Court Rules
Court-level rules

Superior Court of Cobb County

Court-Level Rules, Filing Procedures & Policies

Rules last changed:
Superior Court of Cobb County

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Courtesy copies

Motion, Complaint, Other Filings

  • Email

Adjournments

72Hoursnotice
  • The parties may reschedule an ADR conference by mutual consent if they notify the neutral at least 72 hours in advance; without unanimous consent, the assigned judge must approve the rescheduling.
72Business Daysnotice
  • The neutral must receive at least 72 business hours' notice of an ADR conference rescheduling or cancellation unless the parties, counsel, and neutral agree otherwise in writing.

Communication

Email

Duty Judge

cobbelectionjudge@cobbcounty.gov
SchedulingEmergenciesTechnical Issues
Phone

Clerk

770-528-1300
Cases:
Filters:AllMandatoryImportantFormattingTRO/InjunctionSettlementExhibitsElectronicsPage LimitsECF FilingProposed Orders

Document Format Requirements15 rules

Formatting

Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Mandatory

Forms filed in Cobb County Courts must be typed or printed in black ink.

You must type or print in black ink on any forms you will file in Cobb County Courts.

Instructions · p. 2
|SecDETAILED INSTRUCTIONS FOR NAME CHANGE OF ADULT
Formatting

Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Mandatory

Every document submitted electronically through the EFSP must be filed in PDF format, including primary filings, exhibits, and other supporting documents.

b) The filer of an electronic document shall submit the document in the Portable Document Format (PDF). This includes primary documents such as complaints and petitions, supporting documents such as exhibits, and any other documents submitted to the Court through the EFSP.

Required Format

PDF

Formatting

Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Mandatory

Electronic documents must not be password-protected or encrypted and must not contain embedded files, scripts, tracking tags, or executable files.

e) The filer shall ensure that the electronic document is not password-protected or encrypted. The filer shall also ensure that the electronic document does not contain embedded files, scripts, tracking tags or executable files.

Formatting

Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Mandatory

Handwritten signatures on scans, conformed signatures, and signatures captured through a digital interface are acceptable when an original sworn or notarized signature is not required.

b) Unless an original sworn or notarized signature is required, the following signatures are acceptable:

Standing Orders Sep232026 signed-J-H3ELANTA-ACCEPTED · Sep 2026 · p. 15
|Sec9. Electronic Signatures of Attorneys and Parties
Formatting

Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Mandatory

Every page of an electronic document must have a resolution of at least 200 DPI.

d) The filer shall ensure that the resolution of each page of the electronic document is at least 200 dots-per-inch (DPI).

Formatting

Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Mandatory

An attorney's conformed electronic signature must follow the stated format identifying the attorney, bar number, representation, firm, address, phone number, and email address.

2. The correct format for the conformed signature of an attorney is as follows: /s/ Jane Doe JANE DOE Georgia Bar No. 12345 Attorney for Plaintiff Doe & Associates, LLC 678 Main Street Atlanta, Georgia 30314 Phone: 123-456-7890 Email: jdoe@example.com

Standing Orders Sep232026 signed-J-H3ELANTA-ACCEPTED · Sep 2026 · p. 16
|Sec9. Electronic Signatures of Attorneys and Parties
Formatting

Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Mandatory

Forms filed in Cobb County Courts must be typed or printed in black ink.

You must type or print in black ink on any forms you will file in Cobb County Courts.

Instructions 1 · p. 2
|SecDETAILED INSTRUCTIONS FOR NAME CHANGE OF MINOR CHILDREN
Formatting

Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Important

To the extent practicable, an electronic-document filer must follow the applicable Georgia Rules of Civil Procedure formatting requirements, including page limits.

a) The filer of an electronic document shall, to the extent practicable, format the document in accordance with the applicable rules of the Georgia Rules of Civil Procedure governing formatting of paper pleadings and other documents, including page limits.

Formatting

Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Important

To the extent practicable, the upper-right corner of the first page of every pleading must remain free of text so it does not interfere with the Court's electronic file stamp.

f) To the extent practicable, the filer shall keep the upper right-hand corner of the first page of all pleadings clear of text so as to not interfere with the Court's electronic file stamp.

Formatting

Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Important

The original probation warrant must be printed on white paper and bear the “ORIGINAL” and “BLUE VOP” stamps.

The probation warrant shall be printed on white paper and stamped “ORIGINAL” and the stamp “BLUE VOP” to help distinguish them from other types of arrest warrants.

Required Format

Paper

Formatting

Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Important

Every copy of a probation warrant must bear the “COPY” stamp.

All copies of probation warrants must be stamped “COPY.”

Formatting

Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Important

Forms must be typed or handwritten legibly in black ink.

Type your forms or write legibly in black ink.

Formatting

Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Important

Forms may be typed or must be written legibly in black ink.

Type your forms or write legibly in black ink.

FormattingCriminal cases

Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Note

The form is distributed in color-coded copies for the Clerk's Office, District Attorney, attorney, and defendant.

White – CLERK'S OFFICE Yellow – DISTRICT ATTORNEY Pink – ATTORNEY Goldenrod - DEFENDANT

Waiver of Arraignment · p. 1
|SecARRAIGNMENT, PLEA, DISCOVERY ELECTION, AND NOTICE OF HEARING
Formatting

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.Mandatory?

3. The correct format for the conformed signature of a non-attorney is as follows: /s/ John Smith JOHN SMITH 123 East Street Plainville, Georgia 10292 Phone: 123-456-7890 Email: jsmith@example.com

Summary: A non-attorney's conformed electronic signature must follow the stated format identifying the signer, address, phone number, and email address.

Standing Orders Sep232026 signed-J-H3ELANTA-ACCEPTED · Sep 2026 · p. 16
|Sec9. Electronic Signatures of Attorneys and Parties

Document Filing Requirements97 rules

Filing Requirements

Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Mandatory

A completed Verification form must accompany the adult name-change petition.

The Verification form must be filled out along with the Petition to Change Name of Adult.

Document Type

Verification Form

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Instructions · p. 3
|SecSTEP 1(B): VERIFICATION
Filing Requirements

Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Mandatory

An electronically filed or served document is deemed signed by the appropriate signatures.

a) Every document electronically filed or served shall be deemed signed by signatures, where appropriate.

Requirement

Document requirement

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Standing Orders Sep232026 signed-J-H3ELANTA-ACCEPTED · Sep 2026 · p. 15
|Sec9. Electronic Signatures of Attorneys and Parties
Filing Requirements

Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Mandatory

A document requiring an original sworn or notarized signature must accurately reproduce the declarant's or notary public's original signature.

c) Documents for which an original sworn or notarized signature is required must include an accurate representation of the original signature(s) of the declarant or notary public.

Requirement

Document requirement

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Standing Orders Sep232026 signed-J-H3ELANTA-ACCEPTED · Sep 2026 · p. 16
|Sec9. Electronic Signatures of Attorneys and Parties
Filing Requirements

Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Mandatory

Electronic filing constitutes the filer's attestation that the document and its signatures are authentic.

d) By electronically filing a document, the filer attests that the document and signature(s) are authentic.

Requirement

Document requirement

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Standing Orders Sep232026 signed-J-H3ELANTA-ACCEPTED · Sep 2026 · p. 16
|Sec9. Electronic Signatures of Attorneys and Parties
Filing Requirements

Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Mandatory

For an eligible early-termination request, DCS must submit the petition, probation-performance report, and proposed order to the assigned judge and District Attorney.

Pursuant to OCGA § 17-10-1(a)(1)(B), the Department of Community Supervision (DCS) is required to review cases that are eligible for early termination of probation supervision and submit a petition for early termination, along with a report of the probationer's performance on probation and a proposed order to the assigned Superior Court Judge and the District Attorney.

Document Type

Early Termination Request

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Standing Orders Sep232026 signed-J-H3ELANTA-ACCEPTED · Sep 2026 · p. 41
|Sec34. STANDING ORDER CONCERNING TERMINATION OF PROBATION PROCEDURES
Filing Requirements

Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Mandatory

When specified financial circumstances have changed, updated Financial Affidavit/Statement or Child Support Worksheet documents must be filed with the Clerk and served on the opposing party at least five days before the next hearing, mediation, or other ADR proceeding.

If there has been a change in your income, employment, debts, assets, or other relevant financial circumstances since you filed a previous Financial Affidavit/Statement or Child Support Worksheet, then you must file with the Clerk and serve upon the opposing Party updated versions of either or both of those documents at least 5 days before the next scheduled hearing, mediation or other alternative dispute resolution proceeding.

Document Type

Updated Financial Affidavit Or Child Support Worksheet

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Standing Orders Sep232026 signed-J-H3ELANTA-ACCEPTED · Sep 2026 · p. 53
|SecDomestic Relations Standing Order, Paragraph 9(d)
Filing Requirements

Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Mandatory

In cases involving child support or child custody, the Child Support Worksheet and its schedules must be filed with the Clerk at least five days before the hearing, mediation, or other ADR proceeding.

If this case involves child support or child custody, then you must file your Child Support Worksheet and the schedules thereto as required by Uniform Superior Court Rule 24.2 with the Clerk at least 5 days before the scheduled hearing, mediation or other alternative dispute resolution proceeding.

Document Type

Child Support Worksheet

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Standing Orders Sep232026 signed-J-H3ELANTA-ACCEPTED · Sep 2026 · p. 53
|SecDomestic Relations Standing Order, Paragraph 9(b)
Filing Requirements

Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Mandatory

At each hearing, the party must bring documents reflecting current income, including the most recent paystub, three years of state and federal income tax returns, W-2 forms, and 1099 forms.

You must bring the following documents to each hearing in this case: a) Documents reflecting your current income, including but not limited to a copy of your most recent paystub as well as state and federal income tax returns, W-2 forms, and 1099 forms from the last three years.

Document Type

Hearing Income Documents

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Standing Orders Sep232026 signed-J-H3ELANTA-ACCEPTED · Sep 2026 · p. 53
|SecDomestic Relations Standing Order, Paragraph 10(a)
Filing Requirements

Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Mandatory

In child-support cases, the party must bring employer or insurance documents showing insurance costs for the children and health insurance cards for the party and children; if possible, the documents should show each child's insurance cost.

If this case involves child support, documents from your employer or insurance company showing how much you pay for health, dental, and vision insurance for the children at issue and health insurance cards for yourself and the children at issue. If possible, these documents should show how much you pay for insurance for each child.

