Court Rules
Judge Robert C. I. McBurney
Judge

Judge Robert C. I. McBurney

Individual Rules, Standing Orders & Policies

Rules last changed:
Superior Court of Fulton County

Limits & Logistics

Document Limits

Pleading
25 pgs

Courtesy Copies

All filings

  • Email • Upon Filing

Courtesy copies

  • Email

Discovery Motion

Motion, Response

  • Email

Adjournments

  • Requests for leave of absence are granted if they comply with USCR 16.1, do not exceed 30 days, cover no scheduled matters, are e-mailed to the Court, and are not denied within 10 days; leave exceeding 30 days or covering scheduled dates is denied and leave does not excuse deadlines.
  • Motions to extend the discovery deadline must include a detailed, fact-based explanation of the need for the extension.
  • Requests for extensions should be e-mailed to Ms. Nelson, copying opposing counsel, with a detailed, fact-based explanation of the need.

Request must include

Reason For Request

Communication

Email

Chambers

deedra.nelson@fultoncountyga.gov
Email

Chambers

monica.niles@fultoncountyga.gov
Email
sca.adrstaff@fultoncountvga.gov
Email

Chambers

deedra.nelson@fultoncountvyga.gov
Phone

Chambers

404.612.6915
Email

Chambers

Scheduling
Email

Clerk

Scheduling
Phone
Court-wide

Clerk

(404) 612-5152
Filters:AllMandatoryImportantFormattingDiscoveryProposed OrdersTypographyConferencesSettlement

Page & Word Limits1 rule

Page Limits

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

Motions, responses, and other pleadings are limited to 25 pages; documents longer than 25 pages require prior court permission and may be stricken if not approved.

Motions, responses, and other pleadings should be double-spaced (unlike this Order), in the font of your choice but the font size of the Court's choice (12-point or larger), and no longer than twenty-five pages. If you feel compelled to write more than twenty-five pages, please obtain permission from the Court before filing your document, as it may be stricken from the record if not cleared in advance.

Pleading

25 pages

Document Format Requirements3 rules

Formatting

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

Motions, responses, and other pleadings must be double-spaced with a font size of 12-point or larger.

Motions, responses, and other pleadings should be double-spaced (unlike this Order), in the font of your choice but the font size of the Court's choice (12-point or larger), and no longer than twenty-five pages.

Typography
Size12 pt
Line SpacingDouble
FormattingCriminal cases

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

Documents emailed for Court review must be in PDF format.

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

Required Format

PDF

FormattingCriminal cases

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

Documents for Court signature (e.g., proposed orders) must be in Microsoft Word format.

Documents e-mailed for the Court's signature (proposed orders, etc.) should be sent in Microsoft Word format.

Required Format

DOCX

Document Filing Requirements16 rules

Filing Requirements

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

Motions for attorney's fees must cite authorizing statutes, set forth the factors the Court must assess, and identify required findings and conclusions, or the request may be denied.

All motions for attorney's fees shall cite to all relevant statutes or other provisions of law authorizing the request. Such motions shall also set forth the requisite factors and considerations the Court must assess, as well as identify the findings and conclusions required by law. Absent such detail, attorney's fee requests may be denied.

Document Type

Motion

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
mcburney fam2 standing cmo · Jul 2026 · p. 7
|Sec8.5 Motions for Attorney's Fees
Filing Requirements

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

Consolidated pretrial orders are required in every case, due one week prior to trial, and delivered via email to the appropriate judicial officer's staff.

Consolidated pretrial orders are required in every case; they are due one week prior to trial and should be delivered via e-mail to Monica Niles at monica.niles@fultoncountyga.gov for trials before Judge McBurney and to Deedra Nelson at deedra.nelson@fultoncountvga.gov for trials before Judicial Officer Kaye.

Document Type

Pretrial Order

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Filing Requirements

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

In cases involving minor children, parties must exchange, email to the Court, and e-file an updated domestic relations financial affidavit, proposed child support worksheet, addendum, and parenting plan one week prior to trial.

Pursuant to USCR 24.2, if the case involves minor children, the parties must (1) exchange, (2) e-mail to the Court, and (3) e-file an updated domestic relations financial affidavit, a proposed child support worksheet, proposed child support addendum and proposed parenting plan one week prior to trial.

