Court Rules
Judge Alice Benton
Judge

Judge Alice Benton

Individual Rules, Standing Orders & Policies

Rules last changed:
Superior Court of Fulton County

Limits & Logistics

Document Limits

Motion Or Brief
25 pgs

Courtesy Copies

All filings

  • 1 copy • Email • Upon Filing

Courtesy copies

  • Email
  • Within 24 Hours

Filings > 35 pages

  • Hand Delivery

Motion, Related Filings

Adjournments

  • To modify the Case-Specific Scheduling Order, the moving party must email the Staff Attorney, with all parties copied, a proposed Revised Scheduling Order including all proposed deadline extensions and a statement of whether the Court has previously granted extension requests.
  • Participation in mediation or other ADR does not excuse or delay discovery, motion, or trial deadlines (i.e., ADR is not grounds for extensions or adjournments).
  • Extension requests must explain the unanticipated or unforeseen circumstances necessitating the extension and include a timetable for completing the task.
  • +16 more

Request must include

Proposed New DatesPrevious Requests Granted Or DeniedReason For RequestAffects Other Dates

Communication

Email

Chambers

jessica.cummings@fultoncountyga.gov
Email

Chambers

stephanie.cooper@fultoncountyga.gov
Phone
Court-wide

Clerk

(404) 612-5152
Cases:
Filters:AllMandatoryImportantFormattingDiscoveryExhibitsProposed OrdersJuryTRO/InjunctionPage LimitsEvidence/Witnesses

Page & Word Limits1 rule

Page LimitsCivil cases

The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet.Mandatory?

Absent advance permission, no party may file a motion or brief in excess of 25 pages (excluding affidavits, deposition extracts, and other relevant exhibits). Reply briefs are limited to 15 pages. Documents exceeding the above page limits that are filed without permission may be stricken from the record.

Summary: Motions and briefs are limited to 25 pages (excluding affidavits, deposition extracts, and exhibits) and reply briefs to 15 pages; over-limit filings without permission may be stricken.

Motion Or Brief

25 pages

Reply Brief

15 pages

Document Format Requirements14 rules

FormattingCriminal cases

Checked against the court's document on Sep 21, 2026Mandatory

DVD/CD exhibits must be provided to the Court as the original plus one copy, contained in a hard case.

Regarding DVDs/CDs exhibits, provide the Court (via judicial assistant or litigation manager) with the original and one copy. They will need to be contained in a hard case (e.g., jewel case).

benton standing crim cmo exhibits · Apr 2024 · p. 1
|SecSTANDING CASE MANAGEMENT ORDER RE: EXHIBITS PROCEDURE FOR ALL CRIMINAL CASES ASSIGNED TO JUDGE BENTON'S DIVISION
FormattingCivil cases

Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Sep 20, 2026Mandatory

E-Documents must be filed via eFileGA in searchable PDF format not exceeding 50 megabytes.

Documents shall be E-Filed via eFileGA in a searchable .pdf file format that does not exceed 50 megabytes in size (or such other file format as directed by the Vendor).

Required Format

PDF

FormattingCivil cases

The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet.Mandatory?

The pre-trial order shall be presented in the form prescribed by Rule 7.2 of the Uniform Rules of the Superior Court.

Summary: The pre-trial order must follow the form prescribed by Rule 7.2 of the Uniform Rules of the Superior Court.

FormattingCivil cases

The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet.Mandatory?

In addition to filing jury charge requests with the Clerk, the parties shall also email a copy in Word format to the Staff Attorney prior to jury selection.

Summary: The emailed copy of jury charge requests to the Staff Attorney must be in Word format.

Required Format

DOCX

FormattingCivil cases

The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet.Mandatory?

The parties must submit their proposed verdict forms via email in Word format to the Staff Attorney prior to jury selection.

Summary: Proposed verdict forms submitted to the Staff Attorney must be in Word format.

Required Format

DOCX

FormattingCivil cases

The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet.Mandatory?

Conflict letters must be submitted one week before the trial calendar begins and shall comply fully with Rule 17.1 of the Uniform Superior Court Rules.

Summary: Conflict letters must comply fully with Rule 17.1 of the Uniform Superior Court Rules.

FormattingCivil cases

The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet.Mandatory?

All exhibits and exhibit lists shall be scanned individually into PDF format and emailed to the Staff Attorney, with all counsel copied, no later than two days before trial.

Summary: Exhibits and exhibit lists must be scanned individually into PDF format.

Required Format

PDF

FormattingCivil cases

The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet.Important?

Documents e-mailed for the Court9s review (motions and other pleadings) should be sent in .PDF format.

Summary: Documents e-mailed to the Court for review, such as motions and other pleadings, should be sent in PDF format.

Required Format

PDF

FormattingCivil cases

The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet.Important?

Documents e-mailed for Judge Benton9s signature (proposed orders, etc.) should be sent in Microsoft Word format.

Summary: Documents e-mailed for Judge Benton's signature, such as proposed orders, should be sent in Microsoft Word format.

Required Format

DOCX

FormattingCivil cases

The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet.Important?

All motions, proposed orders, and other submissions to the Court shall be printed or typed with not less than double-spacing between the lines, except in block quotations or footnotes.

Summary: Motions, proposed orders, and other submissions must be double-spaced, except in block quotations and footnotes.

Typography
Line SpacingDouble
FormattingCivil cases

The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet.Important?

The type size shall not be smaller than 12-point Courier or Times New Roman font.

Summary: Type size must be at least 12-point in Courier or Times New Roman font.

Typography
Size12 pt
FormattingCivil cases

The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet.Important?

Every ministerial motion (e.g., motion to exceed page limit, to extend discovery, etc.) must be accompanied by a proposed order (with the proposed order submitted electronically as a Microsoft Word document).

Summary: Proposed orders accompanying ministerial motions must be submitted electronically as Microsoft Word documents.

Required Format

DOCX

FormattingCivil cases

The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet.Important?

Margins shall be no less than one inch at the top, bottom and sides.

Summary: Margins must be at least one inch at the top, bottom, and sides.

Layout & Binding
Margins
Top:1"
Left:1"
Right:1"
Bottom:1"
FormattingCivil cases

The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet.Important?

All proposed orders should be submitted electronically via email directly to the Staff Attorney, in Microsoft Word format.

Summary: Proposed orders submitted to the Staff Attorney must be in Microsoft Word format.

Required Format

DOCX

Document Filing Requirements50 rules

Filing RequirementsCriminal cases

Checked against the court's document on Sep 21, 2026Mandatory

The State must take and permanently store all original exhibits after trial or hearing.

All original exhibits introduced by both the State and the defendant(s) must be taken by the State at the conclusion of the trial or hearing and permanently stored by the State.

Document Type

Exhibits

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
benton standing crim cmo exhibits · Apr 2024 · p. 1
|SecSTANDING CASE MANAGEMENT ORDER RE: EXHIBITS PROCEDURE FOR ALL CRIMINAL CASES ASSIGNED TO JUDGE BENTON'S DIVISION
Filing RequirementsCriminal cases

Checked against the court's document on Sep 20, 2026Mandatory

Expert notices must be in writing and include a meaningful summary of testimony and the expert's qualifications.

Any party seeking to rely on expert testimony at trial (or any evidentiary hearing) must provide written notice to the opposing party. This notice must include a meaningful summary of the expert's testimony as well as his or her qualifications to serve as an expert witness.

Document Type

Expert Notice

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Filing RequirementsCriminal cases

Checked against the court's document on Sep 20, 2026Mandatory

Extension motions must include a proposed order for the Court's consideration.

Such motions must provide a detailed, fact-based explanation of the need for the extension including the amount of time needed to provide outstanding discovery, along with a proposed order for the Court's consideration.

Document Type

Motion For Extension

Content & Formatting
Proposed Order
Filing RequirementsCriminal cases

Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Sep 20, 2026Mandatory

Motions to compel must be case-specific and itemize articulable instances of non-compliance; 'form' motions will not be considered.

discovery obligations. The parties are ordered not to file "form" motions seeking an order compelling the generalized disclosure of discoverable materials or the general exclusion of evidence. Any such non-specific "form" motions will not be considered by the Court. Should a party need to file a motion to compel discovery, the party shall itemize the articulable and case-specific instances in which the party believes the opposing party has failed to comply with

Document Type

Motion To Compel

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Filing RequirementsCriminal cases

Checked against the court's document on Sep 20, 2026Mandatory

Motions must be particularized, tailored to the facts, limited to a single issue, and identify the specific statement or evidence at issue.

Only those motions sufficiently particularized as to provide legal notice to the opposing parties will be considered by the Court. Generalized and omnibus motions are not to be filed, and if filed will be denied as vague, dilatory, and in violation of this order. Motions must specify, with particularity, the item, statement, or event at issue and must be tailored to the facts of the case at hand. Each motion shall be limited to a single issue and filed separately. Thus, a general motion seeking to suppress all statements or all evidence is insufficient and will be denied. The motion must identify the specific statement or evidence that the movant is seeking to suppress and must provide a theory of suppression.

Document Type

Motion

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Filing RequirementsCriminal cases

Checked against the court's document on Sep 20, 2026Mandatory

Attorneys must file an entry of appearance or notice of substitution of counsel that fully complies with U.S.C.R. 4.2 or 4.3(3) before appearing before the Court.

No attorney shall appear in that capacity before the Court until the attorney has filed an entry of appearance that fully complies with U.S.C.R. 4.2 or a notice of substitution of counsel that fully complies with U.S.C.R. 4.3(3).

Document Type

Entry Of Appearance

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
EX PARTE STANDING ORDER criminal cmo · Oct 2025 · p. 7
|SecAPPEARANCE AT ALL CALENDARS AND HEARINGS
Filing RequirementsCriminal cases

Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Sep 21, 2026Mandatory

Parties must submit all proposed jury charges; pattern charges by number only, non-pattern with full text and authority.

Proposed Jury Charges. The parties must submit all proposed requests to charge, including the charges of the particular offense(s) alleged in the indictment. For pattern charges, each party is to submit only the pattern charge number and not the text of the charge itself. F For non-pattern or modified pattern charges, the parties are required to submit the full text and cite the case law, statute, or other authority supporting such requested

Document Type

Jury Charges

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Filing RequirementsCriminal cases

Checked against the court's document on Sep 21, 2026Mandatory

Each motion in limine must be a separate document limited to discrete evidentiary/procedural matters; improper use will be denied as untimely.

All motions in limine. Each such motion shall be a separate document. Such motions should be limited to discrete evidentiary or procedural matters, such as the admissibility of a specific piece of evidence. It is not proper to attempt to raise, as a motion in limine, matters that should have been resolved during the pre-trial motions phase of proceedings, such as a motion to sever, etc. Such a motion cast as a motion in limine will be denied as untimely absent good cause shown.

Document Type

Motion In Limine

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Filing RequirementsCriminal cases

Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Sep 21, 2026Mandatory

Proposed orders must be submitted by email to the Litigation Manager and opposing counsel within three business days of pronouncement.

