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Georgia Magistrate Court Statement of Claim (MAG-10-01): Filing a Small Claims Lawsuit in Gwinnett County

September 27, 2026

The Georgia Magistrate Court Statement of Claim (form MAG-10-01) is the official court document used to start a small claims lawsuit in Georgia's Magistrate Court system. Often called the "people's court," Magistrate Court was designed to help regular citizens resolve disputes without hiring an attorney, making it one of the most accessible courts in Georgia. The Statement of Claim is the first and most important document you will file — it tells the court and the defendant why you are suing and how much you are owed.

What Is the Statement of Claim Used For?

The Statement of Claim initiates a civil action in Magistrate Court for claims involving money or property valued at $15,000 or less (the jurisdictional limit under O.C.G.A. § 15-10-2). Common uses include:

  • Unpaid debts — money owed on loans, services rendered, or goods delivered
  • Property damage — damage to a vehicle, home, or personal property
  • Breach of contract — broken agreements for work, rent, or purchases
  • Security deposit disputes — landlords who wrongfully withhold deposits
  • Return of property — personal items held by another person without legal right

The form asks for basic information: your name and address (as the plaintiff), the defendant's name and last known address, a brief description of the claim, and the amount you are seeking — including the principal amount and any pre-judgment interest.

Why Does Georgia Law Require Notarization?

Under O.C.G.A. § 15-10-43(a), the Statement of Claim must be "signed and verified by the plaintiff or his or her agent by oath or affirmation." This means you must swear to the truth of the claims in the presence of a notary public (or a deputy clerk of the magistrate court who is authorized to administer oaths).

The notarization requirement serves two important purposes:

  • Truthfulness under oath — By swearing to the claim before a notary, you are making a sworn statement that the facts in your claim are true. Making a false statement under oath can expose you to penalties for perjury.
  • Deterring frivolous lawsuits — The verification requirement discourages people from filing groundless claims by holding them personally accountable for the truth of their allegations from the very first filing.

In Gwinnett County, the Magistrate Court filing fee for a Statement of Claim is approximately $65, though this varies by county and may include additional costs for service of process.

Official Form and Resources

The official Georgia Magistrate Court Statement of Claim form is published by the Council of Magistrate Court Clerks and is available for download:

Tip: The form must be filed in the Magistrate Court of the county where the defendant resides. If you are suing a Gwinnett County resident, file your notarized Statement of Claim with the Gwinnett County Magistrate Court at the Gwinnett Justice and Administration Center in Lawrenceville.

Need this document notarized? Find a trusted notary in your area on Notary of Gwinnett.