Language Help

The Fulton County Magistrate Court is committed to empowering citizens with the information and tools needed to aid them should they ever become litigants of the court. From knowledgeable staff members and published literature to the Housing Court Assistance Center and other various resources, we provide constituents understanding and assistance that relates to their specific needs. This office is staffed by clerks and a court attorney who provides free legal and procedural information, offers referrals and gives court forms and written information. There is no fee to use the center or any assistance provided. However, you may need to pay for copies and court filing fees at the clerk's office.

Services

Computers – Computers provide access to the Court's Internet. They may also be used to complete legal documents, conduct research, find additional resources and access court records. Please note that there is a fee of $0.50 per page to print copies from a court file.

Self-Help Publications – Self-help books covering various areas of law are available for public use while visiting the Self-Help Information Center. Subjects include landlord rights, tenant rights, small claims and other topics.

Form Packets – Commonly used form packets of legal documents are available.

Brochures – Brochures providing general and specific information on a variety of topics are also available.

Law Library – Located in the Justice Center Tower on the 7th floor, the law library has additional resources for you to do legal research and law librarians to help look up what you need. The New E-Service Center will provide a wealth of web-based research resources and information, including, laws, cases, treatises, documents, references, and journals traditionally published in printed format.

Library holdings consist of a basic collection of legal materials, with emphasis on Georgia materials and practice-oriented titles. Library staff members are available to help patrons locate and use specific materials, suggest possible sources, provide bibliographic instructions and help define research questions. Staff may not perform any services that might constitute the unauthorized practice of law (e.g., interpreting statutes, cases or regulations or advising customers about specific legal problems.)

***Clerk's Office staff members may act as a informational resource, but they cannot take sides, give legal advice or refer you to a lawyer. The Staff, Clerk and Deputy Clerks are strictly forbidden to practice law by statute and are restricted in what they can give advice about or assistance in preparing. Any assistance given should not be considered legal advice. Sound legal advice must only come from a licensed practicing attorney and we encourage all parties to seek competent legal advice. Be understanding with our staff as we attempt to assist you, knowing the limitations we face in assisting each individual party to a case.

Court Clerks Can

• Explain general court rules, procedures and practices.
• Explain available options for your case or problem.
• Provide past case rulings.
• Provide cites to, or copies of, the law.
• Explain public court operations and jobs.
• Describe court records and their availability.
• Provide public case information.
• Tell you how to make a complaint.
• Refer you to other offices or persons.
• Provide forms with instructions.

Court Clerks Can't

• Suggest the procedures you should follow.
• Provide opinions about which option to choose – whether you should file a case.
• Predict what the court will do.
• Analyze the law based on the specifics of your case.
• Provide information derived from the decision-making process.
• Provide access to sealed or confidential case records.
• Provide confidential case information.
• Give opinions about your complaint.
• Make referrals based on personal preference.
• Provide or suggest the information to enter on forms.
• Tell you what to say in court.
• Serve papers for you.
• Allow you to talk with the Judge outside of court or change an Order signed by the Court.