Document Type

Domestic Relations Financial Affidavit

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Filing Requirements

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

Petitions to withdraw as counsel must comply with USCR 4.3 or they will be denied.

Petitions to withdraw as counsel must comply with USCR 4.3; failure to do so will result in the petition being denied.

Document Type

Petition To Withdraw

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
mcburney fam2 standing cmo · Jul 2026 · p. 10
|Sec12. PETITIONS TO WITHDRAW AS COUNSEL
Filing RequirementsCriminal cases

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

Defendant must not file generalized discovery motions; discovery litigation must be limited to specific alleged failures.

17-16-4(c). The Defendant is directed not to file generalized motions compelling disclosure of otherwise discoverable materials. Rather, the Defendant shall limit discovery litigation to specific instances in which the Defendant believes the State has failed to comply with its discovery

Document Type

Discovery Motion

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Filing RequirementsCriminal cases

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

Each motion must be limited to a single issue and must identify with particularity the item, statement, or event at issue.

Rather, each motion shall be limited to a single issue (e.g., suppression of statement, suppression of fruits of search warrant, etc.); multi-issue motions seeking to suppress, for example, both physical evidence and statements are not proper. In this vein, motions must specify, with particularity, the item(s) or statement(s) or event(s) at issue.

Document Type

Motion

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Filing Requirements

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

The affidavit of diligent search must include proof of attempted service at Respondent's last known address.

To obtain an order for service by publication, Petitioner must e-file a motion for service by publication and an affidavit of diligent search (which includes proof of attempted service at Respondent's last known address) within sixty days of filing the case.

Document Type

Affidavit Of Diligent Search

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Filing RequirementsCriminal cases

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

After the ten-day cure period expires, the filing party may send the Court a proposed order excluding the missing discovery.

If the served party does not cure the alleged deficiency within ten days (or otherwise adequately explain the delay), the filing party may, after the expiry of the ten days, send the Court a proposed order excluding the missing discovery.

Document Type

Proposed Order

Content & Formatting
Proposed Order
Filing Requirements

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

Attorneys may rely on AI in drafting pleadings and work product without disclosing AI reliance in filings.

You are free to rely on AI in drafting -- your pleadings and preparing your work product; you do not need to disclose your reliance on AI in your filings.

Document Type

Pleading

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Filing RequirementsCriminal cases

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

along with a proposed order

Summary: Motions to extend the discovery deadline must include a proposed order.

Document Type

Discovery Motion

Content & Formatting
Proposed Order
Filing Requirements

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

There are no "limited" entries of appearance. If you enter the case as counsel for a party, you are that litigant's full-time, full-service lawyer until you are permitted to withdraw.

Summary: No limited entries of appearance: entering counsel serves as full-time, full-service lawyer until permitted to withdraw.

Document Type

Notice Of Appearance

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Filing Requirements

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

Evidence the Court will need to rule on such motions such as signed settlement agreements, e-mails between counsel, -- etc. -- should be submitted along with the motions (or responses). Note that such evidentiary submissions require affidavits authenticating the documents for the Court to consider them as evidence.

Summary: Evidence for motions to enforce settlement agreements must be submitted with the motion, and affidavits authenticating documents are required for the Court to consider them as evidence.

Document Type

Motion

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
mcburney fam2 standing cmo · Jul 2026 · p. 7
|Sec8.4 Motions to Enforce Settlement Agreements
Filing Requirements

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

Requests for temporary hearings must set out the specific issue(s) to be determined at the hearing, the time needed, as well as the date(s) of any other already scheduled hearings and/or status conferences.

Summary: Requests for temporary hearings must specify the issues to be determined, the time needed, and dates of other scheduled hearings or status conferences.

Document Type

Motion

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.Important?

Parties are required to submit proposed child support worksheets, child support addenda, and parenting plans at the 30-Day Status Conference.

Machine summary and details

Summary: Parties must submit proposed child support worksheets, child support addenda, and parenting plans at the 30-Day Status Conference.

Document Type

Child Support Worksheets

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Filing RequirementsCriminal cases

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

Don't forget to provide expert notices and summaries. Your expert will be very quiet if you don't.