Document Type

Child Support Insurance Documents

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Standing Orders Sep232026 signed-J-H3ELANTA-ACCEPTED · Sep 2026 · p. 53
|SecDomestic Relations Standing Order, Paragraph 10(b)
Filing Requirements

Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Mandatory

In specified contempt or modification actions, copies of all prior orders sought to be enforced or modified must be attached to the initial pleadings.

If this case involves an action for contempt of a previous court order or an action for modification of custody, visitation, child support, or alimony, then you must attach copies of all prior orders which you seek to enforce or modify to your initial pleadings.

Document Type

Initial Pleadings

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Standing Orders Sep232026 signed-J-H3ELANTA-ACCEPTED · Sep 2026 · p. 53
|SecDomestic Relations Standing Order, Paragraph 9(c)
Filing Requirements

Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Mandatory

In cases involving specified financial issues, a Financial Affidavit/Statement must be filed with the Clerk at least five days before the hearing, mediation, or other ADR proceeding.

If this case involves financial issues such as child support, alimony, division of property, allocation of debt, or contempt of a court order addressing these issues, then you must file your Financial Affidavit/Statement as required by Uniform Superior Court Rule 24.2 with the Clerk at least 5 days before the scheduled hearing, mediation or other alternative dispute resolution proceeding.

Document Type

Financial Affidavit Statement

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Standing Orders Sep232026 signed-J-H3ELANTA-ACCEPTED · Sep 2026 · p. 53
|SecDomestic Relations Standing Order, Paragraph 9(a)
Filing Requirements

Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Mandatory

Before the court hearing, a settlement agreement without minor children and a Domestic Relations Financial Affidavit are required when applicable, and a certificate of attendance for the Family Law Workshop is required.

Forms Needed before Court Hearing  Settlement Agreement Without Minor Children (if applicable)  Domestic Relations Financial Affidavit (if applicable)  Certificate of Attendance for Family Law Workshop

Document Type

Pre Hearing Documents

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Filing Requirements

Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Mandatory

A new divorce case requires the listed forms, including a complaint with verification, summons, case filing information form, and standing order; a poverty affidavit is required only for a person unable to pay filing fees.

Forms Needed to Start the Case  Complaint for Divorce Without Minor Children, with Verification  Summons  Case Filing Information Form  Standing Order (Issued by the Court)  Poverty Affidavit (Only for those who cannot afford to pay the filing fees; See “Poverty Affidavit” Packet)

Document Type

Case Initiation Forms

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Filing Requirements

Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Mandatory

A request to use a recording device must include a certification that the device, locations, and operation comply with Rule 22 and court guidelines.

The undersigned hereby certifies that the device to be used and the locations and operation of such device will be in conformity with Rule 22 and any guidelines issued by the court.

Document Type

Request To Use Recording Device

Content & Formatting
Local Rule Certificate
Filing Requirements

Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Mandatory

The verification must not be signed except in front of a public notary.

DO NOT SIGN THIS DOCUMENT. You may only sign this document in front of a public notary.

Document Type

Verification

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
NewInstructions · Feb 2017 · p. 3
|SecStep 2: Verification
Filing Requirements

Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Mandatory

Two summons forms must be completed.

Fill out two (2) Summons forms.

Document Type

Summons

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Filing Requirements

Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Mandatory

The Domestic Relations Financial Affidavit and required child support schedules must be filed and served on the opposing party.

The Domestic Relations Financial Affidavit (in substantially the form provided in U.S.C.R. 24.2, as amended) and child support schedules, in the form promulgated by the Georgia Child Support Commission, * shall be filed and served on the opposing party:

Document Type

Domestic Relations Financial Affidavit And Child Support Schedules

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
NewInstructions · Feb 2017 · p. 6
|SecNOTICE OF CHILD SUPPORT REQUIREMENTS
Filing Requirements

Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Mandatory

Both parties must file a Child Support Worksheet and Schedules, and file the Domestic Relations Financial Affidavit as part of the case.

Both parties must file completed Child Support Worksheets and Schedules as a part of their case in addition to the Domestic Relations Financial Affidavit.

Document Type

Child Support Case

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
NewInstructions · Feb 2017 · p. 7
|SecNEW CHILD SUPPORT GUIDELINES
Filing Requirements

Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Mandatory

A completed worksheet and financial affidavit must be filed with the complaint.

Uniform Superior Court Rule 24.2 (enclosed) requires that you file a completed worksheet and financial affidavit with your Complaint.

Document Type

Complaint

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
NewInstructions · Feb 2017 · p. 7
|SecNEW CHILD SUPPORT GUIDELINES
Filing Requirements

Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Mandatory

The pro se litigant must obtain and complete the service form from the Clerk or Sheriff’s Office.

Complete the form for Service (Must be obtained from the Clerk/Sheriff’s Office).

Document Type

Service Form

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
ContemptInstructions 0 · p. 2
|SecBasic Steps of This Process
Filing Requirements

Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Mandatory

For a contempt action, the Rule Nisi serves as the summons and does not require a separate summons to be attached.

Note: Most Petitions require Summons to be attached to your Petition for Service. However, for a Contempt action, the Rule Nisi serves as your summons.

Document Type

Petition For Citation Of Contempt

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
ContemptInstructions 0 · p. 2
|SecBasic Steps of This Process
Filing Requirements

Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Mandatory

A copy of the court order must be attached to the Petition for Citation of Contempt.

Make a copy of your Court Order and attach it to the Petition for Citation of Contempt.

Document Type

Petition For Citation Of Contempt

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
ContemptInstructions 0 · p. 2
|SecBasic Steps of This Process
Filing Requirements

Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Mandatory

Each parent must attend a four-hour Co-Parenting Seminar, which costs $50 per person.

The Co-Parenting Seminar is a four-hour required seminar. Each parent must take this class, which costs $50 per person.

Document Type

Co Parenting Seminar

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Filing RequirementsCourt notice

Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Mandatory

A complaint must be accompanied by a completed child support worksheet and financial affidavit.

Uniform Superior Court Rule 24.2 (enclosed) requires that you file a completed worksheet and financial affidavit with your complaint.

Document Type

Complaint With Child Support Worksheet And Financial Affidavit

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Child Support Guidelines · Jan 2007 · p. 1
|SecNEW CHILD SUPPORT GUIDELINES
Filing RequirementsCourt notice

Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Mandatory

Both parents must file a Child Support Worksheet and Schedule.

Both parents are required to file a Child Support Worksheet and Schedule.

Document Type

Child Support Worksheet And Schedule

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Child Support Guidelines · Jan 2007 · p. 1
|SecImportant Points about Worksheets and Schedules
Filing RequirementsCourt notice

Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Mandatory

Both parties must file completed Child Support Worksheets and Schedules.

Both parties must file completed Child Support Worksheets and Schedules as a part of their case in addition to the Domestic Relations Financial Affidavit.

Document Type

Child Support Worksheet And Schedules

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Child Support Guidelines · Jan 2007 · p. 1
|SecNEW CHILD SUPPORT GUIDELINES
Filing RequirementsCivil cases

Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Mandatory

The Child Support Worksheet, Schedule E, and any other applicable schedules must be attached to and made part of the Addendum.

Attachments – The Child Support Worksheet and Schedule E are attached and made a part of this Addendum, along with any other applicable schedules.

Document Type

Child Support Addendum

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Addendum-Order · p. 1
|SecApplication of Child Support Guidelines
Filing RequirementsCivil cases

Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Mandatory

The Child Support Addendum must be completed and attached to all final orders and judgments determining child support, but not to orders on contempt motions.

Instructions: All parts of this Addendum must be completed and it must be attached to all Final Orders and Judgments determining the amount of child support. However, it is not required for Orders on Contempt motions.

Document Type

Child Support Addendum

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Addendum-Order · p. 1
|SecInstructions
Filing Requirements

Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Mandatory

Complete the petition and verification, include an acknowledgement if applicable, and provide the optional affidavit.

Step 2: Fill out the Petition to Correct Birth Certificate, Verification, Acknowledgement (if applicable), and Affidavit (optional).

Document Type

Petition Forms

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
NewBirth Certificate Instructions · p. 1
|SecBasic Steps of This Process
Filing Requirements

Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Mandatory

The final order must be filed and a certified copy obtained.

Step 9: File the Final Order and get a certified copy of it.

Document Type

Final Order

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
NewBirth Certificate Instructions · p. 1
|SecBasic Steps of This Process
Filing Requirements

Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Mandatory

A summons must be completed.

Step 3: Fill out Summons.

Document Type

Summons

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
NewBirth Certificate Instructions · p. 1
|SecBasic Steps of This Process
Filing Requirements

Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Mandatory

The Sheriff’s Entry of Service must be completed.

Step 4: Fill out the Sheriff’s Entry of Service.

Document Type

Sheriffs Entry Of Service

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
NewBirth Certificate Instructions · p. 1
|SecBasic Steps of This Process
Filing Requirements

Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Mandatory

The petitioner must attend court as directed by the Rule Nisi form and bring a copy of the Final Order Form.

Step 8: Come to the Court on the date and time indicated on the Rule Nisi form. Bring a copy of the Final Order Form

Document Type

Final Order Form

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
NewBirth Certificate Instructions · p. 1
|SecBasic Steps of This Process
Filing Requirements

Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Mandatory

The supporting affidavit must be included with the court paperwork.

In the fourth blank, fill in the name of the parent completing the supporting affidavit. Include the affidavit with the paperwork you submit to the court.

Document Type

Petition

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
NewBirth Certificate Instructions · p. 6
|SecDetailed, Step-by-Step Instructions
Filing Requirements

Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Mandatory

The Acknowledgement Form waives personal service on the minor child’s parents or legal guardians and must be completed by the petitioner and signed by the parents or legal guardians.

This document waives the requirement of personal service on the minor child’s parent(s) or legal guardian(s) and should be filled out by the Petitioner and signed by the minor child’s parent(s) or legal guardian(s).

Document Type

Acknowledgement Form

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
NewBirth Certificate Instructions · p. 7
|SecStep 2(c): Complete the Acknowledgement Form
Filing Requirements

Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Mandatory

The Verification Form must not be signed except before a public notary.

DO NOT SIGN THIS DOCUMENT. You may only sign this document in front of a public notary. Public notaries are available at banks, the post office, grocery stores, or the Cobb County Superior Court Clerk’s Office.