Orders. Counsel shall promptly prepare orders or judgments to be presented to the Court. Proposed orders shall be submitted by email to Litigation Manger Stephanie Cooper (Stephanie.Cooper@fultoncountyga.gov) and opposing counsel simultaneously and within three business days of the pronouncement of that order or judgment, unless directed otherwise by the

Document Type

Proposed Order

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Filing Requirements

Checked against the court's document on Sep 20, 2026Mandatory

Parties must submit proposed Child Support Worksheets, Child Support Addendum, and Parenting Plans at the 30-Day Status Conference.

Parties are required to submit proposed Child Support Worksheets, Child Support Addendum, and Parenting Plans at the 30-Day Status Conference.

Document Type

Child Support Documents

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Filing Requirements

Checked against the court's document on Sep 20, 2026Mandatory

In cases involving minor children, parties must file updated financial affidavits, child support worksheets, addendum, and parenting plan one week before trial.

If the case involves minor children, the Parties SHALL exchange and file with the Court an updated Domestic Relations Financial Affidavit, a proposed Child Support Worksheet, proposed Child Support Addendum and proposed Parenting Plan one week prior to trial, pursuant to U.S.C.R. 24.2.

Document Type

Domestic Relations Financial Affidavit

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Filing Requirements

Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Sep 20, 2026Mandatory

Each individual exhibit must be itemized in the Consolidated Pretrial Order; general categories are prohibited.

The Parties are required to itemize each individual exhibit in the Consolidated Pretrial Order and avoid listing general categories of documents (e.g. "all discovery produced in this case," "email," or "photographs'"').

Document Type

Consolidated Pretrial Order

Content & Formatting
Exhibit List
Filing Requirements

Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Sep 20, 2026Mandatory

Consolidated Pretrial Orders are required and must be emailed to Chambers one week before trial.

Consolidated Pretrial Orders are required and are due to Chambers one week prior to trial by email to Senior Staff Attorney Jessica Cummings for those set before Judge Benton, or Litigation Manager Stephanie Cooper for trials set before Judicial Officer Greg Miller.

Document Type

Consolidated Pretrial Order

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Filing Requirements

Checked against the court's document on Sep 20, 2026Mandatory

Attorney fee requests must cite the authorizing statute, provide required factors, and include findings and conclusions required by law.

Parties seeking attorney's fees shall cite to the statute or other provision of law authorizing same, provide the requisite factors and considerations the Court must assess, and the findings and conclusions required by law.

Document Type

Attorney Fee Request

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Filing RequirementsCriminal cases

Checked against the court's document on Sep 20, 2026Important

A Waiver of Arraignment must be personally signed by the defendant and indicate entry of a Not Guilty plea and waiver of formal arraignment.

counsel may file a Waiver of Arraignment personally signed by the defendant indicating that the defendant is entering a plea of Not Guilty and waiving formal arraignment

Document Type

Waiver Of Arraignment

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Filing RequirementsCivil cases

Checked against the court's document on Sep 20, 2026Important

When filing non-conforming materials manually, the filing party must e-file a Notice of Manual Filing for docketing.

The filing party shall E-File a "Notice of Manual Filing" which shall be docketed in the Case Management System to denote that a manual filing has been made and that the material is being held by the Clerk of Court.

Document Type

Notice Of Manual Filing

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Filing RequirementsCivil cases

Checked against the court's document on Sep 20, 2026Important

Filers must e-file a Notice of Filing under Seal when submitting sealed documents.

Also, filers submitting Documents to be filed under seal are required to E-File a "Notice of Filing under Seal".

Document Type

Notice Of Filing Under Seal

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Filing RequirementsCivil cases

Checked against the court's document on Sep 20, 2026Important

Proposed Orders may be E-Filed as exhibits or separate filings if they include the submitting party's signature block and are titled 'Proposed'.

Proposed Orders may be E-Filed as an exhibit to a motion or other pleadings or as a separate filing provided that (1) the Proposed Order includes the signature block of the submitting party or attorney in compliance with U.S.C.R. 36.4 and (2) the title of the filing is clearly marked "Proposed".

Document Type

Proposed Order

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Filing RequirementsCriminal cases

Checked against the court's document on Sep 21, 2026Important

Exhibit lists must include the exhibit number and a brief description for each exhibit.

The exhibit list should include for each exhibit both the exhibit number and a brief description of what the exhibit purports to be.

Document Type

Exhibit List

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Filing Requirements

Checked against the court's document on Sep 20, 2026Important

All filings must include the email addresses of counsel or pro-se parties.

To aid the Court in also observing this practice, all filings by Parties are required to include the email addresses of counsel or Pro-se Parties on the matter.

Document Type

Filing

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Filing Requirements

Checked against the court's document on Sep 20, 2026Important

Each party must submit a Financial Affidavit, Child Support Worksheet and Schedules, Answers to Interrogatories, and documents responding to Required Documents to be Produced by the 30-Day Status Conference.

each Party must submit by the 30-Day Status Conference his or her Financial Affidavit, Child Support Worksheet and Schedules, Answers to Interrogatories, and documents in response to Required Documents to be Produced

Document Type

Discovery Documents

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Filing Requirements

Checked against the court's document on Sep 20, 2026Important

Notices of Discovery Dispute and Motions to Compel Discovery must meet the requirements of U.S.C.R. Rule 6.4(A) and (B).

Any Notice of Discovery Dispute or Motion to Compel Discovery pursuant to FCSCFD Rules 4000-6.1.1 or 4000-6.1.2 and/or the Civil Practice Act must meet the requirements of U.S.C.R. Rule 6.4(A) and (B)

Document Type

Discovery Motion

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Filing Requirements

Checked against the court's document on Sep 20, 2026Important

Replies and sur-replies will not be considered unless the Court has given prior express permission.

No replies or sur-replies will be considered absent prior express permission of Court.

Document Type

Reply

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Filing Requirements

Checked against the court's document on Sep 20, 2026Important

A Temporary Hearing request must state the specific issues to be determined, the time needed, and the dates of any other already scheduled hearings or status conferences.

The request must set out the specific issue(s) to be determined at the Temporary Hearing, time needed, as well as the date(s) of any other already scheduled hearing and/or status conference.

Document Type

Temporary Hearing Request

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Filing RequirementsCriminal cases

Checked against the court's document on Sep 21, 2026Note

If no photograph is submitted, the court reporter will insert a paper describing the exhibit in its place as the exhibit attached to the transcript.

If no photograph is submitted, then a piece of paper describing the exhibit, e.g., gun, poster board, etc., will be inserted by the court reporter in its place as the exhibit attached to the transcript.

Document Type

Exhibits

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
benton standing crim cmo exhibits · Apr 2024 · p. 1
|SecSTANDING CASE MANAGEMENT ORDER RE: EXHIBITS PROCEDURE FOR ALL CRIMINAL CASES ASSIGNED TO JUDGE BENTON'S DIVISION
Filing RequirementsCriminal cases

Checked against the court's document on Sep 21, 2026Note

Oversized or non-paper exhibits may be submitted as a digital photograph marked with an exhibit sticker.

For oversized or non-paper exhibits, e.g., guns, poster boards, etc., you may submit a digital photograph of the object marked with an exhibit sticker.

Document Type

Exhibits

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
benton standing crim cmo exhibits · Apr 2024 · p. 1
|SecSTANDING CASE MANAGEMENT ORDER RE: EXHIBITS PROCEDURE FOR ALL CRIMINAL CASES ASSIGNED TO JUDGE BENTON'S DIVISION
Filing RequirementsCivil cases

Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Sep 20, 2026Note

Electronic signatures and scanned ink signatures are treated as personal signatures under Georgia law.

An E-Document bearing an electronic signature, e.g., / s/ NAME, or a scanned copy of an ink signature shall be treated as a personal signature for all purposes under Georgia law.

Document Type

E Document

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Filing RequirementsCivil cases

The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet.Mandatory?

General objections are also prohibited, i.e., a party shall not include in its response to a discovery request a <Preamble= or <General Objections= section stating that the party objects to the discovery request <to the extent that= it violates some rule pertaining to discovery, e.g., attorney-client privilege; work product immunity; the prohibition against discovery requests that are vague, ambiguous, overly broad, or unduly burdensome; etc.

Summary: Discovery responses may not include a 'Preamble' or 'General Objections' section asserting blanket objections.

Document Type

Discovery Response

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Filing RequirementsCivil cases

The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet.Mandatory?

Instead, each individual discovery request must be met with specific objections thereto -- but only those objections that actually apply to that particular request.

Summary: Each individual discovery request must be met with specific objections limited to only those that actually apply to that particular request.

Document Type

Discovery Response

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Filing RequirementsCivil cases

The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet.Mandatory?

Boilerplate objections in response to discovery requests are prohibited. Parties should not invoke a litany of rote objections, e.g., attorney-client privilege, work-product immunity, overly broad/unduly burdensome, irrelevant, not reasonably calculated to lead to the discovery of admissible evidence, etc.

Summary: Boilerplate and rote objections in discovery responses are prohibited.

Document Type

Discovery Response

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Filing RequirementsCivil cases

The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet.Mandatory?

Finally, a party which objects to a discovery request but then responds to the request must indicate whether the response is complete, i.e., whether additional information or documents would have been provided but for the objection(s).

Summary: A party that objects to a discovery request but still responds must expressly state whether the response is complete, i.e., whether additional information or documents would have been provided but for the objection(s).

Document Type

Discovery Response

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Filing RequirementsCivil cases

The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet.Mandatory?

Every ministerial motion (e.g., motion to exceed page limit, to extend discovery, etc.) must be accompanied by a proposed order (with the proposed order submitted electronically as a Microsoft Word document).

Summary: Every ministerial motion (e.g., motion to exceed page limit or extend discovery) must be accompanied by a proposed order.

Document Type

Ministerial Motion

Content & Formatting
Proposed Order
Filing RequirementsCivil cases

The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet.Mandatory?

A party seeking oral argument on a motion for summary judgment must comply with Uniform Superior Court Rule 6.3 and file a pleading to that effect.

Summary: A party seeking oral argument on a motion for summary judgment must comply with Uniform Superior Court Rule 6.3 and file a pleading requesting oral argument.

Document Type

Oral Argument Request

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Filing RequirementsCivil cases

The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet.Mandatory?

Parties requesting non-pattern charges shall provide citation to applicable statutory or case authority.

Summary: Requests for non-pattern charges must include citation to applicable statutory or case authority.

Document Type

Jury Charge Request

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Filing RequirementsCivil cases

The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet.Mandatory?

Each party shall provide a list identifying the title and number of each proposed pattern charge requested by the party, using the current pattern charges published by the Council of Superior Court Judges. The parties need not recite the text of pattern charges.

Summary: Each party must provide a list identifying the title and number of each requested pattern charge using current Council of Superior Court Judges pattern charges, without needing to recite the charge text.

Document Type

Jury Charge Request

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Filing RequirementsCivil cases

The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet.Mandatory?

All exhibits must be pre-marked and numbered for introduction at trial.

Summary: All exhibits must be pre-marked and numbered before they can be introduced at trial.

Document Type

Exhibits

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Filing RequirementsCivil cases

The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet.Important?

Proposed orders on motions for summary judgment should include detailed findings of facts and conclusions of law which the Court may adapt as appropriate.