Summary: Counsel must provide expert notices and summaries as part of discovery.

Document Type

Expert Disclosure

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Filing RequirementsCriminal cases

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

This notice shall include a meaningful summary of the expert's expected testimony as well as her qualifications to serve as an expert witness. If the expert has prepared a report, that report should be attached to the notice if it has not already been provided in discovery. If the expert has not prepared a report, that fact should be included in the notice.

Machine summary and details

Summary: The expert notice must include a meaningful summary of expected testimony and the expert's qualifications, attach any prepared report if not already provided, and state if no report was prepared.

Document Type

Expert Notice

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.

Filing & Service rules

Electronic Filing Rules

All parties, including self-represented litigants, must e-file through eFileGA and add a service contact to their case.

Electronic filing (e-filing) has been mandatory in Fulton County Superior Court for over a decade now and it remains the rule in this Division. All parties, including self-represented litigants, must create an account with eFileGA and add a service contact to your case to ensure consistent service of orders and other notices from the Court.

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

Page 2 | 2. MANDATORY E-FILING

Parties filing through PeachCourt must also register with eFileGA to ensure service.

All parties filing through PeachCourt www.peachcourt.com) must also register with eFileGA at http://www.eFilega.com to ensure service.

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

Page 3 | MANDATORY E-FILING

All motions must be e-filed.

All motions must be e-filed and a courtesy copy sent to Ms. Nelson.

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

Page 5 | III. MOTIONS

A Notice of Discovery Dispute must be e-filed.

This is done by e-filing a Notice of Discovery Dispute pursuant to FD Rule 4000-6.1.2 and e-mailing a courtesy copy to the Litigation Manager.

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

Page 6 | 7.4

Proposed orders must not be filed electronically.

Proposed orders should never be e-filed.

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

Page 2 | I. CONTACTING THE COURT

The notice of discovery deficiency must be e-filed and sent to Ms. Nelson.

This notice must be e-filed and sent to Ms. Nelson.

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

Page 3 | II. DISCOVERY

A granted petition to withdraw is not effective until the attorney registers the client for eFileGA with a service contact added.

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

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.

Page 10 | 12. PETITIONS TO WITHDRAW AS COUNSEL

Filing Timing and Cure Windows

Motions to enforce settlement agreements must be filed as soon as the need becomes apparent and no later than the due date for proposed final orders.

Motions to enforce settlement agreements must be filed as soon as the need becomes apparent and in no event later than the due date for any proposed final orders.

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

Page 7 | 8.4 Motions to Enforce Settlement Agreements

All litigants must participate in mediation no later than 120 days after service of the petition.

it is the standing order of this Court that all litigants must participate in mediation no later than 120 days after service of the petition.

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

Page 8 | 9.2 Mediation

Motions to suppress, sever, dismiss, and similar motions are not permitted after the filing deadline even if cast as motions in limine, absent just cause.

Motions to suppress, sever, dismiss, etc., are not properly cast as motions in limine and will not be permitted after the filing deadline -- again absent a showing of just cause.

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

Page 4 | III. MOTIONS

Motion filing deadline is set by the post-arraignment scheduling order (not the O.C.G.A. § 17-7-110 ten-day deadline); untimely motions generally will not be considered absent just cause.

O.C.G.A. § 17-7-110's ten-day post-arraignment motions deadline does not apply in this Division. Instead, a deadline for filing motions will be included in the scheduling order issued after arraignment. Motions filed after the Court's deadline are untimely and generally will not be considered, absent a showing of just cause for the late filing (such as late provision of discovery).

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

Page 4 | III. MOTIONS

Notices of discovery dispute filed more than 60 days after the materials were requested may be denied as stale.

Time is of the essence! Notices of discovery dispute that are filed more than 60 days after the sought-after materials were requested may be denied as stale.

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

Page 6 | 7.4

The Court will consider joint-compliance certificates if they are e-filed at least three days before the hearing and e-mailed to Deedra Nelson at Deedra.nelson@fultoncountyga.gov. Joint-compliance certificates filed after that deadline will be considered on a discretionary basis.

The Court will consider joint-compliance certificates if they are e-filed at least three days before the hearing and e-mailed to Deedra Nelson at Deedra.nelson@fultoncountyga.gov. Joint-compliance certificates filed after that deadline will be considered on a discretionary basis.

