FAQS

Superior Civil & Domestic

How do I file for child support?
To file for child support, it is recommended to seek legal counsel from a licensed attorney or contact Child Support Recovery at 1-877-423-4746.

Where do I file for custody or guardianship of a minor?
Based on the situation, custody or guardianship could be filed in either Juvenile, Probate or Superior Court. It is advised to seek legal counsel from a licensed attorney.

How would I legitimate my child?
Information on legitimating a child can be found at the Chattahoochee Family Law Center.

Superior Court Criminal

How do I find my court date?
Please contact the Superior Court Criminal Division at (706) 653-4353 to find information regarding your court date.

How do I change my court date?
Please contact your attorney to change your court date. Your attorney will know the correct procedures to take. We are not able to change court dates without proper authorization.

What happens if I miss my court date?
Failure to appear for any criminal court proceedings may result in serious consequences. It is possible that a bench warrant and a bond forfeiture will be issued by the Court for failure to appear.

How will I know when to appear in court?
You will be notified by mail and/or by your attorney when you are to appear in court. All notices will be mailed to the address that was given at the time of the arrest. It is the responsibility of the individual with a case to keep a current address on file with the Clerk of Superior Court.

How can I change my address?
You may request a change of address by mail. You will need to send our office a notarized letter containing your new address along with a copy of your identification.

What is an arraignment?
An arraignment is a hearing held where the defendant is advised of the formal charges filed by the Office of the District Attorney. At the arraignment hearing, a pre-trial or trial date may be set.

How can I have my record expunged/restricted?
It is recommended that you contact an attorney to obtain information regarding record expungement/restriction. You may go to the arresting agency to expunge a record that was dismissed by the court.

How do I correct an error on my background check?
Please bring a current background check to the Clerk of Superior Court's Office. We will the error before attempting to correct it. A background check may be obtained by contacting the Columbus Police Department or the Muscogee County Sheriff's Office.

State Court Civil

What happens if I file my petition in the wrong county?
If you file a petition in the State or Superior Court of Muscogee County and it is later determined that the defendant resided in a different county, you can submit a motion and order to have the case transferred to the proper county. There is an additional cost and you may be required to pay an additional service fee.

How will the defendant know that a civil suit has been filed against them?
You must have the defendant served by the Sheriff’s Office or by an authorized Process Server using the address you provide to the Court.

What happens after the defendant has been served with a civil suit?
The defendant has 30 days from the date of service to file an answer with the Court without going into default. If the defendant fails to file an answer within 30 days, the petition will be in default. The defendant then has an additional 15 days to file an answer with the Court by paying all accrued costs to open the default.

How long does a garnishment last?
A continuing garnishment is good for 195 days from the date of service.

How long does the garnishee have to file the first answer with the court?
The garnishee must first answer no sooner than 30 days, but no later than 45 days from the date of service.

What amount will be taken from my check?
If the garnishment is a result of a judgment against you, then 25% of your disposable earnings is deducted. If the garnishment is a result of child support or alimony agreement, then 50% of your disposable earnings is deducted.

What happens if the garnishee does not deduct from my check?
The garnishee will be in default and a default judgment may be entered against the garnishee for the amount garnished.

State Court Criminal

How do I find my court date?
Please contact the Superior Court Criminal Division at (706) 653-4368 to find information regarding your court date.

May I pay my fine and not come to court?
No. Once your case is bound to State Court, you must appear in court.

How do I get my cash bond back?
Please visit the State Court Criminal Division for assistance. A picture ID is required.

How do I change/update my contact information?
Please visit the State Court Criminal Division. A picture ID is required.

Where would I pay my fine?
Installment fines for State Court may be paid in the Office of the Clerk of Superior & State Courts. Supervised probation cases must be paid with the probation office.

How would I drop charges against a defendant?
Please contact the Solicitor General’s Office at (706) 653-4327.