Summary: Proposed orders on summary judgment motions should include detailed findings of fact and conclusions of law for the Court to adapt as appropriate.

Document Type

Proposed Order

Content & Formatting
Statement Of Facts
Legal Argument
Filing RequirementsCivil cases

The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet.Important?

Parties may request non-pattern charges only where there is no pattern charge applicable to the specific issue.

Summary: Non-pattern charges may be requested only when no pattern charge applies to the specific issue.

Document Type

Jury Charge Request

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Filing RequirementsCivil cases

The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet.Important?

If a party filing a motion in limine believes that the motion will require a hearing lasting more than an hour, the party must alert the Court so that the prospective jurors' schedule can be properly managed.

Summary: A party filing a motion in limine expected to require a hearing longer than one hour must alert the Court so the prospective jurors' schedule can be managed.

Document Type

Motion In Limine

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Filing RequirementsCivil cases

The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet.Important?

If the parties cannot agree on what portions of the deposition testimony, if any, should be excluded, the objecting party must prepare a list of page and line numbers at issues and provide the list, along with the relevant text from the deposition to the Staff Attorney no later than two days before the beginning of the trial calendar.

Summary: If parties cannot agree on which deposition testimony should be excluded, the objecting party must prepare a list of disputed page and line numbers along with the relevant deposition text.

Document Type

Deposition Dispute List

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Filing Requirements

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

Certification: Any attorney or pro se litigant who uses AI in any capacity to prepare, draft, or review a filing shall disclose such use in the document with the following certification: This document was generated with the assistance of [identify AI tool(s) used, e.g., Chat GPT, Perplexity, Claude, etc.]. I hereby certify under penalty of perjury that, despite reliance on an AI tool, I have independently reviewed this document to confirm accuracy, legitimacy, and use of good and applicable law. Page 1 of 2 ===== PAGE 2 ===== I hereby certify under penalty of perjury that every citation to law, case, statute, or the record in this document has been verified as accurate and that it exists as cited and for the proposition cited. The above certification must appear at the end

Summary: Any attorney or pro se litigant using AI to prepare, draft, or review a filing must include a certification of AI use and citation verification at the end of the document, before the signature block.

Document Type

All Written Submissions

Content & Formatting
Ai Disclosure
Filing RequirementsCriminal cases

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

Counsel is required to mark with exhibit labels and provide all documentary evidence to the court reporter in digital format as soon as possible after trial, unless otherwise ordered by the Court.

Summary: Counsel must mark exhibits with labels and provide documentary evidence digitally to the court reporter after trial.

Document Type

Exhibits

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
benton standing crim cmo exhibits · Apr 2024 · p. 1
|SecSTANDING CASE MANAGEMENT ORDER RE: EXHIBITS PROCEDURE FOR ALL CRIMINAL CASES ASSIGNED TO JUDGE BENTON'S DIVISION
Filing RequirementsCriminal cases

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

A list of all potential witnesses. This witness list is for the Court's use during voir dire and need not list anything more than the witnesses' name and any applicable title or position. This list is separate from all pre-trial discovery requirements concerning witnesses, including the disclosure of all requisite identifying information and the content of expert opinions, if any.

Summary: Parties must submit a witness list with names and titles/positions, separate from discovery requirements.

Document Type

Witness List

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Filing RequirementsCriminal cases

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

A list of potential voir dire questions.

Summary: Parties must submit a list of potential voir dire questions.

Document Type

Voir Dire Questions

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Filing RequirementsCriminal cases

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

A proposed verdict form.

Summary: Parties must submit a proposed verdict form.

Document Type

Verdict Form

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Filing Requirements

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

Any Petition to Withdraw as Counsel must be in full compliance with U.S.C.R. 4.3. The Petition shall state that the attorney has given written notice to the client and that ten days have expired since notice, that there has been no objection, or that withdrawal is with the client's consent.

Machine summary and details

Summary: Petitions to Withdraw must comply with U.S.C.R. 4.3 and state that written notice was given, ten days have expired, no objection exists, or withdrawal is with client's consent.

Document Type

Petition To Withdraw

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
EX PARTE STANDING ORDER · Dec 2025 · p. 11
|SecPETITIONS TO WITHDRAW AS COUNSEL
Filing RequirementsCivil cases

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

The electronic title of each E-Document shall, to the extent practicable, include: i. the party or parties filing the E-Document, ii. the nature of the E-Document, and iii. the nature of the relief sought.

Machine summary and details

Summary: Each E-Document's electronic title must include the filing party, the nature of the document, and the relief sought.

Document Type

E Document

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Filing Requirements

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

The disclosures shall include the names, subject matters, substance of facts and opinions, and a summary of the grounds for each opinion which any expert is expected to testify at trial on issues which the disclosing party bears the burden of proof.

Summary: Expert disclosures must include names, subject matters, substance of facts and opinions, and a summary of the grounds for each opinion for any expert expected to testify.

Document Type

Expert Disclosures

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Filing Requirements

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

The Parties are directed to file contemporaneously with such motion or the response thereto, authenticated and admissible evidence.

Summary: Parties must file authenticated and admissible evidence contemporaneously with a motion to enforce a settlement agreement or the response to it.

Document Type

Motion

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Filing Requirements

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

All supporting documentation for the above shall be available for review at trial.

Summary: All supporting documentation for the required pretrial documents must be available for review at trial.

Document Type

Supporting Documentation

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.

Filing & Service rules

Electronic Filing Rules

Exhibits must be scanned individually and emailed to the court reporter due to eFileGa size limits.

Due to the size limits of eFileGa, counsel is required to scan all exhibits individually and email them to the court reporter.

Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Sep 21, 2026 · Criminal cases

Page 1 | STANDING CASE MANAGEMENT ORDER RE: EXHIBITS PROCEDURE FOR ALL CRIMINAL CASES ASSIGNED TO JUDGE BENTON'S DIVISION

All bond motions must be filed through the odysseyefilega.com e-filing system.

All bond motions must be filed through odysseyefilega.com.

Checked against the court's document on Sep 20, 2026 · Criminal cases

Page 2 | PLEA AND ARRAIGNMENT

E-filing is mandatory for all civil cases except specified case types and pleadings.

E-filing remains mandatory for all civil cases, except for the following case types or pleadings: ex parte motions, adoptions, bond validations, surrogacy declaratory judgment, termination of parental rights, family violence temporary protective orders, and fieri facias ("fi.fa.") actions.

Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Sep 20, 2026 · Civil cases

Page 2 | APPLICATION OF ORDER

All documents must be filed electronically through eFileGA, and the Clerk will not accept paper filings except as provided in this Order.

Except as otherwise set forth in this Order, all Documents shall be filed electronically through eFileGA and the Clerk of Court shall not accept or file any Documents in paper form.

Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Sep 20, 2026 · Civil cases

Page 3 | 5S. ELECTRONIC FILING OF DOCUMENTS

E-filing is mandatory in Fulton County Superior Court, including the Family Division.

Electronic filing (e-filing) is mandatory in Fulton County Superior Court as of October 5, 2015, including the Family Division.

Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Sep 20, 2026

Page 2 | MANDATORY E-FILING

Parties filing via PeachCourt must also register with eFilega.com so they receive service of all filings.

All Parties filing through PeachCourt (peachcourt.com) must also register with http://www.eFilega.com in addition to PeachCourt in order to ensure service of all filings.

Checked against the court's document on Sep 20, 2026

Page 3 | 2.3 Peach Court

Parties must provide their exhibits in digital form.

Additionally, Parties are now required to provide their exhibits in digital form.

Checked against the court's document on Sep 20, 2026

Page 3 | 2.2 Exhibits E-Filing

A granted Petition to Withdraw is not effective until the attorney registers the client for eFileGA with a service contact.

Any granted Petition to Withdraw will not be effective until the attorney registers his/her client for eFileGA with a service contact added.

Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Sep 20, 2026

Page 11 | PETITIONS TO WITHDRAW AS COUNSEL

Public Access Terminals allow e-filing without registration or fees, but filers receive no confirmation emails.

PATs may also be used to E-File Documents on eFileGA without registering for an eFileGA account or incurring E-File fees and convenience fees. If a PAT is used by the filer, the filer will not receive e-mails confirming submissions and acceptance or rejection.

Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Sep 20, 2026 · Civil cases

Page 2 | PUBLIC ACCESS TERMINAL

All civil cases are assigned to the eFileGA electronic filing and service system.

All civil cases are assigned to the electronic filing and service system provided by Tyler Technologies (the "Vendor'"), as approved by the Fulton County Board of Commissioners on 15 October 2014 (hereinafter "eFileGA") or any successor system.

Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Sep 20, 2026 · Civil cases

Page 2 | APPLICATION OF ORDER

Self-represented litigants without computer access may file through eFileGA at a public access terminal without registering, and related fees are waived.

Litigants. i. If a Self-Represented Litigant does not have access to a computer to prepare an E-Document or E-File an E-Document, the litigant may file Documents by using eFileGA ata PAT. Filing at a PAT doesnot require registering for an eFileGA account and usage and convenience fees for eFileGA are waived.

Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Sep 20, 2026 · Civil cases

Page 3 | F. Self-Represented Litigants

Every attorney of record and every pro se litigant must register with the Court's e-filing system at www.efilega.com.

Every attorney of record and every pro se litigant must register with the Court9s e-filing system. This can be accomplished at www.efilega.com.

The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet. · Civil cases

Page 1 | E-FILING

E-filing is mandatory for civil cases filed in Fulton County Superior Court.

E-filing is mandatory for civil cases filed in Fulton County Superior Court.

The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet. · Civil cases

Page 1 | E-FILING

Parties must submit the fully consolidated pre-trial order by email directly to Judge Benton's Staff Attorney.

No later than the dates set in the parties’ operative scheduling order, the parties shall submit, by email, a fully consolidated pre-trial order directly to the Judge Benton’s Staff Attorney.

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Page 1 | CONSOLIDATED PRE-TRIAL ORDERS

Parties must email their proposed verdict forms in Word format to the Staff Attorney prior to jury selection.

The parties must submit their proposed verdict forms via email in Word format to the Staff Attorney prior to jury selection.

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Page 2 | TRIAL MANAGEMENT

In addition to filing jury charge requests with the Clerk, parties must email a copy to the Staff Attorney prior to jury selection.

In addition to filing jury charge requests with the Clerk, the parties shall also email a copy in Word format to the Staff Attorney prior to jury selection.

The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet. · Civil cases

Page 2 | TRIAL MANAGEMENT

Motions in limine must also be emailed to the Staff Attorney with all counsel copied.

Motions in limine must be filed and emailed to the Staff Attorney, with all counsel copied, no later than two days before the beginning of the trial calendar.

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Page 3 | 6. Motions in Limine

Exhibits and exhibit lists must be emailed to the Staff Attorney with all counsel copied.

All exhibits and exhibit lists shall be scanned individually into PDF format and emailed to the Staff Attorney, with all counsel copied, no later than two days before trial.

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Page 3 | Exhibits

Electronic copies of pleadings are preferred over paper copies.

Electronic copies of pleadings are preferred.

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Page 12 | MOTIONS - Deadlines

All motions must be filed electronically through the odysseyefilega.com portal.