Document Type

Verification Form

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
NewBirth Certificate Instructions · p. 7
|SecStep 2(b): Complete the Verification Form
Filing Requirements

Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Mandatory

The Acknowledgement Form must be completed when applicable.

Step 2(c): Complete the Acknowledgement Form (if applicable)

Document Type

Acknowledgement Form

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
NewBirth Certificate Instructions · p. 7
|SecStep 2(c): Complete the Acknowledgement Form
Filing Requirements

Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Mandatory

The Acknowledgement Form must not be signed except before a public notary by the minor child’s parent or legal guardian.

DO NOT SIGN THIS DOCUMENT. The minor child’s parent or legal guardian may only sign this document in front of a public notary.

Document Type

Acknowledgement Form

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
NewBirth Certificate Instructions · p. 8
|SecStep 2(c): Complete the Acknowledgement Form
Filing Requirements

Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Mandatory

Copies of documents described in paragraph 4 of the affidavit must be included with the papers submitted to the court.

Include copies of the documents included in paragraph 4 with the paperwork you submit to the court.

Document Type

Affidavit

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
NewBirth Certificate Instructions · p. 8
|SecStep 2(d): Complete the Affidavit
Filing Requirements

Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Mandatory

The case number must be included on all copies of the documents.

Have the clerk fill in the case number. Make sure this information is on all copies of your documents.

Document Type

Document Package

Content & Formatting
Case Number
Filing Requirements

Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Mandatory

The Final Order Correcting the Birth Certificate must be completed.

Complete the Final Order Correcting the Birth Certificate.

Document Type

Final Order Correcting Birth Certificate

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
NewBirth Certificate Instructions · p. 10
|SecStep 7: Wait the Required Time and Prepare Forms for Final Hearing
Filing Requirements

Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Mandatory

The filer must complete the caption as they did on the Petition.

Fill in the caption in the same way you did on the Petition.

Document Type

Final Order Correcting Birth Certificate

Content & Formatting
Caption
NewBirth Certificate Instructions · p. 10
|SecStep 7: Wait the Required Time and Prepare Forms for Final Hearing
Filing Requirements

Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Mandatory

A Verification form must be filed with the Petition to Change Name(s) of Minor Children.

The Verification form must be filed with the Petition to Change Name(s) of Minor Children.

Document Type

Verification

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Instructions 1 · p. 5
|SecSTEP 1(B): VERIFICATION
Filing Requirements

Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Mandatory

The Verification must be signed under oath before a notary public, who must complete the remainder of the form afterward.

Do not sign it until you are in front of a notary public. The notary must complete the rest of the Verification form after you sign it under oath.

Document Type

Verification

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Instructions 1 · p. 5
|SecSTEP 1(B): VERIFICATION
Filing Requirements

Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Mandatory

Each parent must sign a Consent & Acknowledgment form unless the parent is deceased, has abandoned the children, or has not contributed to their support for at least five continuous years before filing.

Each of the parents has to sign one of the Consent & Acknowledgment forms, unless one of the following exceptions applies: o The parent is deceased, OR o The parent has abandoned the children, OR o The parent has not contributed to the support of the children for a continuous period of at least 5 years immediately before you file the Petition.

Document Type

Consent Acknowledgment Form

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Instructions 1 · p. 6
|SecSTEP 2: SIGNED CONSENT & ACKNOWLEDGMENT FORMS
Filing Requirements

Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Important

A Child Support Worksheet must be completed.

Also complete a Child Support Worksheet.

Document Type

Child Support Worksheet

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
NewInstructions · Feb 2017 · p. 5
|SecHow to File a Petition for Modification of Child Support
Filing Requirements

Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Important

The Child Support Addendum and Final Order for Child Support Modification must be completed as fully as possible when scheduling the final hearing.

When you schedule your Final Hearing, make sure you completely fill out the Child Support Addendum and Final Order for Child Support Modification as completely as possible.

Document Type

Child Support Addendum And Final Order For Child Support Modification

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
NewInstructions · Feb 2017 · p. 5
|SecHow to File a Petition for Modification of Child Support
Filing Requirements

Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Important

The original worksheet must be printed before it is submitted to the judge.

Remember to print out the original Worksheet before submitting it to the Judge.

Document Type

Child Support Worksheet

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
NewInstructions · Feb 2017 · p. 7
|SecImportant Points about Worksheets and Schedules
Filing RequirementsCourt notice

Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Important

The original Worksheet must be printed before it is submitted to the judge.

Remember to print out the original Worksheet before submitting it to the Judge.

Document Type

Original Child Support Worksheet

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Child Support Guidelines · Jan 2007 · p. 1
|SecImportant Points about Worksheets and Schedules
Filing RequirementsCourt notice

Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Important

A Civil Action Number must be entered when electronically submitting the completed Worksheet to the judge.

In order to submit the Worksheet to the Judge electronically, you will be asked to input your Civil Action Number.

Document Type

Electronic Child Support Worksheet Submission

Content & Formatting
Case Number
Child Support Guidelines · Jan 2007 · p. 1
|SecWhat if I want to complete the Worksheet & Schedules on my own? Where can I get the documents?
Filing Requirements

Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Important

The petitioner’s name must be entered in the designated blank on the petition.

Fill in your name on the blank for the Petitioner.

Document Type

Petition

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
NewBirth Certificate Instructions · p. 4
|SecDETAILED, STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS — Step 2(a)
Filing Requirements

Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Important

The quote refers readers to the Child Support Worksheet and FAQ #2.

 Child Support Worksheet (See FAQ #2 below)

Document Type

Child Support Worksheet

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
1 legit instructions 2025 · p. 2
|SecFREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Filing Requirements

Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Important

A poverty affidavit is required only for a person who cannot afford to pay the filing fees.

 Poverty Affidavit (Only for those who cannot afford to pay the filing fees)

Document Type

Poverty Affidavit

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
1 legit instructions 2025 · p. 2
|SecFREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Filing Requirements

Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Important

A Consent & Acknowledgment form is provided for each parent, and an additional blank copy is required when a consenting non-parent guardian is involved.

There are two copies of this form in your packet. One is for the mother and one is for the father. You will need to make a third blank copy, if both parents are consenting and there is also a guardian who is consenting (who is not a parent).

Document Type

Consent Acknowledgment Form

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Instructions 1 · p. 5
|SecSTEP 1(C): CONSENT & ACKNOWLEDGMENT FORM
Filing Requirements

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.Mandatory?

Publication is required in all name change cases.

Summary: Publication is required in every adult name-change case.

Document Type

Publication Notice

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Instructions · p. 5
|SecSTEP 4: PUBLICATION OF NOTICE

Filing & Service rules

Electronic Filing Rules

On and after October 1, 2018, attorneys filing pleadings and related documents in qualifying civil actions must file electronically through the Court's electronic filing service provider.

Pursuant to Uniform Superior Court Rule (USCR) 1.2 and the authority given to Superior Courts under OCGA § 15-6-11(b)(3)(B) to advance the effective date of the mandatory electronic filing provisions codified in OCGA § 15-6-11, it is HEREBY ORDERED that, on and after October 1, 2018, all pleadings and any other documents related thereto filed by an attorney to initiate a civil action, or in a civil action that was initiated on or after October 1, 2018, in the Superior Court of Cobb County, shall be filed by electronic means through the Court's electronic filing service provider in accordance with the rules governing electronic filing herein and pursuant to OCGA § 15-6-11.

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Page 12 | 7. STANDING ORDER MANDATING AND GOVERNING ELECTRONIC FILING FOR CIVIL CASES

Self-represented litigants may elect electronic filing but are not required to do so because the Court must continue accepting their paper filings.

a) Self-represented litigants may but are not required to, E-File. b) The Court shall continue to accept filings from self-represented litigants via paper, whether delivered to the Court in person or through means such as the U.S. Mail, overnight delivery, etc.

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Page 15 | 7. Self-Represented Litigants

An electronically filed and entered court document bearing a judge's signature has the same effect as one bearing the judge's handwritten signature.

An order or other Court-issued document bearing the signature of a judge filed electronically and entered by a Judge, Clerk of Court, Deputy Clerk, or Court personnel per the order of a judge shall have the same force and effect as if the document contained the handwritten signature of the judge.

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Page 20 | 19. Electronic Filing and Service of Orders and Other Papers

A proposed worksheet and accompanying schedules may be submitted electronically under Rule 24.2, but the submission must also be filed with the Clerk of Court.

Any party who intends to submit a proposed worksheet and the accompanying schedules to the Court electronically shall do so in accordance with Rule 24.2, as amended, and shall provide the opposing party a copy of the submission, either electronically or by printed copy. Electronic submission is not a substitute for filing with the Clerk of Court.

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Page 6 | NOTICE OF CHILD SUPPORT REQUIREMENTS

Filers may submit filings through the EFSP at any time.

a) Filers may submit filings through the EFSP 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

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Page 19 | 17. Time for Filing and Effect of Use of E-File

Superior Court documents may be filed directly with the clerk or, when eligible, online through peachcourt.com.

The Superior Court Clerk of Cobb County handles documents that are filed into Superior Court cases. You may file documents directly with the clerk’s office. Also, you may file some documents online at https://peachcourt.com/.

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Page 3 | FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

A self-represented litigant may file documents directly with the clerk or may file some documents online through PeachCourt.

The Superior Court Clerk of Cobb County handles documents that are filed into Superior Court cases. You may file documents directly with the clerk’s office. Also, you may file some documents online at https://peachcourt.com/.

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Page 3 | FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

A party may file documents directly with the clerk’s office or may file some documents online through PeachCourt.

You may file documents directly with the clerk’s office. Also, you may file some documents online at https://peachcourt.com/.

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Page 3 | FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

All documents in civil cases must be electronically filed and electronically served, subject to specified exceptions; the Clerk generally may not accept paper filings except from self-represented individuals.

All documents in all civil cases must be electronically filed and electronically served pursuant to this Order and the rules contained herein, except documents filed in connection with adoption proceedings, documents filed under seal or presented to a court in camera or ex parte, documents filed in open court, or documents to which access is otherwise restricted by law or court order. Except as otherwise set out herein, the Clerk shall not accept or file any pleadings or documents in paper form except from self-represented individuals.

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.