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

Page 7 | 9.1 Status Conferences

A notice of discovery deficiency may be filed by either party at any time after the discovery deadline has passed.

To that end, either party may file a notice of discovery deficiency. Such notice may be filed at any time after the discovery deadline has passed.

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

Page 3 | II. DISCOVERY

The served party has ten days to cure an alleged discovery deficiency or explain the delay, after which the filing party may send a proposed order excluding the missing discovery.

If the served party does not cure the alleged deficiency within ten days (or otherwise adequately explain the delay), the filing party may, after the expiry of the ten days, send the Court a proposed order excluding the missing discovery.

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

Page 3 | II. DISCOVERY

The one standing exception to the motion filing deadline is for motions in limine seeking rulings on minor, discrete evidentiary issues.

The one standing exception to this deadline is for motions in limine seeking the Court's ruling in advance of trial on minor, discrete evidentiary issues (e.g., the (in)admissibility of a particular record or fact).

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

Page 4 | III. MOTIONS

The court-supplied motions deadline also applies to demurrers, immunity motions, other pleas in bar, insanity/mental-illness notices, and notices to admit evidence.

This court-supplied motions deadline applies as well to (1) demurrers, (2) "immunity" motions pursuant to O.C.G.A. §§ 16-3-22.1 and 16-3-24.2, (3) other pleas in bar, (4) Defendant's notice of intent to raise issues of insanity or mental illness, AND (5) notices to admit evidence pursuant to 0.C.G.A. §§ 24-4-404(b), 413, 414, and 418.

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

Page 4 | III. MOTIONS

Requests for GAL appointment must be made 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 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.

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.

Page 10 | 10.1 Appointment

Parties desiring a written GAL report must notify the GAL no later than 45 days prior to the hearing or trial date.

If a GAL has been appointed and the parties desire a written GAL report and recommendation ("Report"), they must notify the GAL of this request no later than 45 days prior to the relevant hearing date or trial date.

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.

Page 10 | 10.2 GAL Report

If a GAL report is requested, the GAL must submit it to the parties and the Court no later than one week prior to the hearing or trial.

If a Report is requested, the GAL shall submit the Report to the parties and the Court no later than one week prior to the relevant hearing or trial.

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.

Page 10 | 10.2 GAL Report

Service and Proof of Service Rules

If service by publication is authorized, Petitioner must publish notice in the County's legal organ within 30 days of entry of the Order for Service by Publication.

If a service by publication is authorized, Petitioner must publish notice in the County's legal organ within thirty days of entry of the Order for Service by Publication and must file with the Clerk's office an affidavit of publication from the legal organ within sixty days of entry of the Order or the case shall stand DISMISSED.

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

Page 4 | SERVICE

Parties must exchange mandatory discovery at or before the 30-Day Status Conference.

As explained in Section 7.1, parties must exchange mandatory discovery at or before the 30-Day Status Conference.

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

Page 7 | 9.1 Status Conferences

Parties must exchange updated financial affidavits and/or child support worksheets five days prior to any temporary hearing.

Pursuant to USCR 24.2, parties are to exchange updated financial affidavits and/or child support worksheets five days prior to any temporary hearing.

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

Page 8 | 9.3 Temporary Hearings

Affidavits in lieu of testimony must be served on the opposing party at least 24 hours prior to a hearing, with copies provided to the Court at the same time.

Pursuant to USCR 24.5, any affidavit in lieu of testimony is to be served on the opposing party at least 24 hours prior to a hearing. Copies of any such documents should also be provided to the Court at the same time they are provided to the opposing party.

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

Page 8 | 9.3 Temporary Hearings

To obtain an order for service by publication, Petitioner must e-file a motion for service by publication and an affidavit of diligent search within 60 days of filing.

To obtain an order for service by publication, Petitioner must e-file a motion for service by publication and an affidavit of diligent search (which includes proof of attempted service at Respondent's last known address) within sixty days of filing the case.

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.

Page 4 | SERVICE

Petitioner must e-file proof of service of the initial petition within 90 days of filing or the case is dismissed absent proof of diligence and leave of Court.