All motions must be through odysseyefilega.com.

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below. · Criminal cases

Page 5 | Filing, Courtesy, and Service Copies

Paper filing is prohibited except for incarcerated individuals without legal representation.

Except as otherwise provided herein, no party will be permitted to file paper documents in any case except for incarcerated individuals without legal representation.

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below. · Civil cases

Page 2 | APPLICATION OF ORDER

Plaintiffs must e-file original complaints via eFileGA, and defendants must register with eFileGA before filing a first appearance or answer.

Plaintiffs shall E-File original complaints or petitions via eFileGA. Each defendant, upon service, or who otherwise wishes to respond, shall register with eFileGA (except as expressly provided herein) prior to filing a first appearance or answer so as to ensure the timely electronic filing of its first appearance or answer in a newly filed case.

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

Page 3 | 5A. Original Complaints

Non-conforming materials must be filed manually with the Clerk, and the filing party must e-file a Notice of Manual Filing to be docketed in the case management system.

Non-Conforming Materials must be filed manually with the Clerk of Court. The filing party shall E-File a "Notice of Manual Filing" which shall be docketed in the Case Management System to denote that a manual filing has been made and that the material is being held by the Clerk of Court.

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below. · Civil cases

Page 4 | 5E. Non-Conforming Materials

Parties must e-file subsequent pleadings and discovery via eFileGA; discovery may be attached as exhibits or e-filed separately.

Parties shall E-File all Documents via eFileGA. Depositions and other discovery referenced in any E-Document may be attached electronically as exhibits, or may be e-filed separately.

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below. · Civil cases

Page 4 | 5B. Subsequent Pleading and Discovery

Parties must efile pre-trial submissions for cases set for trial, listing required items.

Once a case is called in for trial for a set date (as opposed to the call of the trial calendar), the parties are required to efile, serve on opposing counsel by email, and submit by email to Litigation Manager Stephanie Cooper (Stephanie.Cooper@fultoncountyga.gov), by 4 p.m. two business days before the first day of trial, the following (if the case is called to trial with less than one business day notice, these submissions are due by the time the parties are ordered to appear in Court or as otherwise directed by the Court):

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below. · Criminal cases

Page 1 | Pre-Trial Submissions

Filing Timing and Cure Windows

Parties must promptly and completely comply with O.C.G.A. § 17-16-4 discovery obligations by the Discovery Date deadline set in the Case Specific Scheduling Order.

The parties shall promptly and completely comply with the requirements of O.C.G.A. § 17-16-4 by the specific Discovery Date deadline as set forth in the separate CSSO entered in each defendant's case.

Checked against the court's document on Sep 20, 2026 · Criminal cases

Page 2 | DISCOVERY

Supplemental discovery must be provided as soon as practicable and no later than five business days after receipt of additional discoverable information.

Any supplemental discovery must be supplemented as soon as practicable, but in any event no later than five business days after receipt of any additional information, documents, reports, or other matters which are subject to disclosure pursuant to applicable criminal discovery statutes.

Checked against the court's document on Sep 20, 2026 · Criminal cases

Page 2 | DISCOVERY

Bond motions will not be heard at arraignment unless filed no later than 48 hours before the arraignment date.

Motions for bond will not be heard at arraignment unless filed no later than 48 hours prior to the arraignment date.

Checked against the court's document on Sep 20, 2026 · Criminal cases

Page 2 | PLEA AND ARRAIGNMENT

All motions must be filed by the Motions Due Date; untimely motions will not be considered absent a showing of just cause.

The due date for all motions is the specific Motions Due Date deadline as set forth in the separate CSSO entered in each defendant's case. Motions filed after that date are untimely and will not be considered, absent a showing of just cause for the late filing. Copeland v. State, 272 Ga. 816, 817 (2000); USCR31.1.

Checked against the court's document on Sep 20, 2026 · Criminal cases

Page 4 | MOTIONS

E-filings may be submitted 24/7 through eFileGA; filings made before midnight on a court business day are deemed filed that day even if accepted the next business day.

Parties may E-File E-Documents through eFileGA twenty four hours a day, seven days per week, except when eFileGA is offline for maintenance. E-Documents E-filed before midnight on a day when the Court was open for business shall be considered to have been filed on that day, even if the E-Filed E-Document is not accepted by the Clerk of Court until the following business day.

Checked against the court's document on Sep 20, 2026 · Civil cases

Page 4 | 6A. Time of Filing

Pre-trial submissions are due by 4 p.m. two business days before trial, with an exception for short notice.

Once a case is called in for trial for a set date (as opposed to the call of the trial calendar), the parties are required to efile, serve on opposing counsel by email, and submit by email to Litigation Manager Stephanie Cooper (Stephanie.Cooper@fultoncountyga.gov), by 4 p.m. two business days before the first day of trial, the following (if the case is called to trial with less than one business day notice, these submissions are due by the time the parties are ordered to appear in Court or as otherwise directed by the Court):

Checked against the court's document on Sep 21, 2026 · Criminal cases

Page 1 | Pre-Trial Submissions

Parties must file an Affidavit of Publication from the Fulton County Daily Report with the clerk's office within 60 days of entry of the Order or the case will be dismissed.

Service by Publication and must file with the clerk's office an Affidavit of Publication from the Fulton County Daily Report within 60 days of entry of the Order or the case shall stand DISMISSED.

Checked against the court's document on Sep 20, 2026

Page 5 | SERVICE

Daubert motions must be filed no later than 45 days in advance of trial.

For any Daubert motion, such motion must be filed no later than forty-five (45) days in advance of trial.

Checked against the court's document on Sep 20, 2026

Page 7

Motions to enforce settlement agreements must be filed as soon as the need becomes apparent and no later than the deadline for proposed final orders; the Court decides them without a hearing absent further order.

For any motion to enforce settlement agreements, the Parties are directed to file such motion as soon as the need becomes apparent and in no event later than the due date set by the Court for any proposed final orders. The Court will decide any such motion without a hearing absent further order of Court.

Checked against the court's document on Sep 20, 2026

Page 7

Requests for Temporary Hearings must be made at or before the next scheduled status conference.

Requests for Temporary Hearings must be made at or before the next scheduled status conference.

Checked against the court's document on Sep 20, 2026

Page 8 | 9.3 Temporary Hearings

Joint-compliance certificates are considered only if e-filed no less than 3 days before the related hearing and emailed to the Litigation Manager; those filed within the 3-day period are considered only at the Court's discretion.

J oint-compliance certificates will be considered by the Court if they are e-filed no less than three (3) days before the related hearing and emailed to Litigation Manager Stephanie Cooper at stephanie.cooper@fultoncountyga.gov. Joint- compliance certificates filed inside the three (3) day period will be considered only in the discretion of the

Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Sep 20, 2026

Page 8 | 9.1 Status Conferences

The 120-Day Status Conference is the last day to request a jury trial; failing to do so before the Final Trial's special setting waives the right.

Therefore, the 120-Day Status Conference is the last day on which you may request a jury trial on any issues so triable. If you do not request a jury trial prior to the special setting of your Final Trial, your right to a jury trial will be waived.

Checked against the court's document on Sep 20, 2026

Page 9

Parties must notify the GAL of a desire for a Report no later than 45 days before the hearing or final trial date.

If GAL has been appointed, and the parties wish for the GAL to prepare a a written GAL Report and Recommendation ("Report"), they must notify the GAL of the same no later than 45 days prior to the affected hearing date or Final Trial

Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Sep 20, 2026

Page 11 | GUARDIANS AD LITEM

Requests for GAL appointment must be filed no later than 60 days after service of the Petition absent good cause.

Requests for appointment of a Guardian ad Litem ("GAL") must be made sufficiently early in the proceeding such that the best interests of the children are protected and delay is avoided and in no case later than 60 days after service of the Petition absent good cause shown.

Checked against the court's document on Sep 20, 2026

Page 11 | GUARDIANS AD LITEM

Bond motions filed before the charging document is docketed must be refiled or they will be deemed withdrawn.

Any bond motions filed prior to the docketing of the charging document (indictment/accusation) must be refiled or will be deemed withdrawn.

Checked against the court's document on Sep 20, 2026 · Criminal cases

Page 2 | PLEA AND ARRAIGNMENT

A Waiver of Arraignment must be filed no later than 48 hours before the hearing date unless expressly excused by the Court.

Unless expressly excused by the Court, no later than 48 hours prior to the hearing date, counsel may file a Waiver of Arraignment personally signed by the defendant indicating that the defendant is entering a plea of Not Guilty and waiving formal arraignment.

Checked against the court's document on Sep 20, 2026 · Criminal cases

Page 2 | PLEA AND ARRAIGNMENT

Re-indicted cases are bound by the original case's CSSO dates, notices, and published calendars absent good cause and further court order.

Re-indicted cases are bound by the CSSO dates, notices, and published calendars for the originally indicted case absent good cause shown and further order of this Court.

Checked against the court's document on Sep 20, 2026 · Criminal cases

Page 2 | PLEA AND ARRAIGNMENT

The period for compelling discovery ends six months from the date a Response to the Petition was filed.

The period within which the Parties can compel discovery shall end six months from the date a Response to the Petition was filed.

Checked against the court's document on Sep 20, 2026

Page 5 | DISCOVERY

Supplemental discovery production must be made within 15 days after learning of the new information, and any supplements available before discovery closes must be made before discovery closes.

All available supplemental production to discovery requests must be made within 15 days after learning of the new information provided, however, that if either party has any supplemental production to discovery requests available prior to the close of discovery, those supplements must be made prior to the close of discovery.

Checked against the court's document on Sep 20, 2026

Page 6 | DISCOVERY

The Court may consider late motions to prevent manifest injustice.

Further, the Court may choose to consider motions filed outside of any deadlines set in this Order to prevent manifest injustice.

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Page 12 | SANCTIONS

Plaintiff expert disclosures are due 90 days before the close of discovery.

Plaintiff Expert Disclosures 90 days before the close of discovery

The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet. · Civil cases

Page 2 | Scheduling

Rebuttal expert disclosures are due 45 days before the close of discovery.

Rebuttal Expert Disclosures 45 days before the close of discovery

The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet. · Civil cases

Page 2 | Scheduling

Defendant expert disclosures are due 60 days before the close of discovery.

Defendant Expert Disclosures 60 days before the close of discovery

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Page 2 | Scheduling

Discovery closes 6 months from the date of the answer.

End of Discovery 6 months from the date of the answer

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Page 2 | Scheduling

The Consolidated Pre-Trial Order must be filed 7 days before the Pre-Trial Conference.

Consolidated Pre-Trial Order 7 days before the Pre-Trial Conference

The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet. · Civil cases

Page 4 | Scheduling

Service and Proof of Service Rules

Self-represented litigants without an email address must be served by U.S. mail or personal service, provided they certify in their initial filing that they lack an email and cannot register.

il. Ifa Self-Represented Litigant does not have an e-mail address and therefore cannot register for an eFileGA account, the other parties to the litigation must serve the Self-Represented Litigant via U.S. mail or personal service. To qualify for such non-electronic service, the Self-Represented Litigant must make a certification in his/her initial filing that he/she does not have an e-mail address and therefore cannot register for an eFileGA account.

Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Sep 20, 2026 · Civil cases

Page 3 | F. Self-Represented Litigants

Documents filed after the Original Complaint or Petition must be served electronically through eFileGA.

Except as otherwise set forth in this Order, for any Document filed subsequently to an Original Complaint or Petition, a party shall make service upon other parties electronically through eFileGA. Parties shall receive all Documents E-Filed and E-Served upon them via eFileGA.

Checked against the court's document on Sep 20, 2026 · Civil cases

Page 6 | 8(B)

Original Complaints and Petitions must be served via traditional means (personal service or other statutory means).

All parties initiating a civil action must still make service upon any opposing parties of Original Complaints and Petitions via traditional means, i.e., personal service or other means allowable under applicable statutes.

Checked against the court's document on Sep 20, 2026 · Civil cases

Page 6 | 8(A)

E-service via eFileGA is valid and effective service with the same legal effect as paper service.

E-Service of an E-Document via eFileGA shall be considered valid and effective service and shall have the same legal effect as an original paper Document sent via traditional means, e.g., U.S. mail and hand delivery.

Checked against the court's document on Sep 20, 2026 · Civil cases

Page 7 | D. Effect of Electronic Service

Registered users receive e-service of all e-documents except subpoenas and summonses.

Registered users shall receive E-Service of E-Documents, other than service of subpoenas or summonses.

Checked against the court's document on Sep 20, 2026 · Civil cases

Page 7 | E. Service on Parties: Time to Respond or Act. ii.

Petitioner must file proof of service of the initial Petition and related filings within 90 days of filing, or the case is dismissed, absent proof of diligence or leave of Court.

Petitioner must file proof of service of the initial Petition and related filings within ninety (90) days of filing the case or the case shall stand DISMISSED, absent proof of diligence in attempting service and leave of Court.

Checked against the court's document on Sep 20, 2026

Page 4 | 6. SERVICE

To seek service by publication, Petitioner must file proof of attempted service, a Motion for Service by Publication, and an Affidavit of Diligent Search within 45 days of filing, or the case is dismissed.

In order to seek an order for service by publication, the Petitioner must file proof of attempted service on Respondent at Respondent's last known address, together with a Motion for Service by Publication and an Affidavit of Diligent Search, within 45 days of filing the case or the case shall stand DISMISSED.

Checked against the court's document on Sep 20, 2026

Page 4 | 6. SERVICE

Parties are ordered to exchange exhibits at least 48 hours before a hearing.

The parties are ORDERED to exchange exhibits at least 48 hours prior to a hearing.

Checked against the court's document on Sep 20, 2026

Page 9

Parties are ordered to exchange exhibits 48 hours before trial and a contempt hearing unless the Court directs otherwise.

Parties are ORDERED to exchange exhibits forty-eight (48) hours prior to trial and a contempt hearing unless directed otherwise by the Court.

Checked against the court's document on Sep 20, 2026

Page 10 | 9.4 Final Trials

A defendant opting into reciprocal discovery must provide written notice to the prosecuting attorney at or prior to arraignment.

Any defendant opting into reciprocal discovery shall provide written notice to the prosecuting attorney at or prior to arraignment.

Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Sep 20, 2026 · Criminal cases

Page 2 | PLEA AND ARRAIGNMENT

Registered users must update their contact information with eFileGA within 10 days of any change; failing to update email may result in missed E-Service.

Registered users are required to update their contact information with eFileGA, including changes in employer, firm name, delivery address, fax number, telephone number, and/or e-mail address within ten days of such change. Failure to update one's e-mail address in a timely manner may result in the failure to receive E-Service of Documents.

Checked against the court's document on Sep 20, 2026 · Civil cases

Page 3 | E. Change in Information

All parties must provide a service contact e-mail address to receive E-Service.

Contact. All parties must include a service contact e-mail address to receive E-Service. It is the responsibility of every attorney and Self-Represented Litigant to ensure he/she is listed as a service contact for every case in which he/she appears, subject to the exception in Section 4(F)(ii) or any other exception from

Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Sep 20, 2026 · Civil cases

Page 6 | 8(C)

E-service is deemed effected when the document is received by eFileGA and accepted by the Clerk; that date is used to measure response periods, subject to applicable law.

E-Service shall be deemed effected at the time an E-Document has been received by eFileGA and accepted by the Clerk of Court following review. This service date is reflected in the date stamp of the electronic notification parties receives from eFileGA. It is from this date that the parties should measure the period during which they may have a right or duty to respond or otherwise act. Any period of notice or any right or duty to do any act or make any response within any period prescribed by statute or rule of court remains governed by applicable law.

Checked against the court's document on Sep 20, 2026 · Civil cases

Page 7 | E. Service on Parties: Time to Respond or Act. i.

If an Order for Service by Publication is granted, Petitioner must publish Notice in the Fulton County Daily Report within 30 days of entry of the Order.

If an Order for Service by Publication is granted by the Court, Petitioner must publish Notice in the Fulton County Daily Report within 30 days of entry of the Order for Page 4 of

Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Sep 20, 2026

Page 4 | 6. SERVICE

All conflict letters must be copied to opposing parties.

All conflict letters must be copied to opposing parties.

Checked against the court's document on Sep 20, 2026

Page 4 | 4. CONFLICT LETTERS

Petitioner must serve this order on the opposing party if no answer has been filed when the order is entered.

Petitioner must serve this order on the opposing party if no answer has been filed at the time this order is entered.

Checked against the court's document on Sep 20, 2026

Page 4 | 6. SERVICE

Affidavits in lieu of testimony must be served on the opposing party at least 24 hours before a hearing.

Pursuant to U.S.C.R. 24.5, any affidavit in lieu of testimony is to be served on the opposing party at least 24 hours prior to a hearing.

Checked against the court's document on Sep 20, 2026

Page 9

The State must provide notice to victims or other interested parties as required by law.

The State shall provide notice to victims or other interested parties as required by law.

Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Sep 20, 2026 · Criminal cases

Page 2 | PLEA AND ARRAIGNMENT

Registered users receive e-service of notices of trial and hearings.

Registered users shall receive E-Service of notices of trial and hearings.

Checked against the court's document on Sep 20, 2026 · Civil cases

Page 7 | E. Service on Parties: Time to Respond or Act. iii.

To seek service by publication, Petitioner must file proof of attempted service, a Motion for Service by Publication, and an Affidavit of Diligent Search within 90 days of filing the case or the case stands dismissed.

In order to seek an order for service by publication, the Petitioner must file proof of attempted service on Respondent at Respondent9s last known address, together with a Motion for Service by Publication and an Affidavit of Diligent Search, within 90 days of filing the case or the case shall stand DISMISSED.

The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet. · Civil cases

Page 2 | Service

Petitioner must file proof of service of the initial Petition within 90 days of filing the case or the case stands dismissed, absent proof of diligence and leave of court.

Petitioner must file proof of service of the initial Petition and related filings within 90 days of filing the case or the case shall stand DISMISSED, absent proof of diligence in attempting service and leave of Court.

The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet. · Civil cases

Page 2 | Service

Petitioner must file an Affidavit of Publication from the Fulton County Daily Report with the clerk's office within 45 days of entry of the Order for Service by Publication or the case stands dismissed.

must file with the clerk9s office an Affidavit of Publication from the Fulton County Daily Report within 45 days of entry of the Order or the case shall stand DISMISSED.

The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet. · Civil cases

Page 2 | Service

After an Order for Service by Publication is granted, Petitioner must publish Notice in the Fulton County Daily Report within 15 days of entry of the Order.

If an Order for Service by Publication is granted by the Court, Petitioner must publish Notice in the Fulton County Daily Report within 15 days of entry of the Order for Service by Publication

The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet. · Civil cases

Page 2 | Service

Discovery requests must be served early enough that responses are due on or before the last day of the discovery period.

All discovery requests must be served early enough so that the responses thereto are due on or before the last day of the discovery period.

The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet. · Civil cases

Page 6 | DISCOVERY - Deadlines

Proposed voir dire questions must be emailed to all opposing parties at least two days before the beginning of the trial calendar.

Parties must submit to the Staff Attorney a courtesy copy, emailed to all opposing parties, with all proposed voir dire questions at least two days before the beginning of the trial calendar.

The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet. · Civil cases

Page 2 | TRIAL MANAGEMENT

Filing Fees and Waivers

Statutory filing fees to initiate a cause of action must be paid electronically, except that PAT users may pay in person.

REQUIRING FEE PAYMENT. A. Any Document requiring payment of a statutory filing fee in order to initiate a cause of action and achieve valid filing status shall be paid electronically, except for filers utilizing PATs, who may tender payment in person in a form approved by

Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Sep 20, 2026 · Civil cases

Page 7 | 10. COLLECTION OF FEES FOR INSTRUMENTS REQUIRING FEE PAYMENT. A.

Indigent parties may obtain waiver of filing, e-filing, and e-service fees by e-filing an in forma pauperis order with their entry of appearance and using the waiver code.

C. Ifa party is exempt from paying statutory filing fees or other fees because the Court has determined that the party is indigent, the party must E-File an in forma pauperis Order along with his/her entry of appearance. The indigent party shall select the waiver code as payment and the statutory filing fees, E-Filing fees, and E-Service fees shall be waived for parties with valid in forma pauperis status in that particular case.

Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Sep 20, 2026 · Civil cases

Page 8 | 10. COLLECTION OF FEES FOR INSTRUMENTS REQUIRING FEE PAYMENT. C.

Filing fees apply to all e-filing transactions.

Filing fees will apply for all e-filing transactions.

Checked against the court's document on Sep 20, 2026

Page 3 | 2. E-Filing

The vendor may charge fees for e-filing, access, and e-service, payable at the time of use, in addition to statutory filing fees.

Fees may be charged by the Vendor to parties for E-Filing E-Documents, access to E-Documents and/or dockets, and E-Service of E-Documents. These fees shall be payable to the Vendor at the time of filing, access, service, etc. and are in addition to any statutory filing fees.

Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Sep 20, 2026 · Civil cases

Page 8 | 10. COLLECTION OF FEES FOR INSTRUMENTS REQUIRING FEE PAYMENT. B.

Usage and convenience fees for eFileGA are waived for self-represented litigants filing at a public access terminal.

Filing at a PAT does not require registering for an eFileGA account and usage and convenience fees for eFileGA are waived.

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

Page 3 | F. Self-Represented Litigants

Courtesy Copy Requirements

A courtesy copy of any extension motion must be emailed to Judge Benton's Chambers (Stephanie Cooper).

As with all motions, a courtesy copy of any motion for extension must be provided to Judge Benton's Chambers via email to Litigation Manager Stephanie Cooper (Stephanie.Cooper@fultoncountyga.gov).

Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Sep 20, 2026 · Criminal cases

Page 3 | Extensions

Courtesy copies are mandatory for documents filed under seal and all non-conforming materials.

Parties must provide courtesy copies to the Court of all Documents filed under seal and all Non-Conforming Materials.

Checked against the court's document on Sep 20, 2026 · Civil cases

Page 7 | 9. COURTESY COPIES TO THE COURT

Parties must provide two hard copies of the exhibit list to the Court and one copy to each opposing party before jury selection.