Page 12 | 1. Designation of Cases Permitted for Electronic Filing

The Clerk must electronically accept and file all documents, including official court reporter transcripts, in restricted or sealed First Offender or Conditional Discharge cases without an additional court order, while continuing to preclude public access.

Therefore, the Clerk of Superior Court is HEREBY ORDERED to electronically accept and file documents, including transcripts from an official court reporter, in any case which has been restricted or sealed pursuant to the First Offender Act or Conditional Discharge statute. It is FURTHER ORDERED that no additional court order shall be required to e-file or directly file documents, including transcripts from an official court reporter, in any such case. This Order shall not relieve the Clerk of Superior Court from its obligation to preclude public access to any such restricted or sealed case.

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.

Page 43 | 35. ORDER AUTHORIZING COURT REPORTER TO FILE TRANSCRIPT INTO FIRST OFFENDER AND CONDITIONAL DISCHARGE RESTRICTED OR "SEALED" CASES

The original worksheet and schedules must be filed with the Superior Court Clerk’s Office.

The original worksheet and schedules are filed with the Superior Court Clerk’s Office.

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.

Page 7 | Important Points about Worksheets and Schedules

The original Child Support Worksheet and Schedules must be filed with the Superior Court Clerk’s Office.

The original worksheet and schedules are filed with the Superior Court Clerk’s Office.

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below. · Court notice

Page 1 | Important Points about Worksheets and Schedules

Attorneys of record may submit executed orders through the EFSP only if the assigned judge permits that submission.

Attorneys of record may submit executed orders through the EFSP if permitted to do so by the judge assigned to the case.

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.

Page 17 | # 12. Filing and Service of Executed Orders by Attorneys

Petitions filed through the TPO Office may be electronically filed through the EFSP no more than twice daily during weekday operating hours.

a) No more than twice daily during weekday operating hours, petition(s) filed through the TPO Office may be electronically filed via the EFSP.

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.

Page 17 | # 11. E-Filing Protective Order Petitions

The public may electronically file documents and access electronically filed documents through a Public Access Terminal.

The public may E-File, research, download, view or print electronically filed documents on a PAT.

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.

Page 14 | 6. Public Access Terminal

Filing Timing and Cure Windows

The clerk cannot complete the case filing until a judge signs the order approving the Poverty Affidavit.

A judge must sign the Order approving the Poverty Affidavit, before the filing of your case can be completed by the Clerk’s Office staff.

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Page 4 | STEP 3: FILING

After the Clerk accepts an electronic document, it becomes an official court record and is electronically stamped with the date and time the EFSP received it.

a) Following a review by the Clerk, accepted documents become an official document of record with the Court and receive an electronic stamp with the date and time at which the document was received by the EFSP.

Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Oct 4, 2026

Page 16 | 10. Filing Date and Time of E-Filed Documents

Electronic filing does not change applicable filing deadlines.

e) E-Filing a document does not alter any filing deadlines.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026

Page 17 | # 10.

A resubmitted filing becomes an official court record when accepted by the Clerk, and its electronic stamp reflects the resubmission and EFSP receipt date and time rather than the original submission date and time.

d) Following the resubmission of a rejected filing and review by the Clerk, accepted documents become an official document of record with the Court and receive an electronic stamp. In the situation of a resubmission, the electronic stamp will reflect the date and time at which the document was resubmitted and received by the EFSP, not the date and time of the original submission.

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Page 17 | # 10.

This section does not expand or contract the time allowed for a reply under Georgia law.

f) The calculation of time for reply under Georgia law is neither expanded nor contracted by this section.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026

Page 17 | # 10.

A document submitted after 11:59 PM EST is deemed filed on the next court day.

Any document filed after 11:59 PM EST shall be deemed filed on the next court day.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026

Page 19 | 17. Time for Filing and Effect of Use of E-File

An electronically filed pleading is considered filed when the EFSP receives it.

b) Pursuant to USCR 36.16(D), any pleading filed electronically shall be considered filed when it is received by the EFSP.

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Page 19 | 17. Time for Filing and Effect of Use of E-File

Filed warrants must be entered, scanned, indexed, and made available in the case management system within three business days.

Filed warrants shall be entered, scanned, indexed and available for viewing in the case management system within three (3) business days.

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Page 38

A respondent has 30 days from receipt of the Petition to respond to the allegations.

You have 30 days from the date you receive the Petition to respond to the allegations contained in the Petition.

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Page 1 | How to File a Response to a Petition for Citation of Contempt

A divorce defendant should file an Answer or Answer and Counterclaim within 30 days after service.

If you are the Defendant in a divorce, meaning that your spouse filed the divorce, you should file an Answer or an Answer and Counterclaim within 30 days of when you were served.

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Page 4 | FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Both parties must submit their proposed child support worksheets at the time of the hearing.

Both parties shall submit their proposed worksheets pursuant to O.C.G.A. § 19-6-15, as amended, at the time of the hearing.

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Page 6 | NOTICE OF CHILD SUPPORT REQUIREMENTS

A defendant in a divorce case should file an Answer or an Answer and Counterclaim within 30 days after being served.

If you are the Defendant in a divorce, meaning that your spouse filed the divorce, you should file an Answer or an Answer and Counterclaim within 30 days of when you were served.

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Page 4 | FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

A final hearing must be scheduled with a Rule Nisi form after the required waiting period.

Step 7: Wait the required time, then schedule a final hearing using a Rule Nisi form.

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Page 1 | Basic Steps of This Process

The Clerk must complete all processing needed to update and publicly display case information within five business days after receiving a change-of-address form or notice, regardless of its title.

Therefore, the Clerk of Superior Court is HEREBY ORDERED to file, enter, index, scan, and complete all other related processing needed to update (and make available for public viewing) case information data within five (5) business days of receiving any change of address form used by the Clerk's office or any other change of address notice from an attorney or party, however it may be titled.

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Page 5 | 3. STANDING ORDER REQUIRING EXPEDITIOUS PROCESSING OF ANY FORMS CHANGING THE ADDRESS OF RECORD FOR ANY PARTY OR ATTORNEY

The Clerk must complete all processing needed to update and publicly display case information within five business days after receiving an entry of appearance, attorney-appointment notice, or equivalent filing.

Therefore, the Clerk of Superior Court is HEREBY ORDERED to file, enter, index, scan, and complete all other related processing needed to update (and make available for public viewing) case information data within five (5) business days of receiving any entry of appearance, notice of attorney-appointment, or their equivalent (such as the filing of motions or other pleadings).

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Page 6 | 4. STANDING ORDER REQUIRING EXPEDITIOUS PROCESSING OF ENTRY OF APPEARANCE OF ATTORNEY AND/OR ATTORNEY APPOINTMENT NOTICES FROM CIRCUIT DEFENDER OFFICE

A filer seeking relief for a system filing error must file a motion at the earliest available opportunity.

A filer wishing to seek relief related to a system filing error may do so by filing motion for appropriate relief with the Court at the earliest available opportunity.

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Page 19 | 17. Time for Filing and Effect of Use of E-File

The Election Judge may accept a complaint or other pleading filed after 5:00 p.m. without the Clerk of Court.

The Election Judge is authorized to accept the filing of a complaint or other pleading after 5:00 pm without a Clerk of Court pursuant to OCGA § 9-11-5(e).

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Page 27 | Contact Information for the Election Night Judge

An electronic document rejected after Clerk review does not become an official court record and does not receive an electronic stamp.

b) Following a review by the Clerk, rejected documents do not become an official document of record with the Court and do not receive an electronic stamp.

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.

Page 16 | 10. Filing Date and Time of E-Filed Documents

After receiving notice of the electronic filing, the Clerk's Office must review the protective-order petition for acceptance or rejection immediately and no later than 30 minutes after notice.

d) Following such notification, the Clerk's Office shall immediately, and in no case later than 30 minutes after notice, review the petition(s) for acceptance and so accept or reject instanter consistent with the provision of this Order.

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.

Page 17 | # 11. E-Filing Protective Order Petitions

Electronically filed protective-order petitions must be filed no later than 30 minutes before a scheduled ex parte protective-order hearing.

b) If electronically filed, such petition(s) shall be e-filed no later than 30 minutes prior to any scheduled ex parte protective order hearing.

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.

Page 17 | # 11. E-Filing Protective Order Petitions

If the Clerk rejects an electronically filed document, the filer must file a motion with the Court to dispute the rejection.

c) If a document is rejected by the Clerk, the EFSP will notify the filer via email with the Clerk's reason for rejection. If the filing party wishes to dispute the rejection, they need to do so by filing a motion with the Court.

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.

Page 17 | # 10.

The financial affidavit and child support schedules must be filed at least five days before court-ordered mediation.

(b) at least five (5) days prior to any court-ordered mediation; or

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.

Page 6 | NOTICE OF CHILD SUPPORT REQUIREMENTS

When no temporary award is sought and the parties do not mediate, the financial affidavit and schedules must be filed with the Answer or within 30 days after service of the Complaint, whichever occurs first.

(c) either with the Answer or 30 days after service of the Complaint, whichever first occurs, if no application for a temporary award is made and the parties do not attend mediation.

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.

Page 6 | NOTICE OF CHILD SUPPORT REQUIREMENTS

The financial affidavit and child support schedules must be filed at least five days before a temporary hearing.

(a) at least five (5) days prior to any temporary hearing;

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.

Page 6 | NOTICE OF CHILD SUPPORT REQUIREMENTS

A party affected by a system filing error may receive nunc pro tunc relief or an extension to respond.

Pursuant to USCR 36.16(F), "system filing errors," if electronic filing or service is prevented or delayed because of a failure of the electronic filing system, a court will enter appropriate relief such as the allowance of filings nunc pro tunc or the provision of extensions to respond.

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.

Page 19 | 17. Time for Filing and Effect of Use of E-File

The ADR process is held and its completion time is tolled while any of the listed motions or notices is pending after filing.

E. The ADR Process, through the court ADR program, shall be put on hold upon the filing of any of the following motions: motion for summary judgement, motion for partial summary judgement, motion to enforce an agreement or prenuptial agreement, motion to enforce jurisdiction or venue, motion for judgment on the pleadings, notice of bankruptcy, suggestions of death, motion to dismiss, or a motion to continue mediation. The time for completing ADR shall be tolled while such motion is pending.

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.

