SUBJECT: INCREASE IN CIVIL CASE FILING FEES FOR FUNDING OF COURT-CONNECTED ALTERNATIVE DISPUTE RESOLUTION PROGRAM

The judges the of superior, state, magistrate, probate and juvenile courts of the Atlantic Judicial Circuit have determined that there is a need for an alternative dispute resolution (ADR) program in the courts and that a court-connected alternative dispute resolution program would make a positive contribution to the ends of justice. So, in accordance with provisions of O.C.G.A. § 15-23-7, the judges of the Superior Court of the circuit (viz., David L. Cavender, chief judge; Charles P. Rose; Robert L. Russell; and D. Jay Stewart) ordered on April 23, 2009 that an additional sum of $7.00 shall be charged and collected beginning June 1, 2009 for each civil action or case filed in the Superior Court, State Court, Magistrate Court and Probate Court of Liberty County in addition to all other legal costs. A "case" shall mean and be construed as "any matter that is docketed upon the official dockets of the enumerated courts and to which a number is assigned, whether such mater is contested or not."

Thus, effective June 1, 2009, the new civil case filing fees for the courts of Liberty County shall be as follows:

Magistrate Court:

Notice of Claim, Garnishments and Dispossessories ($47.00)

Superior Court ($82.00)

State Court ($72.00)

The sheriff's service fee will remain $25.00 per defendant served in each court.

Questions concerning the alternative dispute resolution program should be referred to Judge Robert L. Russell.