Got Eviction Papers? File Your Answer Online in Minutes.
Don't Lose Your Home! Respond to Your Dispossessory Case Fast & Easy
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- Takes less than 10 minutes
- Electronic court filing
- File from home
Why File Your Answer with DispoAnswer.com?
Don't let the eviction process intimidate you. Filing your answer is your legal right and it's easier than you think.
Save Time
File from home in under 10 minutes - no need to take time off work or travel to the courthouse
Protect Your Rights
Filing an answer gives you your day in court and prevents an automatic judgment against you
Electronic Filing
Your answer is prepared for electronic filing with the court - no need to mail documents or visit the courthouse
Understanding the Eviction Process in Georgia
When you've been served with eviction papers, knowing the process helps you protect your rights.
1. Notice to Vacate
In Georgia, landlords must demand possession before filing an eviction. However, no written eviction notice is legally required in most residential cases.
Common Types of Eviction Notices:
- Nonpayment of Rent: A 3-day notice to pay or quit (not legally required but commonly used).
- Lease Violations: A notice to fix the violation or leave, usually 3–10 days.
- No Lease or End of Lease: Landlords can ask you to leave with reasonable notice, often 30 days.
Important: Even though written notice isn't required, a landlord must still demand possession before filing an eviction. Tenants should document all communications from the landlord.
2. File Eviction Case
If a tenant doesn't move out after being told to, the landlord can file a Dispossessory Affidavit in the Magistrate Court of the county where the property is located.
What Happens When an Eviction Is Filed?
- A Dispossessory Warrant is issued.
- The landlord pays a court filing fee.
- The court prepares a summons to be served on the tenant.
Tenants should receive these court papers quickly—often within a few days of the case being filed.
3. Service of Process
The court documents must be legally served on the tenant before the eviction can proceed.
How Tenants Are Served in Georgia
- Personal service: Given directly to the tenant.
- Substitute service: Given to another adult at the home.
- Tack and mail: Posted on the door and mailed.
Service is complete once you receive the documents, or five days after mailing if posted on your door.
You Have 7 Days to Respond.
Don't risk a default judgment. Filing your answer is the first step to protecting your rights.
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CRITICAL: Filing an Answer (You Have 7 Days!)
After you're served with eviction papers, you have only seven calendar days to respond by filing an Answer with the court. Missing this deadline could result in an automatic judgment against you!
What Is an Answer in an Eviction Case?
Your Answer tells the court why you shouldn't be evicted. You can deny the landlord's claims, explain special circumstances, or assert legal defenses such as:
- You paid the rent or have proof of payment
- The landlord didn't make necessary repairs (habitability issues)
- The eviction is retaliatory (retaliation for reporting code violations, etc.)
- Discrimination based on protected characteristics
- Any other valid legal defense
File Your Answer Online - The Easiest Way
Option 1 (Recommended): Use DispoAnswer.com to file online in minutes
- Complete our simple online form (takes less than 10 minutes)
- Your answer is prepared for electronic filing with the court
- No need to visit the courthouse or take time off work
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Option 2: Go to the courthouse and file in-person, or use the court's eFile system (if available) to submit a signed Answer form.
5. Writ of Possession
If you lose in court—or don't file an Answer on time—the landlord can request a Writ of Possession.
What Is a Writ of Possession?
It's a court order giving the landlord the right to take back the property. The court must wait 7 days after the judgment before the writ can be enforced.
During this 7-day period, you can:
- Move out voluntarily
- Try to settle with your landlord
- File an appeal if you believe the decision was wrong
Once the writ is issued, the sheriff can proceed with the final step: the set-out.
6. Set-Out (Final Eviction Day)
If you haven't moved out within 7 days after the judgment, the landlord can schedule a set-out with the county sheriff's office.
What Happens During a Set-Out?
- The sheriff arrives to oversee the eviction.
- The landlord must bring a crew to remove your belongings.
- Items are placed at the curb or near the property (rules vary by county).
- The landlord has no obligation to store or protect your property.
Tenants do not get extra notice of the set-out date. Once the writ is issued and 7 days pass, the eviction can happen at any time.
Don't Wait Until It's Too Late
Every day counts when you're facing eviction. Protect your rights and have your voice heard in court.
Filing your answer takes less than 10 minutes and could save your home.
What You Get:
Electronic Filing with the respective court system
Your Day in Court - the judge will hear your side
Peace of Mind knowing you protected your legal rights
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Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to file my answer?
Most people complete the online form in less than 10 minutes. After payment, your answer is submitted for electronic filing with the court. Filing times can vary, and Connect2Court cannot guarantee same-day submission.
What happens after I file my answer?
After filing a timely answer, the court will likely schedule a hearing where you can present your case to the judge. You must check with the court directly to see if a hearing has been scheduled. Filing your answer ensures you get your day in court.
What if I'm past the 7-day deadline?
You may still have options. File your answer as soon as possible - some courts may accept late filings, but it's best to respond as soon as possible. The sooner you respond, the better your chances of being heard.
Do I need a lawyer to file an answer?
No, you are not required by law to have a lawyer to file your answer. You can file your answer yourself using our online system. However, if you have complex legal issues, consulting with an attorney is always recommended.