Page 57 | ADR process hold and tolling

Service and Proof of Service Rules

For calculating response time, a document served while the court is closed is deemed served when the court next opens for business.

b) For the purpose of computing time to respond to documents received via E-Service, any document served on a day or at a time when the Court is not open for business shall be deemed served at the time of next day the Court is open for business.

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Page 18 | # 14. Time to Respond or Act

Except where the Order provides otherwise, parties must electronically serve subsequent electronic documents on other parties through the EFSP, which delivers all electronically filed and electronically served documents to parties or designated counsel.

b) Except as otherwise set forth in this Order, all parties shall make electronic service upon other parties of subsequent electronic Documents through the EFSP. The EFSP shall be the vehicle through which all parties, or their designated counsel, shall receive all E-Filed and E-Served Documents.

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Page 18 | # 13. Electronic Service

Electronic service is complete when transmission to the EFSP finishes, as shown by the authorized date and time on the electronic transmittal.

a) E-Service shall be deemed complete when the transmission to the EFSP is completed as reflected by the authorized date and time appearing on the electronic transmittal.

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Page 18 | # 14. Time to Respond or Act

Parties must serve other parties with original petitions and original complaints by personal service or another means acceptable under the Civil Practice Act of Georgia.

a) All parties shall make service upon other parties of Original Petitions and Original Complaints conventionally (i.e., personal service or other means acceptable by the Civil Practice Act of Georgia).

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Page 18 | # 13. Electronic Service

The Clerk must mail notice of the arraignment date, time, and place to all defendants, attorneys of record, and bondsmen at least two weeks before arraignment.

The Clerk of this Court shall give notice of the date, time, and place of the arraignment to all defendants, attorneys of record, and bondsmen via United States Mail by depositing such notice with the U.S. mail, with sufficient postage, at least two (2) weeks prior to the date set for arraignment.

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Page 35 | 30. STANDING ORDER REGARDING ARRAIGNMENT PROCEDURE

After arresting the probationer, CCSO must serve the probationer with a paper copy of the probation warrant upon booking in the Cobb County Adult Detention Center.

CCSO shall execute the probation warrant by arresting the probationer, and upon the probationer's booking in the Cobb County Adult Detention Center (CCADC), a deputy sheriff shall serve the probationer with a paper copy of the probation warrant with a rule

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Page 36 | 31. STANDING ORDER REGARDING PROCEDURES FOR THE EXECUTION OF PROBATION VIOLATION WARRANTS AND PETITIONS FOR REVOCATION

The Clerk of Superior Court or assigned judge must schedule the case on the assigned judge’s probation revocation calendar and send hearing notice to the probationer’s last known DCS address and any other known address where the probationer may be found.

The Clerk of Superior Court (or the assigned judge) shall schedule the case on one of the assigned judge's probation revocation calendars and shall send notice of the hearing to the last known address of the probationer as provided by the DCS, as well as any other address the Clerk of Superior Court is aware of where the probationer may be found (e.g., a change of address form submitted by the probationer to the Clerk's Office).

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Page 41 | When the District Attorney Objects and Requests a Hearing or the Court Sua Sponte Sets the Case for a Hearing

Mail one copy of the completed forms to the petitioner at the address stated on the Certificate of Service.

Mail the Petitioner one copy of the completed forms to the address you filled out on the Certificate of Service.

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Page 3 | Step 6: Mail Completed Forms

The plaintiff must serve the defendant before the divorce case may proceed.

Before a divorce case can proceed, the Plaintiff must serve the Defendant as required by law.

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Page 3 | FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

The required financial affidavit and child support schedules must be served on the opposing party.

The Domestic Relations Financial Affidavit (in substantially the form provided in U.S.C.R. 24.2, as amended) and child support schedules, in the form promulgated by the Georgia Child Support Commission, * shall be filed and served on the opposing party:

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Page 6 | NOTICE OF CHILD SUPPORT REQUIREMENTS

The petition must be served on the opposing party either by the Sheriff or by personal service when the Respondent will sign an Acknowledgement of Service.

The Petition for Citation of Contempt must be served on the opposing party. You can either have the Sheriff serve the papers, or you may personally serve the papers if the Respondent is willing to sign an Acknowledgement of Service form.

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Page 4 | Step 4: Service

Personal service is permitted if the Respondent is willing to sign an Acknowledgement of Service form.

You can either have the Sheriff serve the papers, or you may personally serve the papers if the Respondent is willing to sign an Acknowledgement of Service form.

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Page 4 | Step 4: Service

The Obligee must initiate wage withholding by completing and transmitting all documents and notices required by the cited statutes and the Georgia Family Support Registry.

The Obligee shall be responsible for initiating the wage withholding by completing and transmitting all documents and notices required by O.C.G.A. § 19-6-30 et seq., 42 USC 666(b)(6)(A)(ii), and the Georgia Family Support Registry.

Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Oct 4, 2026 · Civil cases

Page 1 | 2. Service

Service on the respondent must be made by publication as provided by law.

IT IS HEREBY CONSIDERED, ORDERED AND DECREED THAT: Service be made by publication as provided by law.

Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Oct 4, 2026 · Civil cases

Page 1 | ORDER OF PUBLICATION

Service by publication is perfected by publishing notice in the county legal organ and mailing the notice, publication order, and complaint, if any, to the respondent's last known address.

It appearing to the Court that service upon the above-named party has been perfected by publication of notice on the above-stated dates in the legal organ of this County, and by enclosing, directing, stamping and mailing a copy of the notice together with a copy of the order for Publication and the Complaint (if any) to said respondent at his or her last known address

Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Oct 4, 2026 · Civil cases

Page 1 | ORDER PERFECTING SERVICE

A copy of the petition must be served on the Department of Vital Records.

The State Registrar of the Department of Vital Records and the Commissioner for the Georgia Department of Human Resources are entitled to notice of your Petition. You will need to serve a copy of this Petition on the Department of Vital Records. (See Step 4)

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Page 5 | Detailed, Step-by-Step Instructions

One Sheriff’s Entry of Service must be obtained for the Commissioner of the Georgia Department of Human Resources.

Obtain one Sheriff’s Entry of Service for the Commissioner of the Georgia Department of Human Resources.

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Page 8 | Step 4: Sheriff’s Entry of Service

Before the Legitimation case proceeds, the petitioner must serve the respondent as required by law.

Before a Legitimation case can proceed, the Petitioner must serve the Respondent as required by law.

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Page 4 | FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Service must be arranged for all parents and guardians unless they have signed the Consent and Acknowledgment form.

Arrange for service on all parents and guardians (if any), unless they have signed the Consent and Acknowledgment form.

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Page 2 | BASIC STEPS FOR NAME CHANGE OF MINOR CHILDREN

If a parent or guardian will not sign the consent and acknowledgment form, the petition must identify the planned service method in boxes (b), (c), and (d).

If they are not going to sign the Consent & Acknowledgment form, you must check the boxes in (b), (c), and (d) of this final section of the Petition, showing how you plan to have each parent and guardian served.

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Page 4 | Final Paragraph: Request for Relief and for Service on Parents and Guardians

Living parents and any non-parent guardian with whom the children live must be properly served with the petition.

In all name change cases, if the parents are alive, they must be properly served with the Petition. If the children live with someone acting as guardian who is not their parent, then the person acting as guardian must also be served.

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Page 4 | Final Paragraph: Request for Relief and for Service on Parents and Guardians

Notice publication is mandatory in every name-change case, including when all parents and guardians have consented and acknowledged service.

Publication is required in all name change cases, even if all parents and guardians have consented and acknowledged service.

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Page 8 | STEP 5: PUBLICATION OF NOTICE

A signed Consent and Acknowledgment from every parent or guardian obviates other service to those persons, while any person who does not sign must be served by another permitted method.

So long as every parent and guardian (if any) signs a Consent and Acknowledgment form, no other type of service is required in your case. However, if any parent or guardian does not sign this form, then that parent or guardian must be served by one of the methods explained below.

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Page 8 | Service by Acknowledgement of Service

Service may be completed by a signed Acknowledgment of Service, Sheriff’s Department or approved process-server service, certified mail, or publication.

There are four ways for service to be completed: (1) the parent or guardian signs an Acknowledgment of Service, (2) service by the Sheriff’s Department or other approved process server, (3) by certified mail, or (4) by publication.

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Page 8 | STEP 6: SERVICE

When filing, the petitioner must give the clerk the notice and a check or money order payable to The Marietta Daily Journal for publication.

While filing your case at the Clerk’s Office, give the clerk the Notice and payment for the publication fee (check or money order) made out to The Marietta Daily Journal. The Clerk will forward the Notice and payment to The Marietta Daily Journal.

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Page 8 | STEP 5: PUBLICATION OF NOTICE

Service must be arranged for any parent or guardian who did not file a Consent and Acknowledgment form.

Unless you filed Consent & Acknowledgment for each parent and guardian, you must also arrange service. The other copies of your papers will be used in service.

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Page 8 | STEP 4: FILING

When an acknowledgment is not signed, the usual alternative is personal service by a deputy sheriff or other court-approved process server who delivers the papers in person.

This is the usual way for service to be completed (if an acknowledgment is not signed). It is sometimes called “Personal Service,” which means that the deputy sheriff or other court-approved process server hands the papers to the parent or guardian in person.

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Page 8 | Service by Sheriff’s Department

If the parent or guardian is outside Cobb County or Georgia, arrange service through the Sheriff’s Department for the proper county or state.

If the parent or guardian must be served in another county or state, the Cobb County Sheriff’s Department cannot serve the papers. You will need to arrange for service directly with the Sheriff’s Department of the proper county.

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Page 9 | INSTRUCTIONS FOR NAME CHANGE OF MINOR CHILDREN

Publication service requires filing an Affidavit of Diligent Search and the three-part Order of Publication, Return of Service, and Order Perfecting Service form.

To serve by publication, you will need to prepare and file the following two (2) forms:  Affidavit of Diligent Search, and  Order of Publication, Return of Service, and Order Perfecting Service

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Page 9 | Service by Publication

The service copy must include the Sheriff’s Entry of Service form when service is completed by a Sheriff’s Department.

Whether you have service completed by the Cobb County Sheriff’s Department or some other Sheriff’s Department, you should make sure the service copy includes the Sheriff’s Entry of Service form.

