Southern District of Georgia: Civil Case Filing Checklist

Prepare the Complaint

Draft with numbered paragraphs, jurisdictional statement, and prayer for relief per Fed. R. Civ. P. 8.

Complete Civil Cover Sheet (JS-44)

Required for all new civil filings.

Pay Filing Fee

Filing fee is $405. Pay electronically or by check.

File Summons for Each Defendant

Prepare separate summons for each defendant.

File Corporate Disclosure Statement

Required if any party is a corporation.

Serve All Defendants

Complete within 90 days of filing per Fed. R. Civ. P. 4(m).

File Proof of Service

File proof for each defendant served.

File Initial Disclosures

Due within 14 days of Rule 26(f) conference.