Petitioner must e-file proof of service of the initial petition and related filings within ninety days of filing the case or the case shall stand DISMISSED absent proof of diligence in attempting service and leave of - Court.

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.

Page 4 | SERVICE

Expert notice must be provided to the opposing party at least ten days before trial and five days before any evidentiary hearing; failure to provide substantive notice may result in exclusion of the expert.

Any party seeking to rely on expert testimony at trial (or any evidentiary hearing) must provide written notice to the opposing party at least ten calendar days before the trial or hearing. The notice must be provided at least ten days before trial and five days before any evidentiary hearing. Failure to provide this substantive notice may result in exclusion of the expert.

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

Page 3 | II. DISCOVERY

Filing Fees and Waivers

Filing fees apply to all e-filing transactions unless the filer qualifies as indigent.

Filing fees will apply for all e-filing transactions unless you have qualified as indigent.

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

Page 3 | MANDATORY E-FILING

Courtesy Copy Requirements

Parties must e-mail courtesy copies of all pleadings and notices to the Court.

Parties are still required to send courtesy copies of all pleadings and notices to the Court via e-mail.

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

Page 3 | MANDATORY E-FILING

Courtesy copies of every motion and response must be e-mailed to the Court.

Courtesy copies of every motion and response must be e-mailed to the Court via the proper contact identified in Section 1 above.

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

Page 6 | 8.2

Email a copy of every motion to Ms. Nelson.

E-mail copies of every motion to Ms. Nelson. Every one.

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

Page 1 | Box

A courtesy copy of every motion must be emailed to Ms. Nelson; failure to do so may result in the motion not being calendared and waiver of the issue.

All motions must be e-filed and a courtesy copy sent to Ms. Nelson. Failure to provide Ms. Nelson with a copy of your motion will typically result in that motion not being calendared for a hearing and may constitute waiver of the issue. Ms. Nelson does not comb the vast expanse of the Court's criminal docket to hunt for your pleadings. They should arrive in her e-mail in-box if you want them addressed.

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

Page 5 | III. MOTIONS

Email copies of every motion and notice to chambers in addition to e-filing.

E-mail copies of every motion and notice to chambers. Every one. E-filing gets it in the docket, but not into our hands.

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

Page 1 | 3

Parties must deliver physical copies of all trial exhibits to the Court one day before trial.

Parties must deliver physical copies of all trial exhibits to the Court one day before trial.

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.

Page 9 | 9.4 Trials

A courtesy copy of the Notice of Discovery Dispute must be e-mailed to the Litigation Manager.

This is done by e-filing a Notice of Discovery Dispute pursuant to FD Rule 4000-6.1.2 and e-mailing a courtesy copy to the Litigation Manager.

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

Page 6 | 7.4

A courtesy copy of a discovery-extension motion must be sent to Ms. Nelson.

a courtesy copy should be sent to Ms. Nelson

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

Page 2 | II. DISCOVERY

Courtesy copies of post-judgment pleadings should be emailed to Deedra Nelson.

Courtesy copies of all post-judgment pleadings should be e-mailed to Deedra Nelson at deedra.nelson@fultoncountyga.gov.

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

Page 10 | 11. POST-JUDGMENT MATTERS

Filing Bundling Requirements

Do not file omnibus motion packets; file one motion per filing.

Do NOT file omnibus motion packets. One motion at a time please.

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

Page 1 | Box

Omnibus and generalized motions are prohibited and will be denied as vague and dilatory.

Generalized motions and omnibus? motions are not to be filed; they will be denied as vague and dilatory.

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

Page 5 | III. MOTIONS

Adjournment & Extension Requirements

Motions to extend the discovery deadline must include a detailed, fact-based explanation of the need for the extension.

Motions for an extension of the discovery deadline must provide a detailed, fact-based explanation of the need for the extension

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

Page 2 | II. DISCOVERY

Requests for leave of absence are granted if they comply with USCR 16.1, do not exceed 30 days, cover no scheduled matters, are e-mailed to the Court, and are not denied within 10 days; leave exceeding 30 days or covering scheduled dates is denied and leave does not excuse deadlines.