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Page 9 | INSTRUCTIONS FOR NAME CHANGE OF MINOR CHILDREN

Certified mail with a return receipt may be used when the parent or guardian lives outside Georgia.

If the parent or guardian lives outside the State of Georgia, you may use certified mail service. To use this method, mail a copy of the Petition and the Notice to the person. Use certified mail, with return receipt (the green card). Be sure to include your return address, so that the papers or the green card will be sent back to you by the post office.

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Page 9 | CERTIFIED MAIL SERVICE

When any parent or guardian lives outside Georgia, the waiting period is 60 days from service.

If any of the parents or guardians lives outside the State of Georgia, the waiting period is 60 days from the date of service.

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Page 10 | STEP 7: WAIT AND PREPARE FOR FINAL HEARING

A registered user consents to receive hearing or trial notifications by email as valid notice under USCR 8.3.

d) Any Registered User consents to accept e-mail notifications of a hearing or trial as valid notice required by USCR 8.3.

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Page 18 | # 14. Time to Respond or Act

The respondent should send the Petitioner a copy of the Response and Verification and should send copies of filed documents to the Petitioner.

This document tells the Court that you sent a copy of the Response and Verification to the Petitioner. A copy of everything that you file in this case should be sent to the Petitioner, and a copy of everything that the Petitioner files should be sent to you.

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Page 2 | Step 3: Certificate of Service

Service by newspaper publication is available in some circumstances.

Finally, there are some situations that allow you to serve the ===== PAGE 4 ===== Defendant by publishing a notice in the newspaper.

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Page 4 | FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

In some circumstances, the defendant may be served by publishing notice in a newspaper.

Finally, there are some situations that allow you to serve the Defendant by publishing a notice in the newspaper.

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Page 4 | FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Service may be made through a private process server, which files the entry of service.

 Entry of Service by a Private Process Server (Filed by the Process Server)

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Page 2 | FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Service by publication is available only when the respondent's location is unknown.

 Service by Publication (only if Respondent’s location is unknown)

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Page 2 | FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Service may be made through the sheriff's office, which files the entry of service.

 Entry of Service by the Sheriff's Office (Filed by Sheriff’s Office)

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Page 2 | FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Service may be made by an acknowledgment of service signed and notarized by the respondent.

 Acknowledgment of Service (signed/notarized by Respondent)

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Page 2 | FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Service by publication is available only for a parent or guardian who cannot be found after a diligent search and requires an Affidavit of Diligent Search and other paperwork.

Check box d if you want to serve a parent or guardian by publication. You can only use this method of service for people you cannot find, after making a diligent search. Service by publication requires additional paperwork including an Affidavit of Diligent Search and other forms.

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Page 5 | Service by Publication

The court may electronically issue, file, and serve notices, orders, and other documents subject to the order.

The Court may issue, file, and serve notices, orders and other documents electronically, subject to the provisions of this Order.

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Page 20 | 19. Electronic Filing and Service of Orders and Other Papers

The sheriff's office or a private process server may personally serve the defendant.

Alternatively, the Sheriff’s Office or a private process server can personally serve the Defendant.

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Page 3 | FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

The defendant or spouse may acknowledge service by signing and notarizing the applicable acknowledgment.

Acknowledgement of Service OR Acknowledgment of Service for Uncontested Divorce with Minor Children (Signed/Notarized by the Defendant/Spouse)

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Page 2 | FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

A consenting defendant may acknowledge service by signing an Acknowledgment of Service before a notary and returning it to the clerk.

If the Defendant agrees, the Defendant can sign an “Acknowledgment of Service” in front of a notary and return that form to the Clerk.

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Page 4 | FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Immediately after electronically filing protective-order petitions, a TPO Office representative must notify the Clerk of Court or designee of the filing.

c) Immediately following the electronic filing of said petition(s), a TPO Office representative shall notify the Clerk of Court of her/his designee of the electronic filing of the petition(s).

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.

Page 17 | # 11. E-Filing Protective Order Petitions

Filing Fees and Waivers

A low-income filer may request waiver of the court filing fee by filing the Poverty Affidavit and approval-order forms, but the publication fee remains payable and the case filing cannot be completed until a judge approves the request.

If you have a low income and feel that you cannot afford to pay these fees, you can ask the Court to waive the court filing fee (but not the publication fee). To do this, you should file a Poverty Affidavit and Order on Poverty Affidavit forms along with your other forms that you have taken to the Clerk’s Office. A judge must sign the Order approving the Poverty Affidavit, before the filing of your case can be completed by the Clerk’s Office staff. If the judge signs the order of approval, your filing fee is waived and the case will proceed. If the judge does not approve your Poverty Affidavit, you must pay all fees before your case will proceed.

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Page 4 | STEP 3: FILING

At filing, provide the clerk with the Notice and publication-fee payment by check or money order payable to The Marietta Daily Journal; the clerk forwards both to the publisher.

While filing your case at the Clerk’s Office, give the clerk the Notice and payment for the publication fee (check or money order) made out to The Marietta Daily Journal. The Clerk will forward the Notice and payment to The Marietta Daily Journal.

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Page 5 | STEP 4: PUBLICATION OF NOTICE

Registered users must electronically pay statutory filing fees through the EFSP when filing an e-filed document.

a) Registered Users shall pay statutory filing fees for E-Filed documents electronically to the Court through the EFSP. Filing fees are due and payable at the time of filing.

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Page 19 | 18. Payment of Filing Fees

A $5.00 law library fee is required for each case filed in any Cobb County or Cobb Judicial Circuit court, except in municipal court cases.

The Council of Superior Court Judges for the Cobb Judicial Circuit hereby orders that the filing fee for each case filed in any court of this county or circuit (except for cases filed in any municipal court) shall, pursuant to OCGA § 36-15-9, include a library fee of $5.00 per case to fund the Cobb County Law Library.

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Page 32 | 20. STANDING ORDER ESTABLISHING LAW LIBRARY FEES

The Cobb County Superior Court clerk must collect a $10.00 filing fee when a civil matter is filed.

When any civil matter is filed in the Cobb County Superior Court, the clerk of such court shall collect $10.00 at the time of filing.

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Page 64 | 16. FUNDING AND ADMINISTRATION

The Cobb County Probate Court clerk must collect a $5.00 filing fee when an estate case is filed.

when any estate case is filed in the Cobb County Probate Court, the clerk of such court shall collect $5.00 at the time of filing

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Page 64 | 16. FUNDING AND ADMINISTRATION

The Cobb County Magistrate Court clerk must collect a $7.50 filing fee when a civil matter is filed for docketing.

When any civil matter is filed for docketing upon the official docket of the Cobb County Magistrate Court, the clerk of such court shall collect $7.50 at the time of filing

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Page 64 | 16. FUNDING AND ADMINISTRATION

Contested cases must be referred to the Alternative Dispute Resolution Office for mediation, for which fees apply.

The Court requires contested cases be referred to the Alternative Dispute Resolution Office for mediation. Fees apply.

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Page 1 | ADDITIONAL COURT REQUIREMENTS

A $49.00 court-ordered probation fee must be paid at each visit by money order or credit/debit card; cash and personal checks are not accepted.

You must bring your court ordered probation fee amount ($49.00) on each visit. This payment must be paid by money order or credit/debit card only. NO CASH OR PERSONAL CHECKS WILL BE ACCEPTED.

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Page 1 | EMERGENCY CONTACT

A separate publication fee must be paid to The Marietta Daily Journal.

You will also have to pay a separate fee for The Marietta Daily Journal to publish the notice of name change.

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Page 7 | STEP 4: FILING

A filing fee is required for a name-change action, but the exact amount must be obtained from the clerk’s office.

There is a court filing fee for a name change action (the exact amount can be obtained from the Clerk’s Office).

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Page 7 | STEP 4: FILING

The filing and publication fees may be paid by cash, check, or money order, but the two fees must be paid separately.

These fees can be paid by cash, check, or money order. Be sure to bring a form of payment with you to the Clerk’s Office, and remember that the two fees will have to be paid separately.

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Page 7 | STEP 4: FILING

After filing the publication forms and obtaining court permission, the petitioner must pay the $80.00 publication cost at the Clerk’s Office.

After you file the forms and if the Court grants permission, the judge will then sign an Order of Publication. You will need to pay the cost of publication ($80.00) at the Clerk’s Office.

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Page 9 | Service by Publication

Registered Users filing through a Public Access Terminal are exempt from electronic-filing transaction fees but must pay standard court fees.

Registered Users shall not be required to pay E-Filing transaction fees when filing from a PAT. Registered Users shall be required to pay standard court fees when filing from a PAT.

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Page 14 | 6. Public Access Terminal

An indigent person unable to afford mediation fees may ask the ADR Office to apply for a fee waiver.

If you are indigent and cannot afford the fees for mediation, you may ask the ADR Office to apply for a fee waiver.

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Page 2 | FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

An indigent person unable to afford the divorce filing fee may submit a Poverty Affidavit requesting a court fee waiver.

If you are indigent and cannot afford the fee to file the divorce case, you may use the “Poverty Affidavit” packet to request that the Court waive the fee.

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Page 2 | FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

The petitioner must file the original documents with the Clerk of Court and pay both filing and service fees at the Clerk’s Office.

File the original documents with the Clerk of Court and pay filing fees and service fees in the Clerk’s Office.

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Page 2 | BASIC STEPS OF THIS PROCESS

A filing fee may be required for filing the document package.

You may be required to pay a filing fee.

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Page 4 | Step 8: Filing

A service fee must be paid to the Sheriff’s Office, with the applicable fee available from that office.

You will have to pay a service fee. Check with the Sheriff’s Office for the schedule fee.

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Page 4 | Step 7: Filing

Contested cases must be referred to the Alternative Dispute Resolution Office for mediation, which carries a fee.

The Court requires contested cases be referred to the Alternative Dispute Resolution Office for mediation. Fees apply.

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Page 1 | ADDITIONAL COURT REQUIREMENTS

A filer unable to afford filing fees may submit a Poverty Affidavit to seek a filing-fee waiver.

Poverty Affidavit (Only for those who cannot afford to pay the filing fees; See “Poverty Affidavit” Packet)

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Page 2 | FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

A filing fee may be required when filing the document package.

You may be required to pay a filing fee.

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Page 9 | Step 6: Filing

A certified copy of the Final Order must be requested, and a charge applies.

