Georgia Laws

This page summarizes ten Georgia laws people ask about most, with a link to the full guide for each. Every guide cites the state statute or an official source. Laws change, so check the current statute or talk to a local attorney before you act.

Georgia Personal Injury Statute of Limitations

In Georgia, you generally have 2 years from the date of injury to file a personal injury lawsuit (Ga. Code § 9-3-33). If you miss the deadline, the court will usually dismiss the case. Different deadlines can apply to medical malpractice, wrongful death and claims against government agencies.

Read the full personal injury statute of limitations guide →

Georgia Comparative Negligence Laws

Georgia follows modified comparative negligence (50% bar). You can recover only if your share of fault is less than 50%. At 50% or more you recover nothing, and below that your award is reduced by your percentage of fault.

Read the full comparative negligence laws guide →

Georgia Minimum Wage in 2026

Georgia's state minimum wage is $5.15 per hour, but it only applies to the few employers not covered by federal law. Employers covered by the Fair Labor Standards Act, which includes most businesses, must pay the federal minimum of $7.25 per hour.

Read the full minimum wage guide →

Georgia Final Paycheck Laws

Georgia has no state law setting a deadline for a final paycheck. Under federal law, employers are not required to give former employees their final paycheck immediately. In practice, final wages are normally paid on the next regular payday, and you are still owed every hour you worked at no less than the minimum wage.

Read the full final paycheck laws guide →

Georgia Small Claims Court Limits

In Georgia, you can sue for up to $15,000 in small claims court, which is handled by the magistrate court. The limit is scheduled to rise to $25,000 on January 1, 2027. Small claims cases are faster and cheaper than regular lawsuits, and most people represent themselves. If your claim is larger, you must file in a higher court or give up the excess.

Read the full small claims court limits guide →

Georgia Security Deposit Laws

Georgia security deposit limit: 2 months' rent for leases entered or renewed on or after July 1, 2024. The landlord must return the deposit, minus lawful deductions, within this deadline: 30 days. Landlords cannot deduct for normal wear and tear, and tenants can usually sue in small claims court if a deposit is wrongly withheld.

Read the full security deposit laws guide →

Georgia Eviction Notice Requirements

If rent is unpaid in Georgia, the landlord must generally give a written notice before filing an eviction case: 3 business days to pay or move. Required for leases entered or renewed on or after July 1, 2024, under the Safe at Home Act. Only a court can order an eviction; a landlord cannot change the locks, remove belongings or shut off utilities to force a tenant out.

Read the full eviction notice requirements guide →

Georgia Small Estate Affidavit

Georgia small estate limit: no general affidavit; banks may pay deposits up to $15,000 to heirs without administration. Waiting period after death: varies. Real estate: not by affidavit. A small estate process lets heirs collect property without a full probate case.

Read the full small estate affidavit guide →

Does Georgia Recognize Common Law Marriage?

No, not for new relationships. Georgia abolished common law marriage as of January 1, 1997. Marriages formed before that date remain valid. Most states generally recognize a marriage that was valid where it was formed, so a common law marriage created in a state that allows it may still be recognized.

Read the full common law marriage guide →

Georgia Divorce Residency Requirements

To file for divorce in Georgia: 6 months of residence before filing. Waiting period: 30 days after service for a no-fault divorce. If you do not meet the residency rule yet, you may need to wait or file in the state where your spouse lives.

Read the full divorce residency requirements guide →

Find help near you in Georgia

Popular cities: Atlanta · Savannah · Valdosta · Macon · Marietta · Augusta · Cordele · Brunswick

This page summarizes state law for general information and is not legal advice. Laws change and courts interpret them; check the current statute or official source, or talk to a licensed attorney in your state about your situation.

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