Structured Settlement Laws in Georgia

DeKalb County Superior Court

Court procedures, filing requirements, and local rules for structured settlement transfers in DeKalb County Superior Court.

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🏛️ Court
DeKalb County Superior Court
556 N. McDonough Street, Decatur, GA 30030
⏱️ Processing Time
35-75 days from filing to final hearing
Filing fee: $212.00 (civil case filing)
👥 Population
764,382 (2023 estimate)
Volume: medium

Court Information

DeKalb County Superior Court
Address: 556 N. McDonough Street, Decatur, GA 30030
Phone: (404) 371-2000
Clerk: Debra DeBerry
Jurisdiction: DeKalb County
Established: Established 1822

Venue Overview

DeKalb County Superior Court serves the Decatur metropolitan area and Georgia's fourth-largest county, processing structured settlement transfers from a diverse economic base including education, healthcare, and government services. With over 764,000 residents, DeKalb County handles civil cases including financial transactions requiring court approval under Georgia Code Title 51 Chapter 12. The court operates specialized divisions, with the Civil Division managing structured settlement petitions in Decatur. The Stone Mountain Judicial Circuit Court judges are experienced in handling financial matters common in educational and healthcare communities. The county's major universities, including Emory University and Georgia State University, along with major hospital systems, mean the court sees cases involving educators, medical professionals, and university employees. The court maintains strict compliance with Georgia's structured settlement protection laws while understanding the unique financial planning needs of academic and medical professionals. Filing procedures reflect the court's experience with professional and academic families, requiring detailed documentation and thorough independent advisor reports. The court maintains specialized procedures for cases involving educational institutions, medical malpractice, and professional liability settlements. Local rules emphasize comprehensive disclosure and payee protection, with requirements for detailed financial statements reflecting the impact of professional employment. The court requires publication in the Atlanta Journal-Constitution and maintains relationships with financial advisors experienced in professional compensation. The Stone Mountain Circuit's experience with academic and medical cases provides valuable context for evaluating structured settlement transfer requests. The court understands the impact of academic calendars, tenure requirements, medical licensing, and professional development on payees' financial stability. The court serves a population with strong educational and professional communities, requiring judges with corresponding expertise in various compensation arrangements, retirement planning, and the financial needs of professional families.

Major Cities Served: Decatur, Dunwoody, Stone Mountain, Tucker, Chamblee

Filing Procedures

📋 Step-by-Step Process
1.Electronic filing with DeKalb County Superior Clerk
2.Assignment to Stone Mountain Judicial Circuit Civil Division
3.Certified mail notice to all settlement parties
4.25-day response period for interested parties
5.Financial discovery and documentation period
6.Pre-hearing conference for complex cases
7.Final hearing with comprehensive testimony
8.Detailed written findings issued
9.30-day appeal period from final judgment
⚖️ Local Rules
  • Electronic filing required through DeKalb County system
  • Assignment to judges experienced in professional cases
  • Mandatory disclosure of professional licenses and certifications
  • Court verification of all financial calculations
  • Publication in Atlanta Journal-Constitution required
  • Expedited review for emergency situations
  • Expert financial analysis for complex transfers

Special Requirements

📋 Mandatory Requirements
  • Compliance with Georgia Code Title 51 Chapter 12 required
  • Independent financial advisor report mandatory
  • Detailed disclosure of professional income and benefits
  • Court must find transfer in payee's best interest
  • All interested parties must receive proper notice
  • Explanation of transfer purpose and alternatives
  • Court considers professional licensing and education costs
⏱️ Timeline
Filing Fee:$212.00 (civil case filing)
Processing Time:35-75 days from filing to final hearing
Transfer Volume:medium

Assigned Judges

Hon. Shukura L. Ingram
Superior Court Judge
Civil Division - Stone Mountain Judicial Circuit
Presides over structured settlement and financial cases
Extensive experience in complex civil and financial matters
Hon. LaTisha Dear Jackson
Superior Court Judge
Civil Division - Financial Transactions
Handles settlement transfers and financial disputes
Background in commercial litigation and financial law

Local Resources & Links

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⚖️ Legal Disclaimer - Georgia Structured Settlement Information

For informational purposes only. This information is provided for educational purposes and should not be construed as legal advice. Structured settlement laws vary by state and are subject to change.

Court approval required. All structured settlement transfers require court approval in every state to ensure the best interests of the payee and any dependents are protected.

Professional consultation recommended. We strongly recommend consulting with qualified legal and financial professionals before making any decisions regarding structured settlement transfers.

State-specific requirements. Each state has unique statutes, court procedures, and approval criteria. Always verify current requirements with official state resources.

Georgia specific information. The information provided here is specific to Georgia state laws and may not apply to other jurisdictions.

Contact information: For questions about structured settlements in your state, please contact your state insurance department or a qualified attorney.

Last updated:
Content last updated: November 20, 2025

Structured Settlement Transfer Procedures in DeKalb County Superior Court, Georgia

Navigating structured settlement transfers in DeKalb County Superior Court, Georgia requires understanding both state-level regulations and local court procedures. Each county may have specific filing requirements, court rules, and administrative procedures that supplement the broader Georgia structured settlement protection act.

When filing a structured settlement transfer petition in DeKalb County Superior Court, Georgia, you'll work with the local court system to obtain approval. The DeKalb County Superior Court court will review your petition to ensure the transfer serves your best interest, considers mandatory disclosure documents, and verifies that you've received independent professional advice. Local court procedures may include specific filing fees, timeline requirements, and documentation standards that vary from other counties in Georgia.

The DeKalb County Superior Court court system's familiarity with structured settlement transfers can impact processing times and approval rates. Courts with high transfer volumes often have streamlined procedures, while others may require additional documentation or extended review periods. Working with professionals experienced in DeKalb County Superior Court court procedures helps ensure your petition is filed correctly and moves through the approval process efficiently.

Smarter Payouts partners with licensed brokers and legal professionals who understand both Georgia state laws and DeKalb County Superior Court local court requirements. This local expertise helps streamline the approval process, ensures compliance with all applicable regulations, and protects your rights throughout the transfer. Whether you're filing in DeKalb County Superior Court or another jurisdiction in Georgia, our team ensures your petition meets all legal and procedural requirements.

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