Request a certified copy of the Final Order. You will be charged for a certified copy.

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Page 10 | Step 9: File the Final Order and Get a Certified Copy

Payments for fines, restitution, and fees owed to Cobb County must be made at the Cobb County Superior Court Clerk's office or through www.CobbCountyPayments.com.

All payments to cover fines, restitution, and fees to Cobb County are to be paid at the Cobb County Superior Court Clerk's office OR by going to www.CobbCountyPayments.com.

Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Oct 4, 2026 · Criminal cases

Page 1 | EMERGENCY CONTACT

A criminal defendant certified as indigent by the Circuit Defender or Court may use the certification as a pauper's affidavit and is not charged for Clerk of Superior Court services, including post-conviction services.

In all criminal cases in Superior Court in which the defendant has been certified as indigent by the Circuit Defender or the Court, the defendant shall be treated in the same manner as in civil cases filed by indigent persons and governed by OCGA § 15-6-77. A certification of indigency shall serve as a pauper's affidavit, thereby eliminating any costs associated with the services of the Clerk of Superior Court, including services association with post- conviction matters.

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Page 48 | 38. Prohibiting Charges to Indigent Defendants and Their Attorneys by the Clerk

Attorneys in good standing on the Circuit Defender's panel receive the same electronic case-management access as the District Attorney's Office and pay no access charge for documents in appointed cases.

All attorneys in good standing on the Circuit Defender's panel shall have identical access to the Clerk's electronic case management system as the District Attorney's office. No attorney in good standing on the Circuit Defender's panel shall be charged any cost for access to documents filed into the Clerk's electronic case management system in appointed cases.

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Page 48 | 38. Prohibiting Charges to Indigent Defendants and Their Attorneys by the Clerk

An indigent litigant may ask the ADR Office to apply for a waiver of mediation and Co-Parenting Seminar fees.

If you are indigent and cannot afford the fees for mediation or the Co-Parenting Seminar, you may ask the ADR Office to apply for a fee waiver.

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Page 3 | FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

An indigent litigant may request a waiver of the divorce filing fee by submitting the Poverty Affidavit packet.

If you are indigent and cannot afford the fee to file the divorce case, you may use the “Poverty Affidavit” packet to request that the Court waive the fee.

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Page 3 | FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

An indigent party may ask the ADR Office to apply for a fee waiver for mediation or the Co-Parenting Seminar.

If you are indigent and cannot afford the fees for mediation or the Co-Parenting Seminar, you may ask the ADR Office to apply for a fee waiver.

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Page 3 | FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

An indigent party may submit a Poverty Affidavit packet to request a waiver of the divorce filing fee.

If you are indigent and cannot afford the fee to file the divorce case, you may use the “Poverty Affidavit” packet to request that the Court waive the fee.

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Page 3 | FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

A court filing fee is required for an adult name-change action, with the exact amount available from the clerk’s office.

There is a court filing fee for a name change action (the exact amount can be obtained from the Clerk’s Office).

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.

Page 4 | STEP 3: FILING

A separate publication fee is required and must be paid separately from the court filing fee by cash, check, or money order.

You will also have to pay a separate fee for The Marietta Daily Journal to publish the notice of name change. These fees can be paid by cash, check, or money order. Be sure to bring a form of payment with you to the Clerk’s Office, and remember that the two fees will have to be paid separately.

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.

Page 4 | STEP 3: FILING

For cases initiated after October 1, 2018, each e-filing transaction after a party's tenth filing in the case incurs a $5 fee.

ii. A volume E-Filing transaction fee of $5.00 per transaction for each E-File Transaction after the tenth filing on behalf of a given case party in a given case.

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.

Page 19 | 18. Payment of Filing Fees

For cases initiated after October 1, 2018, credit-card and bank-drafting transactions carry a recoverable convenience fee not exceeding 3.5 percent plus 30 cents per transaction.

iii. A convenience fee for credit card and bank drafting services, which shall not exceed 3.5 percent plus 30¢ per transaction.

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.

Page 19 | 18. Payment of Filing Fees

For cases initiated after October 1, 2018, the first electronic filing by a party from a non-PAT computer incurs a one-time $30 transaction fee.

i. A one-time per-party transaction fee of $30.00 for electronically filing on behalf of a case party for the first time from a non-PAT computer.

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.

Page 19 | 18. Payment of Filing Fees

Filing and service fees must be paid at the Clerk’s Office when filing the original documents.

Step 6: File the original documents with the Clerk of Court and pay filing fees and service fees in the Clerk’s Office.

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.

Page 1 | Basic Steps of This Process

A low-income filer may request waiver of the court filing fee by filing the poverty forms and obtaining judicial approval, but the publication fee is not waivable and all fees are due if approval is denied.

If you have a low income and feel that you cannot afford to pay these fees, you can ask the Court to waive the court filing fee (but not the publication fee). To do this, you should file Poverty Affidavit and Order on Poverty Affidavit forms along with your other forms that you have taken to the Clerk’s Office. A judge must sign the Order approving the Poverty Affidavit, before the filing of your case can be completed by the Clerk’s Office staff. If the judge signs the order of approval, your filing fee is waived and the case will proceed. If the judge does not approve your Poverty Affidavit, you must pay all fees before you case will proceed.

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.

Page 7 | STEP 4: FILING

A fee is required for the certified copy of the final order.

There will be a fee for the certified copy.

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.

Page 6 | STEP 7: FILE FINAL ORDER

Courtesy Copy Requirements

Courtesy copies of all election-related motions, complaints, and other filings must be emailed to the Election Judge.

Courtesy copies of all motions, complaints, or other filings related to the election shall be emailed to the Election Judge using this email address.

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Page 27 | Contact Information for the Election Night Judge

Parties may electronically deliver courtesy copies to the assigned judge, and the judge may require them at the judge's discretion.

Parties may elect to electronically deliver courtesy copies of documents to the judge assigned to the case or may be required to do so in the judge's discretion.

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.

Page 18 | # 15. Courtesy Copies to the Court

Sealing & Redaction Procedures

Evidence used in a criminal or civil hearing or trial to support an alleged violation of OCGA § 16-12-100, et seq. is not open to public inspection except by court order.

d. Any evidence used as an exhibit in a criminal or civil hearing or trial to show or support an alleged violation of OCGA § 16-12-100, et seq., or any evidence which is encompassed by the provisions of OCGA § 16-12-100, et seq., shall not be open to public inspection except by court order.

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Page 9 | Standing Order Regarding Evidence

Exhibits tendered as evidence in a criminal or civil trial may not be publicly inspected without approval from the assigned judge.

Pursuant to OCGA § 50-18-72(c)(1), exhibits tendered to the court as evidence in a criminal or civil trial shall not be open to public inspection without approval of the judge assigned to the case.

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Page 9 | Standing Order Regarding Evidence

Before submitting a filing, the filer must use an affirmative EFSP notation to confirm compliance with OCGA § 9-11-7.1 and USCR 36.17 concerning redaction of confidential information.

e) Prior to the submission of a filing to the Court, the filer must confirm via an affirmative notation recorded by the EFSP that he/she has complied with OCGA § 9-11-7.1 and USCR 36.17 regarding the redaction of confidential information from the pleadings being submitted.

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Page 16 | 9. Electronic Signatures of Attorneys and Parties

Documents filed or brought to court must redact all but the last four digits of social security, taxpayer identification, and financial account numbers, and must redact dates of birth so that only the birth year remains visible.

If any documents that you plan to file or bring to court contain social security numbers, taxpayer identification numbers or financial account numbers, you must redact those numbers by marking out all but the last four digits. Additionally, any documents containing a date of birth must be redacted so that only the year of birth is visible.

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Page 53 | Domestic Relations Standing Order, Paragraph 10(c)

If a judge permits inspection of evidence governed by OCGA § 16-12-100, et seq., the evidence may not be photographed, copied, or reproduced by any means.

If the judge permits inspection, such property or material shall not be photographed, copied, or reproduced by any means.

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.

Page 9 | Standing Order Regarding Evidence

Filing Bundling Requirements

Exhibits and supporting materials may be bundled with the main document as one PDF, but a Registered User faced with a technical limitation may separate them into multiple PDFs.

c) Exhibits to an electronic document may be attached to the main document and filed as a single PDF. In the event that the Registered User encounters a technical limitation that prevents exhibits and supporting materials to be attached to the main document as a single PDF, the Registered User may separate the materials into multiple PDFs for electronic filing.

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Page 15 | 8. Document Format

The filing documents must be assembled in the stated order.

Put the documents in the following order: Petition; Copy of the Original Court Order for Child Support; Verification; Rule Nisi

We could not find this wording in the court's document. Open the source before relying on it.

Page 4 | Step 7: Putting the Documents in Order

Two copies of the complete document package must be made, with summonses attached as specified.

Make two (2) copies of all documents in the package. Attach a Summons to your original papers. Attach another Summons to one of your copies along with the Sheriff’s Entry of Service.

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.

Page 4 | Step 7: Putting the Documents in Order

File one complete paper-clipped set of the forms for the court and retain a second complete set for the filer’s records.

Then, make one copy of each of the forms for your records. Separate the copies into sets – one for the court and one for you. Each set should have one copy of each form. Clip each set with a paperclip.

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.

Page 4 | STEP 2: COPYING

The filing package must be assembled in the specified order: Sheriff’s Entry of Service, Petition, copy of the pre-existing Court Order, Verification, and Rule Nisi.

Put the documents in the following order: o Sheriff’s Entry of Service o Petition o Copy of the pre-existing Court Order that was disobeyed o Verification o Rule Nisi

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.

Page 4 | Step 6: Putting the Documents in Order

Adjournment & Extension Requirements

The parties may reschedule an ADR conference by mutual consent if they notify the neutral at least 72 hours in advance; without unanimous consent, the assigned judge must approve the rescheduling.

D. The parties may change the date and time of the ADR conference provided that it is by consent of both parties and that they notify the neutral at least 72 hours in advance of the scheduled ADR conference. Absent consent of all parties, rescheduling may only occur with approval of the assigned judge.

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Page 57 | ADR conference rescheduling

The neutral must receive at least 72 business hours' notice of an ADR conference rescheduling or cancellation unless the parties, counsel, and neutral agree otherwise in writing.

