Georgia · Legal help by topic · Updated Oct 2026

Legal help in Georgia: get back what you're owed

Eight free guides for Georgia, in one place: the key facts and deadlines from each, and a direct link to the full guide. Start with the problem you have.

Small Claims Map

Small claims court in Georgia

If someone owes you money and won't pay, you can sue without a lawyer.

Most you can sue for
$15,000
Court
Magistrate Court
Filing fee
$95–$115
Lawyers
Optional

Facts from Small Claims Map. About this topic

Tenant Rights Map

Renters' rights in Georgia

If you rent, state law sets how fast a deposit comes back, what the landlord must repair and the notice before an eviction case.

Deadline to return a deposit
30 days
Security deposit limit
2 months' rent
Notice before an eviction case for unpaid rent
3 business days
Notice before the landlord enters
No statute

Facts from Tenant Rights Map, checked Oct 2026. About this topic

Wage Claim Map

Unpaid wages in Georgia

If your employer didn't pay you, a state office may collect it for free.

File a wage claim with
US DOL (no state program)
Minimum wage (2026)
$7.25
Final paycheck if fired
No state deadline
Deadline to file a wage claim
2 years

Facts from Wage Claim Map, checked Oct 2026. About this topic

Lemon Car Map

Lemon law in Georgia

If a new car keeps going back to the shop for the same defect, the maker may owe you a refund or a replacement.

Lemon law period
24 mo / 24,000 mi
What makes it a lemon
3 repairs · 1 if unsafe · 30 days
Covers used cars
No
Before you sue
Required

Facts from Lemon Car Map, checked Oct 2026. About this topic

Tax Appeal Map

Property tax appeals in Georgia

If your home's assessed value is too high, you can appeal it, but only within a short window.

Deadline to appeal
45 days after assessment notice
Where you appeal first
County Board of Tax Assessors, then your choice of Board of Equalization or Arbitration
Median effective tax rate
0.77%
Median yearly tax on a home
$2,341

Closed for 2026Closed for most 2026 notices (45 days after mailing; Fulton County's was July 31, 2026). The next window opens when 2027 notices go out, usually April to July. (as of October 21, 2026)

Facts from Tax Appeal Map, checked Oct 2026. About this topic

Exemption Map

Property tax exemptions in Georgia

If you own and live in your home, you may qualify for breaks that lower your property tax. You usually have to apply.

Homestead exemption
$2,000
Homestead deadline
April 1
Senior break
Yes
Disabled veterans
$126,526

Facts from Exemption Map, checked Oct 2026. About this topic

Owed Map

Unclaimed money in Georgia

Old bank accounts, deposits, refunds and checks end up with the state. Searching and claiming is free.

Official search
Georgia Unclaimed Property Program
Held by the state
About $3 billion (2026)
Cost to search and claim
Free
On MissingMoney.com
Yes

Facts from Owed Map, checked Oct 2026. About this topic

Divorce Law Map

Divorce in Georgia

Before you can file, one of you usually must have lived in the state for a set time, and many states make you wait before the divorce is final.

Divorce Law Map doesn't have a checked guide for Georgia yet. Its state tables link the court's own self-help page; check the rules with the court before you file.

Facts from Divorce Law Map. About this topic

Deadlines at a glance in Georgia

Short forms of each guide's rule. Every deadline has details (when the clock starts, exceptions, how to count days): read the full rule in the guide before you rely on it. “See the guide” means our data has no short form for it.

Deadlines at a glance in Georgia
TopicDeadline or time limitRuleGuide
Small claims courtDeadline to sue: written contract6 yearsSmall Claims Map
Small claims courtDeadline to sue: verbal agreement4 yearsSmall Claims Map
Small claims courtDeadline to sue: property damage4 yearsSmall Claims Map
Renters' rightsDeadline to return a deposit30 daysTenant Rights Map
Renters' rightsNotice before an eviction case for unpaid rent3 business daysTenant Rights Map
Unpaid wagesDeadline to file a wage claim2 yearsWage Claim Map
Unpaid wagesFinal paycheck if firedNo state deadlineWage Claim Map
Lemon lawLemon law period24 mo / 24,000 miLemon Car Map
Lemon lawDeadlineFile your state arbitration application with the Attorney General within 1 year after the Lemon Law rights period ends, or within 60 days after a certified manufacturer program's proceeding ends, whichever is later (O.C.G.A. § 10-1-786(a)).Lemon Car Map
Property tax appealsDeadline to appeal45 days after assessment noticeTax Appeal Map
Property tax exemptionsHomestead deadlineApril 1Exemption Map
Unclaimed moneyDeadline to claimSee the guideOwed Map

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Other problems: free official help

RobinClaim doesn't cover debt collectors, scams, custody and child support, and other areas yet. These official and nonprofit services can help in every state:

Links checked Oct 2026. Sources are listed in how we research.

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