Any party that intends to introduce exhibits during trial shall provide two hard copies of an exhibit list to the Court (one to the judge and one to the court reporter) and one copy to each opposing party prior to jury selection.

Checked against the court's document on Sep 21, 2026 · Criminal cases

Page 5 | Exhibits

Parties must send courtesy copies to the Court, with email as the preferred submission method.

transactions. Parties are still required to send courtesy copies to the Court, and email is the preferred means of

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Page 3 | 2. E-Filing

Parties must deliver physical courtesy copies to chambers for motions, briefs, responses, or related filings exceeding 35 pages (including exhibits), instead of emailing them.

all motions, briefs, responses or other related filings that exceed 35 pages in length (including exhibits), the Parties are directed to deliver physical courtesy copies of same to Court chambers in lieu of emailing same.

Checked against the court's document on Sep 20, 2026

Page 7

Courtesy copies of all post-judgment matters must be sent to Stephanie Cooper by email.

Courtesy copies of all post judgment matters should be sent to Stephanie Cooper at stephanie.cooper@fultoncountyga.gov.

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Page 11 | POST-JUDGMENT MATTERS

Parties must send courtesy copies of all motions and responses to motions to the Court via the appropriate contact; failure to comply may result in denial of the requested relief.

The parties are ordered to send courtesy copies of all motions and responses to motions to the Court via the "Appropriate Contact" identified in Section above. 1 Failure to comply with this directive may result in denial of the requested relief.

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Page 6 | MOTIONS

Parties may optionally deliver courtesy copies of documents to the Court, or may be required to do so.

Parties may elect (or may be required) to deliver courtesy copies of Documents to the Court.

Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Sep 20, 2026 · Civil cases

Page 7 | 9. COURTESY COPIES TO THE COURT

Movants must provide courtesy copies of motions and related filings to the Court; timing, number of copies, and delivery method are not specified (electronic copies of pleadings are preferred).

Movants must provide courtesy copies of motions and related filings to the Court.

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Page 12 | MOTIONS - Deadlines

Parties must submit a courtesy copy of all proposed voir dire questions to the Staff Attorney at least two days before the trial calendar begins.

Parties must submit to the Staff Attorney a courtesy copy, emailed to all opposing parties, with all proposed voir dire questions at least two days before the beginning of the trial calendar.

The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet. · Civil cases

Page 2 | TRIAL MANAGEMENT

Because e-filing does not automatically notify the Court, parties should e-mail a copy of any filing they want brought to the Court's attention to the Staff Attorney.

E-filing does not provide automatic notice to the Court of filings. While e-filing ensures that your pleadings and other documents are made part of the official record, it does not necessarily result in that pleading or document reaching the desk of either the Senior Staff Attorney or the Judge. If there is a filing that you want to be sure is brought to the attention of the Court, you should e-mail a copy of same to the Staff Attorney.

The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet. · Civil cases

Page 1 | E-FILING

For Judge Benton hearings, parties must provide paper copies at the in-person hearing.

For hearings before Judge Benton, the parties are ORDERED to provide paper copies for Judge Benton at the in-person hearing.

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.

Page 9

For Judge Benton cases, physical copies of trial exhibits must be delivered to the Court 24 hours before trial unless the Court directs otherwise.

For cases before Judge Benton, parties are to deliver physical copies of trial exhibits to the Court twenty-four (24) hours prior to trial unless directed otherwise by the Court.

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.

Page 10 | 9.4 Final Trials

Parties filing bond motions must email a courtesy copy to the Litigation Manager.

Parties filing motions are required to deliver a courtesy copy via email to Litigation Manager Stephanie Cooper (Stephanie.Cooper@fultoncountyga.gov).

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below. · Criminal cases

Page 2 | PLEA AND ARRAIGNMENT

In an unresolvable discovery dispute, parties should first file a Notice of Discovery Dispute and email a courtesy copy to the Litigation Manager rather than file a formal motion.

in the event of an unresolvable dispute, rather than file a formal motion the parties should first file Notice of Discovery Dispute pursuant to a FCSCFD Rule 4000-6.1.2 and email a courtesy copy to the Litigation

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.

Page 5 | DISCOVERY

Courtesy copies of the submitted documents must be emailed to Litigation Manager Stephanie Cooper one week prior to the hearing date.

Please email Litigation Manager, Stephanie Cooper at stephanie.cooper@fultoncountyga.gov with courtesy copies one week prior to the hearing date.

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.

Page 8 | 9.1 Status Conferences

Sealing & Redaction Procedures

Sealed documents must be manually filed in paper with the Clerk along with a sealing order, and a Notice of Filing under Seal must be e-filed (or included with the larger document if the sealed item is an exhibit).

Consistent with Uniform Superior Court Rule 36.16(B), E-Filing is prohibited for Documents that are required to be filed under seal. Documents to be filed under seal therefore must be manually submitted to the Clerk of Court in paper form, accompanied by an Order sealing the Documents submitted. Also, filers submitting Documents to be filed under seal are required to E-File a "Notice of Filing under Seal". If the Document to be filed under seal is an exhibit to another Document, a notice indicating that this particular Document has been filed under seal may be included in the larger filed E-Document as an alternative to filing a separate notice.

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below. · Civil cases

Page 4 | 5D. Filing of Documents under Seal

Filing Bundling Requirements

Individual submissions of pre-trial order portions are prohibited unless accompanied by written certification of good-faith efforts to consolidate.

No party may submit their own individual portions of the pre-trial order to the Court without written certification detailing their good-faith efforts to present the Court with a fully consolidated order.

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Page 1 | CONSOLIDATED PRE-TRIAL ORDERS

Pre-Motion Conference Requirements

Parties are encouraged to raise potential discovery disputes informally first, and if that fails the aggrieved party must notify the Court by letter or e-mail demonstrating compliance with Uniform Superior Court Rule 6.4 and providing sufficient information and/or documentation.

Direct, informal communication is encouraged between the parties to address potential discovery disputes before they become actual discovery disputes. If that fails, an aggrieved party must notify the Court of the discovery dispute by submitting a letter/e-mail demonstrating compliance with Uniform Superior Court Rule 6.4 and providing sufficient information and/or documentation.

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Page 8 | Disputes

No party may file a motion to compel or for a protective order without first discussing the issue with opposing parties (including in disputes with non-parties), and motions to compel that do not comply with Rule 6.4 will be denied.

No party may file a motion to compel or a motion for a protective order without first having discussed the issue with opposing parties. This stricture applies to disputes with non-parties as well. Motions to compel that do not comply with Rule 6.4 will be denied.

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Page 8 | Disputes

The Court encourages (but does not require) parties to request discovery, pre-trial, or settlement conferences with specific goals, and will meet in chambers, in court, or by phone.

Discovery, pre-trial, and settlement conferences promote the speedy, just, and efficient resolution of cases. Therefore, the Court encourages the parties to request a conference whenever they believe that such will be helpful and have specific goals for the conference. The Court will accommodate the parties by meeting in chambers, in court, or over the phone, consistent with the parties9 schedules and preferences.

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Page 4 | Conferences

Adjournment & Extension Requirements

Extension requests for the Discovery Date deadline must be submitted by written motion by that deadline, with a detailed explanation and the amount of time needed.

Any request for an extension of the Discovery Date deadline shall be submitted by written motion to the Court by the Discovery Date deadline. Such motions must provide a detailed, fact-based explanation of the need for the extension including the amount of time needed to provide outstanding discovery, along with a proposed order for the Court's consideration.

Checked against the court's document on Sep 20, 2026 · Criminal cases

Page 3 | Extensions

The Final Plea Date cannot be reset without good cause and an express court order.

The Final Plea Date shall not be reset absent good cause shown and express order of this Court.

Checked against the court's document on Sep 20, 2026 · Criminal cases

Page 6 | Final Plea and Trial Calendar Call

A party seeking a continuance or status conference must notify the court in writing at least seven days before the Final Plea/Trial Date and identify the specific grounds.

In the event a party intends to seek a continuance or has any other problem with going forward with trial on the assigned Final Plea and Trial Date due to incomplete production of discovery, incomplete witness information, client difficulties, a request for a psychological evaluation, or otherwise, that party must notify the court by written request for a continuance and/or a status conference at least seven days before the Final Plea/Trial Date absent good cause shown. The written request must specifically identify the grounds for the continuance, conference, or other problems with going forward with trial.

Checked against the court's document on Sep 20, 2026 · Criminal cases

Page 6 | Continuance/Request for Status Conference

Leave of absence requests must be filed and served pursuant to U.S.C.R. 16.1 or 16.2 and after entry of appearance of counsel; otherwise they are denied.

Note that any Leave of Absence not filed or served pursuant to U.S.C.R. 16.1 or 16.2, or filed prior to entry of appearance of counsel in the case at issue and not served upon chambers, stands denied under U.S.C.R. 16.4.

Checked against the court's document on Sep 20, 2026 · Criminal cases

Page 7 | APPEARANCE AT ALL CALENDARS AND HEARINGS

Modifying any deadline, status conference, or hearing date requires court approval even if all parties consent.

Modification of any deadline, status conference, or hearing date requires approval of the Court, even if all Parties consent to the change.

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Page 2 | APPROPRIATE CONTACTS

A leave request is automatically granted if it complies with U.S.C.R. 16.1, does not exceed 30 days, no prior calendar notice was given, opposing counsel files no written objection within 10 days, and the Court does not deny within 10 days.

If the requested leave complies with the requirements of U.S.C.R. 16.1, does not exceed thirty days, the Parties have not been given oral or written notice that this matter will be scheduled on the Court's calendar during the requested leave period, opposing counsel does not file a written objection within ten (10) days with copies to the Court and all counsel of record, and the Court does not respond within ten (10) days denying, the request for leave is GRANTED.

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Page 3 | 3. LEAVES OF ABSENCE APPLICATIONS

Failure to secure a court reporter is not grounds for a continuance.

Failure to secure a court reporter will not be grounds for a continuance.

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Page 11

Outstanding forensic testing must be brought to the Court's attention via a timely extension request filed before the Discovery Deadline.

Any outstanding forensic testing requested by either party must be brought to the Court's attention by way of a timely request for extension filed prior to the Discovery Deadline to prevent delays in the trial and other Court dates and deadlines.

Checked against the court's document on Sep 20, 2026 · Criminal cases

Page 3 | Extensions

If e-service fails due to listed errors, the served party is entitled to an order extending the response deadline, unless extraordinary circumstances exist.

If E-Service does not occur because: (1) an error occurred in the transmission of the E-Document to eFileGA which was unknown to the sending party; (2) an error occurred in the transmission of the E-Document to the receiving party which was unknown to the sending party; (3) of a failure to timely process the Document when received by eFileGA; (4) a party was erroneously excluded from the service list through no fault of the receiving party; or (5) of other technical problems experienced by the filer, the party being served shall, absent extraordinary circumstances, be entitled to an order extending the date for any response or the period within with any right accrues or any duty or other act must be performed.

Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Sep 20, 2026 · Civil cases

Page 7 | F. System or User Filing Errors

Requests to extend or change deadlines, status conferences, or hearing dates should be made as early as the need becomes apparent.

Requests that the Court extend or change a deadline, status conference, or hearing date should be made as early as the need becomes apparent.

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Page 2 | APPROPRIATE CONTACTS

Leave of absence applications are denied if the requested leave exceeds 30 days or the parties received notice the case is on the Court's calendar during the leave.

Leaves of Absence Applications are DENIED if the time requested exceeds thirty days total or the Parties have received prior notice either orally or in writing that this case is scheduled to appear on the Court's calendar during the period of the requested leave. See U.S.C.R. 16.2.

Checked against the court's document on Sep 20, 2026

Page 3 | 3. LEAVES OF ABSENCE APPLICATIONS

Requests for continuances must be in writing and are granted only for legal excuses.

Requests for continuances must be in writing, and will be granted for legal excuses only.

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Page 4 | 5. REQUESTS FOR CONTINUANCE

Parties may not stipulate to extend the compellable discovery period without a further order of the Court.

The Parties may not stipulate to an extension of the compellable discovery period described above absent further order of the Court.

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Page 5 | DISCOVERY

Requests to extend the compellable discovery period must be made before the discovery period expires, absent good cause.

Any request for an extension of the compellable discovery period must be made prior to the expiration of the discovery period absent good cause shown.

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Page 6 | DISCOVERY

A discovery extension request (no formal motion required) must include current deadlines, proposed new deadlines for mediation and trial readiness, discovery conducted thus far, the requested extension date, and a schedule of outstanding discovery; without this detail it will not be considered.

The request for a discovery extension, for which a formal motion is not required, shall include the current deadlines, including the new proposed deadlines for mediation, and readiness for trial, a list of discovery conducted thus far, the requested deadline extension date, and a schedule of outstanding discovery to be completed during the requested extension. Without this detail, requests for discovery extensions will not be considered.

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Page 6 | DISCOVERY

The Court will grant a continuance of presentencing hearings or sentencing upon a showing of good cause.

The Court anticipates proceeding with presentencing hearings and sentencing immediately after any conviction. However, on good cause shown by either party, the Court will entertain a continuance.

Checked against the court's document on Sep 21, 2026 · Criminal cases

Page 6 | SENTENCING HEARINGS

To modify the Case-Specific Scheduling Order, the moving party must email the Staff Attorney, with all parties copied, a proposed Revised Scheduling Order including all proposed deadline extensions and a statement of whether the Court has previously granted extension requests.

In the event a modification to the CSSO is requested, the moving party shall submit a proposed Revised Scheduling Order, including all proposed deadline extensions and a statement indicating whether the Court has previously granted extension requests, to the Staff Attorney via email, with all parties copied.

The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet. · Civil cases

Page 2 | Scheduling

Participation in mediation or other ADR does not excuse or delay discovery, motion, or trial deadlines (i.e., ADR is not grounds for extensions or adjournments).

Participation in mediation or some other form of ADR shall not delay discovery, motions, or trial.

The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet. · Civil cases

Page 4 | Mediation/Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR)

Parties must immediately notify the Court of any problem or dispute that could delay the case or cause a missed deadline.

The Court shall be notified immediately of any problem or dispute (e.g., discovery issues, witness unavailability, illness, or the late addition of parties or claims) that could delay the case or cause a party to miss a deadline.

The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet. · Civil cases

Page 4 | Extensions of Time

Discovery extension requests must include a description of discovery conducted to date, the requested extension, a schedule of outstanding discovery, and an explanation of why the original deadline was insufficient.

All requests for discovery extensions shall include a basic description of discovery conducted thus far, the requested deadline extension, a specific schedule of outstanding discovery to be completed during the requested extension, and an explanation as to why the deadline(s) set in the original CSSO was insufficient.

The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet. · Civil cases

Page 6 | DISCOVERY - Deadlines

Any request to extend discovery deadlines must be accompanied by a proposed Revised Scheduling Order listing all proposed extensions and stating whether the Court has previously granted extension requests.

In the event an extension to the discovery deadline(s) established in the CSSO is requested, the moving party shall submit a proposed Revised Scheduling Order, which must include all proposed deadline extensions as well as a statement indicating whether the Court has previously granted extension requests.

The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet. · Civil cases

Page 6 | DISCOVERY - Deadlines

Extension requests must explain the unanticipated or unforeseen circumstances necessitating the extension and include a timetable for completing the task.

Parties seeking an extension should explain with specificity the unanticipated or unforeseen circumstances necessitating the extension and should set forth a timetable for the completion of the task(s) for which the extension is sought.

The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet. · Civil cases

Page 4 | Extensions of Time

Extensions to submit proposed pre-trial orders are granted only for good cause.

Extensions for submitting proposed pre-trial orders will be granted only for good cause.

The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet. · Civil cases

Page 1 | CONSOLIDATED PRE-TRIAL ORDERS

No exceptions, extensions, or waivers to the order's requirements without express court permission.

Absent express permission from the Court, no exceptions, extensions, or waivers to the requirements set forth herein are allowed.

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below. · Criminal cases

Page 1 | General

Continuances are granted and parties excused from a calendar only upon written confirmation from the Court, which may be by email.

Continuances are not granted and Parties are not excused from a calendar unless they receive written confirmation from the Court which may be by email.

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.

Page 4 | 5. REQUESTS FOR CONTINUANCE

Chambers Communication Rules

Communications with Chambers must be in writing, emailed to the Litigation Manager, and copied to all counsel of record unless the matter is a proper ex parte filing.

While the Court encourages counsel to communicate with Chambers, such communication shall be in writing and emailed to Litigation Manager Stphanie Cooper (Stephanie.Cooper@fultoncountyga.gov) with copies of such communication also provided to all counsel of record unless the matter is a proper ex parte filing.

Checked against the court's document on Sep 20, 2026 · Criminal cases

Page 1 | COMMUNICATING WITH THE COURT

Pre-trial submissions must be emailed to Litigation Manager Stephanie Cooper at a specified address.

Once a case is called in for trial for a set date (as opposed to the call of the trial calendar), the parties are required to efile, serve on opposing counsel by email, and submit by email to Litigation Manager Stephanie Cooper (Stephanie.Cooper@fultoncountyga.gov), by 4 p.m. two business days before the first day of trial, the following (if the case is called to trial with less than one business day notice, these submissions are due by the time the parties are ordered to appear in Court or as otherwise directed by the Court):

Checked against the court's document on Sep 21, 2026 · Criminal cases

Page 1 | Pre-Trial Submissions

Parties must copy the opposing party or counsel on all communications with the Court.

When communicating with the Court, Parties are required to ensure that the opposing party or counsel, as appropriate, is copied on all communications.

Checked against the court's document on Sep 20, 2026

Page 1 | CONTACTING THE COURT

All communications with the Court must include the case number in the subject line.

All communications with the Court must contain the case number in the subject line.

Checked against the court's document on Sep 20, 2026

Page 1 | CONTACTING THE COURT

All parties must be copied on all emails sent to the Court.

All Parties MUST be copied on emails to the Court.

Checked against the court's document on Sep 20, 2026

Page 2 | APPROPRIATE CONTACTS

Counsel should avoid telephoning chambers except in exceptional circumstances.

To prevent miscommunications and inappropriate ex parte communications, avoid telephoning chambers except in exceptional circumstances.

Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Sep 20, 2026 · Criminal cases

Page 1 | COMMUNICATING WITH THE COURT

Parties should not contact various chambers staff seeking a different answer, except for conflict letters per Section 4.

returned. should NOT attempt to contact various Chambers staff with the hopes of of receiving a different answer to a question or request with the exception emailing Conflict Letters as specifically stated in Section 4 below.

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Page 1 | CONTACTING THE COURT

Parties should contact only the designated chambers staff member for their matter; emails copying multiple staff members will not be returned.

are cautioned that Chambers staff each handle specific aspects of the case procedure; therefore, they should contact ONLY the appropmiate staff member. Emails copying multiple staff members, instead of the one Parties appropriate staff member designated below, will not be returned.

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Page 1 | CONTACTING THE COURT

Communication with the Court should be conducted by email.

Communication with the Court should be conducted via email.

Checked against the court's document on Sep 20, 2026

Page 2 | APPROPRIATE CONTACTS

Conflict letters for hearings before Judge Benton must be filed in each case and emailed to specified addresses with the designated subject line.

Conflict Letters for hearings before Judge Benton are to be filed in each case and emailed to jessica.cummings@fultoncountyga.gov and ashley.williams@fultoncountyga.gov with the following subject line: JUDGE BENTON - CONFLICT LETTER CASE NAME CASE NUMBER.

Checked against the court's document on Sep 20, 2026

Page 4 | 4. CONFLICT LETTERS

Conflict letters for hearings before Judicial Officer Greg Miller must be filed in each case and emailed to specified addresses with the designated subject line.

Conflict Letters for hearings before Judicial Officer Greg Miller are to be filed in each case and emailed stephanie.cooper@fultoncountyga.gov and to ashley.williams@fultoncountyga.gov with the following subject line: JUDICIAL OFFICER GREG MILLER- CONFLICT LETTER CASE NAME CASE~ - NUMBER.

Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Sep 20, 2026

Page 4 | 4. CONFLICT LETTERS

Copies of documents served on the opposing party should be emailed to the Court at the same time.

Copies of any such documents should also be provided to the Court at the same time they are provided to the opposing party via email to Staff Attorney Jessica Cummings for hearings before Judge Benton, or Litigation Manager Stephanie Cooper for hearings before Judicial Officer Miller.

Checked against the court's document on Sep 20, 2026

Page 9

Counsel are encouraged to request access to or training on evidence presentation technology by emailing the Court's Judicial Assistant.

Counsel are encouraged to request access to and/or training on the equipment prior to a scheduled hearing by emailing the Court's Judicial Assistant Ashley Williams at (Ashley. Williams@fultoncountyga.gov).

Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Sep 21, 2026 · Criminal cases

Page 7 | Courtroom Evidence Presentation

Additional briefing is prohibited without leave of court, which may be requested by email explaining why it is necessary.

No party may file additional briefing without leave of court, which may be requested by email explaining why additional briefing is necessary.

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Page 12 | MOTIONS - Deadlines

The Rule 6.3 pleading requesting oral argument on summary judgment must also be e-mailed to the Staff Attorney.

That Rule 6.3 pleading must also be e-mailed to the Staff Attorney.

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Page 14

Upon receipt of the trial calendar, parties must contact Judge Benton's Staff Attorney (sentence is truncated at a page break, likely continuing regarding settlement).

Upon receipt of the calendar, the parties are ordered to contact the Staff Attorney for Judge Benton

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Page 1 | TRIAL DATES AND NOTICE

Parties must ensure opposing parties and counsel are copied on all communications with the Court.

When communicating with the Court, parties are reminded to ensure that the opposing parties and counsel, as appropriate, are copied on all communications.

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Page 1 | CONTACTING THE COURT

When a dispositive motion is ripe for adjudication, parties are invited to submit proposed orders for review by emailing them directly to the Staff Attorney.

