Typical time limits. Always follow the dates printed on your own papers. Last reviewed October 2026.
Step by step
Demand for possession
Before filing, the landlord must demand possession. This is often a written notice.
Dispossessory affidavit
The landlord files a dispossessory affidavit in Magistrate Court, and you are served a summons. You usually have 7 days to file an Answer. The Answer can be written or, in many courts, made in person at the clerk’s office.
Hearing
If you answer, the court sets a hearing. If you do not answer, the landlord can get a default judgment.
Judgment and appeal
The deadline to appeal is usually 7 days. To stay in the home during an appeal you may need to pay rent into the court registry as it comes due.
Writ of possession
After the appeal period, the landlord can get a writ. The marshal or sheriff then carries out the eviction.
Common questions
How long do I have to answer a dispossessory in Georgia?
Usually 7 days from the day you are served. The date is on your summons.
Can I appeal a Georgia eviction?
Yes, usually within 7 days of the judgment, and you may need to pay rent into the court registry while it is pending.
This guide is general information, not legal advice. Laws and court rules change, and your county may have its own procedures. If your deadline is very close, contact your court clerk, local legal aid or a licensed attorney right away.
Have an eviction notice
or court papers?
Tell us what you received. There is room to explain your situation in your own words.