The neutral must be notified at least 72 business hours before the ADR conference of any rescheduling or cancellations unless otherwise agreed to in writing by the parties, counsel and the neutral.

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Page 62 | # 12. COMMUNICATIONS WITH THE COURT

Chambers Communication Rules

Any necessary communication between the Court and a neutral must be in writing, routed through the court ADR program, and copied to each party and the party's attorney.

If any communication between the Court and a neutral is necessary, the communication shall be in writing and shall be made through the court program. Copies of any written communication with the Court shall be given to each party and the party's attorney.

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Page 62 | # 12. COMMUNICATIONS WITH THE COURT

Between 7:00 A.M. and 10:00 P.M. on election day, the Election Judge may be contacted by email for election-related issues and hearing requests.

Between the hours of 7:00 A.M and 10:00 P.M. on the date of the election, the Election Judge may be contacted by email at CobbElectionJudge@cobbcounty.gov regarding any issues related to the election, including requests for hearing.

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Page 27 | Contact Information for the Election Night Judge

The Superior Court Clerk's Office is located at 70 Haynes Street in Marietta, Georgia, and may be contacted by phone or through its website.

The Superior Court Clerk of Cobb County is located on the first floor at 70 Haynes Street, Marietta, GA 30090. The phone number is 770-528-1300, and the website is www.cobbsuperiorcourtclerk.com/.

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Page 3 | FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

To obtain a hearing date, contact either the clerk's office or the assigned judge's office, noting that scheduling practices vary by judge.

To get a hearing scheduled, contact the clerk’s office or the office of the Judge assigned to your case. Every Judge handles scheduling differently.

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Page 3 | FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

To schedule a hearing, contact the clerk’s office or the office of the judge assigned to the case.

To get a hearing scheduled, contact the clerk’s office or the office of the Judge assigned to your case.

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Page 3 | FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

The Election Judge’s staff must check the election email frequently from 7:00 A.M. to 10:00 P.M. on election day and forward communications received during regular courthouse business hours to the appropriate parties, including the Presiding Judge.

The Election Judge or a member of his or her staff shall ensure this email address is checked frequently between the hours of 7:00 A.M. and 10:00 P.M. on the date of the election and any email communications forwarded to the appropriate parties, including the Presiding Judge, if the communication is received during regular courthouse business hours.

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.

Page 27 | Contact Information for the Election Night Judge

Contact the assigned judge’s calendar clerk to schedule the final hearing.

Contact the calendar clerk for the judge assigned to your case. Schedule your final hearing.

We could not find this wording in the court's document. Open the source before relying on it.

Page 6 | STEP 6: FINAL HEARING

After an ADR conference is scheduled, court ADR program contact with the Court about the case is limited to specified ADR-related subjects.

Once an ADR conference is scheduled in a given case, contact between the court ADR program and the Court concerning that case shall be limited to the following:

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.

Page 62 | # 12. COMMUNICATIONS WITH THE COURT

Contact the calendar clerk to schedule the final hearing before the hearing.

Contact the calendar clerk for the judge assigned to your case, and schedule your final hearing.

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.

Page 10 | STEP 8: FINAL HEARING

Ask the clerk for the assigned judge’s name and the calendar clerk’s phone number.

Ask the clerk which judge has been assigned to the case, and get the name and phone number of that judge’s calendar clerk.

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.

Page 5 | STEP 4: PUBLICATION OF NOTICE

The Election Judge may provide a personal cell phone number in addition to the election email address.

The Election Judge may also provide their personal cell phone number in addition to the email address provided herein.

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.

Page 27 | Contact Information for the Election Night Judge

Common questions about Superior Court of Cobb County rules

Are courtesy copies required in Superior Court of Cobb County?

Courtesy-copy rule applies for motions, complaints, and other filings. Details: by email. Courtesy copies of all election-related motions, complaints, and other filings must be emailed to the Election Judge.

View ruleSource: page 27, section Contact Information for the Election Night Judge

What formatting rules apply to filings in Superior Court of Cobb County?

Superior Court of Cobb County's formatting rule includes file format PDF. Every document submitted electronically through the EFSP must be filed in PDF format, including primary filings, exhibits, and other supporting documents.

View ruleSource: page 15, section 8. Document Format

What must be included with verification form filings in Superior Court of Cobb County?

The rule identifies required filing content or certificates. A completed Verification form must accompany the adult name-change petition.

View ruleSource: page 3, section STEP 1(B): VERIFICATION

What must be included with publication notice filings in Superior Court of Cobb County?

The rule identifies required filing content or certificates. Publication is required in every adult name-change case.

View ruleSource: page 5, section STEP 4: PUBLICATION OF NOTICE

How may parties contact Superior Court of Cobb County?

The rule addresses email communications with the duty judge. The Election Judge’s staff must check the election email frequently from 7:00 A.M. to 10:00 P.M. on election day and forward communications received during regular courthouse business hours to the appropriate parties, including the Presiding Judge.

View ruleSource: page 27, section Contact Information for the Election Night Judge

How does Superior Court of Cobb County handle sealed or redacted filings?

Superior Court of Cobb County rules set procedures for sealed or redacted filings. Exhibits tendered as evidence in a criminal or civil trial may not be publicly inspected without approval from the assigned judge.

View ruleSource: page 9, section Standing Order Regarding Evidence

How do I request an adjournment or extension in Superior Court of Cobb County?

Requests should be made at least 72 hours in advance when this rule applies in Superior Court of Cobb County. The parties may reschedule an ADR conference by mutual consent if they notify the neutral at least 72 hours in advance; without unanimous consent, the assigned judge must approve the rescheduling.

View ruleSource: page 57, section ADR conference rescheduling

Does Superior Court of Cobb County require motion papers to be bundled?

Yes. Superior Court of Cobb County requires bundling for covered papers. The filing documents must be assembled in the stated order.

View ruleSource: page 4, section Step 7: Putting the Documents in Order

Are filing fees or waivers addressed in Superior Court of Cobb County?

A fee is required for covered filings. A court filing fee is required for an adult name-change action, with the exact amount available from the clerk’s office.

View ruleSource: page 4, section STEP 3: FILING

Is electronic filing required in Superior Court of Cobb County?

Yes. Electronic filing is required for the covered filings. On and after October 1, 2018, attorneys filing pleadings and related documents in qualifying civil actions must file electronically through the Court's electronic filing service provider.

View ruleSource: page 12, section 7. STANDING ORDER MANDATING AND GOVERNING ELECTRONIC FILING FOR CIVIL CASES

What filing deadlines does Superior Court of Cobb County set?

Electronic filing does not change applicable filing deadlines.

View ruleSource: page 17, section # 10.

What rule applies to service for protective order petition in Superior Court of Cobb County?

The rule addresses service method, recipient, or timing requirements. Details: method: e-service, recipient: the clerk. Immediately after electronically filing protective-order petitions, a TPO Office representative must notify the Clerk of Court or designee of the filing.

View ruleSource: page 17, section # 11. E-Filing Protective Order Petitions
Complete rules summary for Superior Court of Cobb County

Forms filed in Cobb County Courts must be typed or printed in black ink.

A completed Verification form must accompany the adult name-change petition.

File one complete paper-clipped set of the forms for the court and retain a second complete set for the filer’s records.

A court filing fee is required for an adult name-change action, with the exact amount available from the clerk’s office.

A separate publication fee is required and must be paid separately from the court filing fee by cash, check, or money order.

A low-income filer may request waiver of the court filing fee by filing the Poverty Affidavit and approval-order forms, but the publication fee remains payable and the case filing cannot be completed until a judge approves the request.

The clerk cannot complete the case filing until a judge signs the order approving the Poverty Affidavit.

Publication is required in every adult name-change case.

At filing, provide the clerk with the Notice and publication-fee payment by check or money order payable to The Marietta Daily Journal; the clerk forwards both to the publisher.

Ask the clerk for the assigned judge’s name and the calendar clerk’s phone number.

Contact the assigned judge’s calendar clerk to schedule the final hearing.

A fee is required for the certified copy of the final order.

The final order on a motion for contempt must select only one of the alternatives provided in the form.

Electronic filing does not change applicable filing deadlines.

When a probation-termination hearing is set, DCS must file the petition and place the probationer's last known address on its first page.

The Clerk must complete all processing needed to update and publicly display case information within five business days after receiving a change-of-address form or notice, regardless of its title.

The Clerk must complete all processing needed to update and publicly display case information within five business days after receiving an entry of appearance, attorney-appointment notice, or equivalent filing.

A document requiring an original sworn or notarized signature must accurately reproduce the declarant's or notary public's original signature.

Exhibits tendered as evidence in a criminal or civil trial may not be publicly inspected without approval from the assigned judge.

Evidence used in a criminal or civil hearing or trial to support an alleged violation of OCGA § 16-12-100, et seq. is not open to public inspection except by court order.

If a judge permits inspection of evidence governed by OCGA § 16-12-100, et seq., the evidence may not be photographed, copied, or reproduced by any means.

On and after October 1, 2018, attorneys filing pleadings and related documents in qualifying civil actions must file electronically through the Court's electronic filing service provider.

All documents in civil cases must be electronically filed and electronically served, subject to specified exceptions; the Clerk generally may not accept paper filings except from self-represented individuals.

The public may electronically file documents and access electronically filed documents through a Public Access Terminal.

Registered Users filing through a Public Access Terminal are exempt from electronic-filing transaction fees but must pay standard court fees.

Self-represented litigants may elect electronic filing but are not required to do so because the Court must continue accepting their paper filings.

To the extent practicable, an electronic-document filer must follow the applicable Georgia Rules of Civil Procedure formatting requirements, including page limits.

Every document submitted electronically through the EFSP must be filed in PDF format, including primary filings, exhibits, and other supporting documents.

Exhibits and supporting materials may be bundled with the main document as one PDF, but a Registered User faced with a technical limitation may separate them into multiple PDFs.

When a document is separated into multiple PDFs, each PDF must begin with a Notice of Filing as its cover page.

More Judges in Superior Court of Cobb County

Angela Z. Brown
Judge
Ann B. Harris
Judge
D. Victor Reynolds
Judge
Henry R. Thompson
Judge
Jason D. Marbutt
Judge
Julie Adams Jacobs
Judge
Kellie S. Hill
Judge
Kimberly A. Childs
Judge