Your request for leave is GRANTED if (a) the requested leave complies with USCR 16.1, (b) the leave does not exceed thirty days, (c) the parties have not been given notice that their matter will be scheduled on the Court's calendar during the requested leave period, (d) the leave request was e-mailed to the Court, and (e) the Court does not respond within ten days denying the leave. Leaves of absence do not relieve parties of the obligation to comply with deadlines for discovery, motions, briefs or other pleadings which may arise during the leave. A corollary of this rule is that any request for leave that exceeds thirty days and/or which includes any date(s) for which the party already has notice of scheduled court event(s) is DENIED.

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

Page 3 | LEAVES OF ABSENCE

Requests for extensions should be e-mailed to Ms. Nelson, copying opposing counsel, with a detailed, fact-based explanation of the need.

Any requests for extensions should be e-mailed to Ms. Nelson (copying opposing counsel) with a detailed, fact-based explanation of the need for the extension.

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

Page 4 | III. MOTIONS

Chambers Communication Rules

Joint-compliance certificates must be e-mailed to Deedra Nelson at Deedra.nelson@fultoncountyga.gov.

The Court will consider joint-compliance certificates if they are e-filed at least three days before the hearing and e-mailed to Deedra Nelson at Deedra.nelson@fultoncountyga.gov.

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

Page 7 | 9.1 Status Conferences

Parties should contact Fulton County's Office of ADR via email at sca.adrstaff@fultoncountvga.gov to schedule mediation or a judicially hosted settlement conference.

To do this, the parties should contact Fulton County's Office of Alternative Dispute Resolution via e-mail at sca.adrstaff@fultoncountvga.gov to schedule a mediation session or a judicially hosted settlement conference.

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

Page 8 | 9.2 Mediation

Contact Ms. Nelson to request off-calendar resolution or emergency hearing before scheduled deadlines.

The Court is always open to resolving a case (or hearing a true emergency motion) before the deadlines established in your case's scheduling order. Please contact Ms. Nelson with such requests and she will find a place to squeeze it in.

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

Page 6 | VI. OFF-CALENDAR MATTERS

All communications with the Court must be in writing (email), include the case number in the subject line, and copy the opposing party.

When communicating with the Court, parties must do three things every time: (1) put it in writing (as in e-mail), (2) include the case number in the subject line, and (3) copy the opposing party.

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

Page 1 | 1. CONTACTING THE COURT

Ex parte communication with the Court is prohibited; electronic communication is encouraged.

Electronic communication is encouraged; ex parte communication is not.

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

Page 2 | I. CONTACTING THE COURT

Always copy opposing counsel on emails sent to the Court.

Always copy the opposing side on your e-mails to the Court.

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

Page 2 | I. CONTACTING THE COURT

Email must be directed to the appropriate staff member; sending the same email to another staff member will result in it being forwarded to the judge.

should direct your e-mail to the appropriate staff member. Do not send an e-mail to one staff member and, if you are displeased with the result, send the same e-mail to another staff member. Such secondary e- mails will be forwarded to the judge.

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.

Page 2 | 1. CONTACTING THE COURT

All scheduling conflicts must be timely noticed by a conflict letter presented to the Court and opposing parties per USCR 17.1.

All scheduling conflicts must be timely noticed with a conflict letter presented to the Court and opposing parties in compliance with USCR 17.1.

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.

Page 3 | CONFLICTS

Conflict letters for Judge McBurney must be e-mailed to Monica Niles and Michelle Hansberry with the subject line 'JUDGE McBURNEY CONFLICT LETTER CASE NAME CASE NUMBER'.

CONFLICT - LETTER CASE NAME CASE NUMBER. - - Conflict letters for matters occurring before Judge McBurney must be e-mailed to Monica Niles at monica.niles@fultoncountyga.gov and Michelle Hansberry at michelle.hansberry@fultoncountyga.gov with the following subject line: JUDGE McBURNEY

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.

Page 4 | CONFLICTS

Parties must appear unless the Court confirms otherwise; if a conflict resolves before the end of the Court's calendar, counsel must immediately notify the Court to determine whether the matter will proceed.

Parties are not excused from appearing unless they have received confirmation from the Court. In the event the matter generating the conflict is resolved prior to the end of the Court's calendar, counsel shall immediately notify the Court to determine whether the Family Division 2 matter will proceed.

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.

