Dispossessory Notice of Trial Date – Georgia Court

The Dispossessory Notice of Trial Date is an official form used by the Magistrate Court of __________ County, Georgia. This form serves to notify both plaintiffs and defendants of the scheduled trial date for dispossessory proceedings, which typically involve eviction cases. The Dispossessory Notice of Trial Date is an official form is crucial for ensuring all parties are informed and prepared for their trial in dispossessory cases, facilitating a fair and orderly legal process.

Filling out this form correctly is essential to ensure all parties are properly notified of the upcoming trial. Follow these steps to complete the form accurately:

Step-by-Step Instructions

Court Information

1. • At the top of the form, enter the name of the county where the Magistrate Court is located (e.g., “MAGISTRATE COURT OF FULTON COUNTY, GEORGIA”).

Case Information

1. • Date Filed: Write the date when the form is being filed.
   • Case Number: Enter the unique case number assigned to your dispossessory proceeding.

Parties Involved

1. • Plaintiff(s)
     • Write the full name(s) and address(es) of the plaintiff(s), which are typically the landlord(s) or property owner(s) initiating the eviction.
   • Defendant(s)
     • Write the full name(s) and address(es) of the defendant(s), which are usually the tenant(s) being evicted.

Trial Date Details

1. • Trial Date: Enter the scheduled trial date in the format “day of [month], 20[year]”.
   • Time: Specify the time of the trial in the format “____ o’clock __. M.” (e.g., 10:00 A.M. or 2:00 P.M.).
   • Courtroom: Indicate the specific courtroom where the trial will take place, including the county (e.g., “in the Fulton County Courtroom, Fulton County, Georgia”).

Attorney Notification

1. • If you have an attorney, ensure to notify them about the trial date and ask them to be present with you.

Date and Signature

1. • Leave the spaces for the day and month blank if you are the party filling out the form. This section is typically completed by the court clerk.
   • The court clerk or deputy clerk will sign the form to finalize it.

General Instructions for Preparing for Trial

• Review Instructional Material
  • Watch the instructional tape, “I Present My Case,” available on the Council of Magistrate Court Judges’ website for further guidance.
• Prepare Your Evidence
  • Gather all relevant documents, including written contracts, leases, IOUs, notes, letters, bills, invoices, canceled checks, and photographs.
  • Bring any witnesses who have firsthand knowledge of the case. Notarized statements are not accepted as evidence.
• Notify the Court of Changes
  • Inform the Clerk of Court in writing if there are any changes to your address or daytime telephone number to ensure you receive all court notices.
• Be On Time
  • Arrive at the court on time for your trial. Being late can result in an automatic loss of your case.
• For Plaintiffs
  • Ensure the defendant is liable and the amount claimed is accurate. Bring all necessary proof to support your claim.
• For Defendants
  • File an answer or counterclaim on time. Be prepared to prove why you do not owe the claimed amount or why someone else is responsible. If necessary, discuss a payment plan with the plaintiff before the court date or present this request to the judge.

Additional Tips

• Subpoenas
  • Obtain subpoenas from the Clerk of Court for witnesses and documents if necessary.
• Damage Cases
  • For cases involving property damage, bring detailed descriptions, repair bills, and any relevant evidence to support your claims about the property’s condition before and after the damage.

Filling out the Dispossessory Notice of Trial Date form correctly and preparing adequately for your trial will help ensure that your case is heard fairly and efficiently.