When a dispositive motion is ripe for adjudication, the parties are invited to submit proposed orders for review. All proposed orders should be submitted electronically via email directly to the Staff Attorney, in Microsoft Word format.

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Page 14 | Proposed orders

The Staff Attorney is the principal contact for civil matters and communication with the Staff Attorney should be via e-mail.

The Staff Attorney is the principal contact for civil matters. Electronic communication is encouraged. Communication with the Staff Attorney should be via e-mail.

The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet. · Civil cases

Page 1 | CONTACTING THE COURT

Proposed orders are submitted by email to Litigation Manager Stephanie Cooper and opposing counsel within three business days.

to the Court. Proposed orders shall be submitted by email to Litigation Manger Stephanie Cooper (Stephanie.Cooper@fultoncountyga.gov) and opposing counsel simultaneously and within three business days of the pronouncement of that order or judgment, unless directed otherwise

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below. · Criminal cases

Page 6 | Preparation of Orders

Interpreter requests must be submitted in writing via email to the Litigation Manager at least five business days before the hearing.

Upon request, the Court will provide interpretation services for any non-English speaking or hearing-impaired Defendant or witness. The request for an interpreter must be submitted in writing via email to the Litigation Manager Stephanie Cooper (Stephanie.Cooper@fultoncountyga.gov) no later than five business days prior to the hearing date.

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below. · Criminal cases

Page 6 | REQUEST FOR COURT SERVICES

Attorneys must provide an email address through odysseyefilega.com at entry of appearance and must ensure emails are monitored or forwarded so messages are received.

At the entry of appearance of counsel, attorneys are required to provide an email address through odysseyefilega.com. If you do not personally check your emails, you must arrange to have your emails forwarded to someone in your office who will be responsible for checking them and informing you of the messages/documents that have been sent.

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below. · Criminal cases

Page 1 | COMMUNICATING WITH THE COURT

All case questions, explanations, and discussions must be submitted by email with a copy to opposing counsel to avoid ex parte communications; appropriate ex parte communications are excepted.

To avoid inappropriate ex parte communications, submit all questions, explanations, or discussions concerning your case by email, with a copy to opposing counsel. Appropriate ex parte communications are excepted from this rule.

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below. · Criminal cases

Page 1 | COMMUNICATING WITH THE COURT

Parties are not excused from the calendar for a conflict unless they receive confirmation from the Court.

Parties are not excused from the calendar unless or until they have received confirmation from the Court.

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.

Page 4 | 4. CONFLICT LETTERS

Court-wide rules

Applies court-wide

These 3 rules apply across Superior Court of Fulton County. Where this judge's own standing orders above address the same topic, the judge's requirement controls.

Communication

All 2
  • Contact
    Phone to clerk

    Call the Court Clerk’s office at least 10 business days before the hearing, or as soon as possible after receiving the hearing notice, to request assistance or accommodations.

  • Contact
    Phone to clerk
    Phone
    (404) 612-5152

    Contact the Sheriff's Department at (404) 612-5152 to request a wheelchair.

Adjournments

All 1
  • If you cannot appear at a hearing, contact the Court Clerk at least 48 hours beforehand.

About Judge Alice Benton

Judge Alice Benton sits on the Superior Court of Fulton County, a Georgia trial court of general jurisdiction serving Fulton County. The court handles a wide range of civil and criminal matters.

Judge Benton's published procedures include standing orders for civil case management and trial management, criminal case management and ex parte orders, electronic filing requirements, and a standing order on AI and citation certification.

Common questions about Judge Alice Benton's rules

Are courtesy copies required for Judge Alice Benton?

Courtesy-copy rule applies for motions and related filings. Movants must provide courtesy copies of motions and related filings to the Court; timing, number of copies, and delivery method are not specified (electronic copies of pleadings are preferred).

View ruleSource: page 12, section MOTIONS - Deadlines

Does Judge Alice Benton require a pre-motion conference or letter before filing a motion?

Yes. A pre-motion letter is required for discovery. Parties are encouraged to raise potential discovery disputes informally first, and if that fails the aggrieved party must notify the Court by letter or e-mail demonstrating compliance with Uniform Superior Court Rule 6.4 and providing sufficient information and/or documentation.

View ruleSource: page 8, section Disputes

What page or word limits apply to motion or brief before Judge Alice Benton?

Judge Alice Benton's rule states these limits: 25 pages; 15 pages. Excludes exhibits. Motions and briefs are limited to 25 pages (excluding affidavits, deposition extracts, and exhibits) and reply briefs to 15 pages; over-limit filings without permission may be stricken.

View ruleSource: page 12, section MOTIONS - Format

What formatting rules apply to filings before Judge Alice Benton?

Judge Alice Benton's formatting rule includes file format PDF, searchable, and must not exceed 50 megabytes in size. E-Documents must be filed via eFileGA in searchable PDF format not exceeding 50 megabytes.

View ruleSource: page 6, section 7(A)

What must be included with all written submissions filings before Judge Alice Benton?

The rule requires ai disclosure. Any attorney or pro se litigant using AI to prepare, draft, or review a filing must include a certification of AI use and citation verification at the end of the document, before the signature block.

View ruleSource: page 1, section Certification

What must be included with exhibits filings before Judge Alice Benton?

The rule identifies required filing content or certificates. Counsel must mark exhibits with labels and provide documentary evidence digitally to the court reporter after trial.

View ruleSource: page 1, section STANDING CASE MANAGEMENT ORDER RE: EXHIBITS PROCEDURE FOR ALL CRIMINAL CASES ASSIGNED TO JUDGE BENTON'S DIVISION

How may parties contact Judge Alice Benton's chambers?

The rule addresses email communications. The Rule 6.3 pleading requesting oral argument on summary judgment must also be e-mailed to the Staff Attorney.

View ruleSource: page 14

How does Judge Alice Benton handle sealed or redacted filings?

A motion to seal is required for covered sealed filings before Judge Alice Benton. Process: file unredacted to clerk. Sealed documents must be manually filed in paper with the Clerk along with a sealing order, and a Notice of Filing under Seal must be e-filed (or included with the larger document if the sealed item is an exhibit).

View ruleSource: page 4, section 5D. Filing of Documents under Seal

How do I request an adjournment or extension before Judge Alice Benton?

Advance notice is not fully stated in the structured details. The request must include proposed new dates and previous requests granted or denied. To modify the Case-Specific Scheduling Order, the moving party must email the Staff Attorney, with all parties copied, a proposed Revised Scheduling Order including all proposed deadline extensions and a statement of whether the Court has previously granted extension requests.

View ruleSource: page 2, section Scheduling

Does Judge Alice Benton require motion papers to be bundled?

Yes. Judge Alice Benton requires bundling for covered papers. Individual submissions of pre-trial order portions are prohibited unless accompanied by written certification of good-faith efforts to consolidate.

View ruleSource: page 1, section CONSOLIDATED PRE-TRIAL ORDERS

Is electronic filing required before Judge Alice Benton?

Yes. Electronic filing is required for the covered filings. Exhibits must be scanned individually and emailed to the court reporter due to eFileGa size limits.

View ruleSource: page 1, section STANDING CASE MANAGEMENT ORDER RE: EXHIBITS PROCEDURE FOR ALL CRIMINAL CASES ASSIGNED TO JUDGE BENTON'S DIVISION

Are filing fees or waivers addressed before Judge Alice Benton?

A fee is required for covered filings. Statutory filing fees to initiate a cause of action must be paid electronically, except that PAT users may pay in person.

View ruleSource: page 7, section 10. COLLECTION OF FEES FOR INSTRUMENTS REQUIRING FEE PAYMENT. A.

What filing deadlines apply to expert disclosure filings before Judge Alice Benton?

Plaintiff expert disclosures are due 90 days before the close of discovery.

View ruleSource: page 2, section Scheduling

What rule applies to service for initial petition before Judge Alice Benton?

Proof of service is required for the covered service rule. Details: recipient: the opposing party, timing: 90 calendar days after filing. Petitioner must file proof of service of the initial Petition within 90 days of filing the case or the case stands dismissed, absent proof of diligence and leave of court.

View ruleSource: page 2, section Service
Complete rules summary for Judge Alice Benton

Any attorney or pro se litigant using AI to prepare, draft, or review a filing must include a certification of AI use and citation verification at the end of the document, before the signature block.

Counsel must mark exhibits with labels and provide documentary evidence digitally to the court reporter after trial.

Exhibits must be scanned individually and emailed to the court reporter due to eFileGa size limits.

Oversized or non-paper exhibits may be submitted as a digital photograph marked with an exhibit sticker.

If no photograph is submitted, the court reporter will insert a paper describing the exhibit in its place as the exhibit attached to the transcript.

DVD/CD exhibits must be provided to the Court as the original plus one copy, contained in a hard case.

Melanie Fisher is the assigned court reporter for criminal cases; exhibits should be emailed to her.

The State must take and permanently store all original exhibits after trial or hearing.

The Rule 6.3 pleading requesting oral argument on summary judgment must also be e-mailed to the Staff Attorney.

The Staff Attorney is the principal contact for civil matters and communication with the Staff Attorney should be via e-mail.

Parties must ensure opposing parties and counsel are copied on all communications with the Court.

Documents e-mailed to the Court for review, such as motions and other pleadings, should be sent in PDF format.

Documents e-mailed for Judge Benton's signature, such as proposed orders, should be sent in Microsoft Word format.

E-filing is mandatory for civil cases filed in Fulton County Superior Court.

Every attorney of record and every pro se litigant must register with the Court's e-filing system at www.efilega.com.

Electronic service is legally sufficient for pleadings, except the initial complaint and summons.

Because e-filing does not automatically notify the Court, parties should e-mail a copy of any filing they want brought to the Court's attention to the Staff Attorney.

Petitioner must file proof of service of the initial Petition within 90 days of filing the case or the case stands dismissed, absent proof of diligence and leave of court.

To seek service by publication, Petitioner must file proof of attempted service, a Motion for Service by Publication, and an Affidavit of Diligent Search within 90 days of filing the case or the case stands dismissed.

After an Order for Service by Publication is granted, Petitioner must publish Notice in the Fulton County Daily Report within 15 days of entry of the Order.

Petitioner must file an Affidavit of Publication from the Fulton County Daily Report with the clerk's office within 45 days of entry of the Order for Service by Publication or the case stands dismissed.

To modify the Case-Specific Scheduling Order, the moving party must email the Staff Attorney, with all parties copied, a proposed Revised Scheduling Order including all proposed deadline extensions and a statement of whether the Court has previously granted extension requests.

Plaintiff expert disclosures are due 90 days before the close of discovery.

Defendant expert disclosures are due 60 days before the close of discovery.

Participation in mediation or other ADR does not excuse or delay discovery, motion, or trial deadlines (i.e., ADR is not grounds for extensions or adjournments).

Rebuttal expert disclosures are due 45 days before the close of discovery.

Discovery closes 6 months from the date of the answer.

The Consolidated Pre-Trial Order must be filed 7 days before the Pre-Trial Conference.

Extension requests must explain the unanticipated or unforeseen circumstances necessitating the extension and include a timetable for completing the task.

Parties must immediately notify the Court of any problem or dispute that could delay the case or cause a missed deadline.

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