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CHECKLIST FOR FILING MAGISTRATE COURT CLAIMS • Determine the County of residence of the Defendant - the venue. • Determine the place of employment of the defendant. In the event the Defendant works in his/her county of residence, service of the claim may be made at the place of employment if it cannot be accomplished at defendant’s residence. • Magistrate Court of Liberty County filing fee is $106.00, and $50.00 for each additional Sheriff’s Service. • Gather the documents you will need to prove your case in the event the defendant files an answer and denies the claim. • Notify the defendant that you will be filing a claim against him/her if they do not pay. • Complete the sheriff’s entry of service form. Complete the claim form, and have your signature notarized, attach a copy of your contract or any supporting documents, include your filing fee, which can be paid in the form a Money Order, Cashier’s Check, Cash, or Credit Card. • When your sheriff’s entry of service form is returned, calendar the default date so that you will know when to check with the court about a default judgment. • When you receive judgment, immediately begin your collection efforts. Consider a continuing garnishment of the defendant’s wages or a one-shot garnishment of his or her bank account. All information must be provided to the Clerk for processing. • IF YOU RECEIVE A BANKRUPTCY NOTICE STOP ALL COLLECTION EFFORTS! If the bankruptcy is a Chapter 13, file a proof of Claim. If it is an asset Chapter 7, file a Proof of Claim with Bankruptcy Court. • Mail all correspondences to the Liberty County Clerk of Courts Office 201 South Main Street, Suite 1200 Hinesville, GA 31313 (912) 876-3625 *Optional: Statement of Claims may be electronically filed on www.libertyco.com for an additional $15.00 convenience fee.*