Page 4 | CONFLICTS

Conflict letters for Judicial Officer Kaye must be e-mailed to Deedra Nelson and Michelle Hansberry with the subject line 'JUDICIAL OFFICER KAYE CONFLICT LETTER CASE NAME CASE NUMBER'.

Conflict letters for matters occurring before Judicial Officer Kaye must be e-mailed to Deedra Nelson at Deedra.nelson@fultoncountyga.gov and Michelle Hansberry at michelle.hansberry@fultoncountyga.gov with the following subject line: JUDICIAL OFFICER KAYE CONFLICT - LETTER CASE NAME CASE NUMBER.

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.

Page 4 | CONFLICTS

Direct principal communications to Litigation Manager Deedra Nelson by phone or email.

Deedra Nelson, Litigation Manager, is your principal contact; she can be reached at 404.612.6915 or deedra.nelson@fultoncountvyga.gov.

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

Page 1 | I. CONTACTING THE COURT

Extension requests should be e-mailed to Ms. Nelson, copying opposing counsel.

Any requests for extensions should be e-mailed to Ms. Nelson (copying opposing counsel) with a detailed, fact-based explanation of the need for the extension.

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

Page 4 | III. MOTIONS

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 Robert C. I. McBurney

Robert C. I. McBurney is a judge on the Superior Court of Fulton County, a Georgia trial court of general jurisdiction serving Fulton County.

Practitioners will find standing case management orders for criminal and family division cases.

Common questions about Judge Robert C. I. McBurney's rules

Are courtesy copies required for Judge Robert C. I. McBurney?

Courtesy-copy rule applies for all covered filings. Details: delivery upon filing, by email. Email copies of every motion and notice to chambers in addition to e-filing.

View ruleSource: page 1, section 3

What page or word limits apply to pleading before Judge Robert C. I. McBurney?

Judge Robert C. I. McBurney's rule states these limits: 25 pages. Motions, responses, and other pleadings are limited to 25 pages; documents longer than 25 pages require prior court permission and may be stricken if not approved.

View ruleSource: page 6, section 8.1

What formatting rules apply to filings before Judge Robert C. I. McBurney?

Judge Robert C. I. McBurney's formatting rule includes 12 point type, double spacing. Motions, responses, and other pleadings must be double-spaced with a font size of 12-point or larger.

View ruleSource: page 6, section 8.1

What must be included with motion filings before Judge Robert C. I. McBurney?

The rule identifies required filing content or certificates. Motions for attorney's fees must cite authorizing statutes, set forth the factors the Court must assess, and identify required findings and conclusions, or the request may be denied.

View ruleSource: page 7, section 8.5 Motions for Attorney's Fees

What must be included with pretrial order filings before Judge Robert C. I. McBurney?

The rule identifies required filing content or certificates. Consolidated pretrial orders are required in every case, due one week prior to trial, and delivered via email to the appropriate judicial officer's staff.

View ruleSource: page 9, section 9.4 Trials

How may parties contact Judge Robert C. I. McBurney's chambers?

The rule addresses email communications with Judge Robert C. I. McBurney's chambers. All communications with the Court must be in writing (email), include the case number in the subject line, and copy the opposing party.

View ruleSource: page 1, section 1. CONTACTING THE COURT

How do I request an adjournment or extension before Judge Robert C. I. McBurney?

Advance notice is not fully stated in the structured details. The request must include reason for request. Motions to extend the discovery deadline must include a detailed, fact-based explanation of the need for the extension.

View ruleSource: page 2, section II. DISCOVERY

Does Judge Robert C. I. McBurney require motion papers to be bundled?

No. The rule prohibits holding covered papers for bundling. Do not file omnibus motion packets; file one motion per filing.

View ruleSource: page 1, section Box

Is electronic filing required before Judge Robert C. I. McBurney?

Yes. Electronic filing is required for the covered filings. All parties, including self-represented litigants, must e-file through eFileGA and add a service contact to their case.

View ruleSource: page 2, section 2. MANDATORY E-FILING

Are filing fees or waivers addressed before Judge Robert C. I. McBurney?

A fee is required for covered filings, and the rule identifies waiver availability. Filing fees apply to all e-filing transactions unless the filer qualifies as indigent.

