-02
Most Georgia consumer debt suits land in magistrate court (up to $15,000), where the statewide form is MAG 10-03, "Answer and Counterclaim of Defendant," published by the Council of Magistrate Court Judges. You have 30 days from service to answer — in writing or, in magistrate court, even orally to the court.
Georgia has a statewide magistrate form — and counties publish their own versions
MAG 10-03 is the Council of Magistrate Court Judges' statewide template, but many counties (Gwinnett, DeKalb, and others) publish their own local fill-in answer forms — your county's version is equally valid. For State or Superior Court cases there is no official statewide answer form: you draft an answer under the Civil Practice Act and serve it under O.C.G.A. § 9-11-5.
The Georgia twist
The Georgia safety net: oral answers, and 15 extra days
Two things Georgia's own Attorney General confirms that most guides miss: in magistrate court your answer can be written OR oral, and if you miss the 30-day deadline you get 15 more days to "open the default" by filing an answer and paying court costs. That grace period has saved cases — but do not plan on it; costs apply and the window is hard.
Deadlines, filing, fees, and service
- Deadline: 30 days from service in most cases; a 15-day default-opening grace period follows (with court costs).
- Filing: file with the magistrate court clerk; e-filing (Odyssey eFileGA / PeachCourt) is mandatory for attorneys but optional for self-represented defendants — paper works.
- Fee: no fee found for filing a magistrate-court answer.
- Serving the plaintiff: in State/Superior Court, serve under O.C.G.A. § 9-11-5 with a certificate of service. In magistrate court, ask the clerk whether you must also mail the plaintiff a copy — local practice varies.
Common questions
Can I really answer a Georgia debt lawsuit orally?
In magistrate court, yes — Georgia's Attorney General consumer guidance states the answer may be written or oral within 30 days. A written answer creates a cleaner record, so use the form when you can; the oral option matters most when the deadline is about to run.
What if I already missed my 30-day deadline in Georgia?
Georgia gives you 15 additional days to "open the default" by filing your answer and paying court costs. Act immediately — after that window closes, undoing a default judgment is far harder.
Does my Georgia county have its own answer form?
Possibly — many county magistrate courts publish local fill-in versions of the answer form. Both the statewide MAG 10-03 and your county's version work; use whichever your clerk points you to.
Do I have to e-file my Georgia answer?
No. E-filing is mandatory for attorneys in State and Superior Courts, but self-represented defendants may file on paper. Magistrate court e-filing availability varies by county.
Primary sources
This page provides general legal information verified against the official sources linked above; it is not legal advice, and court rules change — confirm current requirements with your clerk of court. Answered is self-help software, not a law firm. If you can afford a lawyer, hire one.