View ruleSource: page 3, section MANDATORY E-FILING

What filing deadlines does Judge Robert C. I. McBurney set?

Motions to enforce settlement agreements must be filed as soon as the need becomes apparent and no later than the due date for proposed final orders.

View ruleSource: page 7, section 8.4 Motions to Enforce Settlement Agreements

What rule applies to service for proof of service before Judge Robert C. I. McBurney?

Proof of service is required for the covered service rule. Details: method: e-service, timing: 90 calendar days after filing. Petitioner must e-file proof of service of the initial petition within 90 days of filing or the case is dismissed absent proof of diligence and leave of Court.

View ruleSource: page 4, section SERVICE
Complete rules summary for Judge Robert C. I. McBurney

All communications with the Court must be in writing (email), include the case number in the subject line, and copy the opposing party.

Email must be directed to the appropriate staff member; sending the same email to another staff member will result in it being forwarded to the judge.

All parties, including self-represented litigants, must e-file through eFileGA and add a service contact to their case.

Email copies of every motion and notice to chambers in addition to e-filing.

Parties filing through PeachCourt must also register with eFileGA to ensure service.

Filing fees apply to all e-filing transactions unless the filer qualifies as indigent.

Parties must e-mail courtesy copies of all pleadings and notices to the Court.

No limited entries of appearance: entering counsel serves as full-time, full-service lawyer until permitted to withdraw.

Requests for leave of absence are granted if they comply with USCR 16.1, do not exceed 30 days, cover no scheduled matters, are e-mailed to the Court, and are not denied within 10 days; leave exceeding 30 days or covering scheduled dates is denied and leave does not excuse deadlines.

All scheduling conflicts must be timely noticed by a conflict letter presented to the Court and opposing parties per USCR 17.1.

Parties must appear unless the Court confirms otherwise; if a conflict resolves before the end of the Court's calendar, counsel must immediately notify the Court to determine whether the matter will proceed.

Conflict letters for Judicial Officer Kaye must be e-mailed to Deedra Nelson and Michelle Hansberry with the subject line 'JUDICIAL OFFICER KAYE CONFLICT LETTER CASE NAME CASE NUMBER'.

Conflict letters for Judge McBurney must be e-mailed to Monica Niles and Michelle Hansberry with the subject line 'JUDGE McBURNEY CONFLICT LETTER CASE NAME CASE NUMBER'.

Petitioner must e-file proof of service of the initial petition within 90 days of filing or the case is dismissed absent proof of diligence and leave of Court.

To obtain an order for service by publication, Petitioner must e-file a motion for service by publication and an affidavit of diligent search within 60 days of filing.

The affidavit of diligent search must include proof of attempted service at Respondent's last known address.

If service by publication is authorized, Petitioner must publish notice in the County's legal organ within 30 days of entry of the Order for Service by Publication.

Motions, responses, and other pleadings must be double-spaced with a font size of 12-point or larger.

Motions, responses, and other pleadings are limited to 25 pages; documents longer than 25 pages require prior court permission and may be stricken if not approved.

Courtesy copies of every motion and response must be e-mailed to the Court.

Motions for attorney's fees must cite authorizing statutes, set forth the factors the Court must assess, and identify required findings and conclusions, or the request may be denied.

A Notice of Discovery Dispute must be e-filed.

A courtesy copy of the Notice of Discovery Dispute must be e-mailed to the Litigation Manager.

Notices of discovery dispute filed more than 60 days after the materials were requested may be denied as stale.

Motions to enforce settlement agreements must be filed as soon as the need becomes apparent and no later than the due date for proposed final orders.

Evidence for motions to enforce settlement agreements must be submitted with the motion, and affidavits authenticating documents are required for the Court to consider them as evidence.

The Court will consider joint-compliance certificates if they are e-filed at least three days before the hearing and e-mailed to Deedra Nelson at Deedra.nelson@fultoncountyga.gov. Joint-compliance certificates filed after that deadline will be considered on a discretionary basis.

Joint-compliance certificates must be e-mailed to Deedra Nelson at Deedra.nelson@fultoncountyga.gov.

Parties must exchange mandatory discovery at or before the 30-Day Status Conference.

Parties must submit proposed child support worksheets, child support addenda, and parenting plans at the 30-Day Status Conference.

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