Frequently Asked Questions

You must have a good reason to change the hearing date. You must explain your reason to the Administrative Law Judge in writing and send a copy of your letter to the other side (i.e., the opposing party). This should be done as soon as possible prior to the scheduled date and time of the hearing.

In most cases, no, you do not have to send anything to the Administrative Law Judge before the hearing. However, in some instances the Judge may order you to submit documents before the hearing. If you receive such an order, it is very important you comply with it. It is also very important for you to come to the hearing. If you don’t come to the hearing, you may lose your case.

The hearing site is listed in the Notice of Hearing for your case. Hearings are held at various locations throughout the State.

It is important to attend the hearing. If you do not appear, your case can be decided without your input.

Please call the Case Management Assistant for your case (listed on your Notice of Hearing) to request accommodations.

The Administrative Law Judge may dismiss your case. It is important to be on time.

You must decide the answer to this question. The Administrative Law Judge will explain what to expect at the hearing. The Administrative Law Judge may not help either side or offer legal advice.

You can call the State Bar of Georgia for help in finding a lawyer. The telephone number is (800) 334-6865.

If you have limited income, a lawyer from the Georgia Legal Services Program may be able to help you. The telephone number for the Georgia Legal Services Program is (800) 498-9469. If you live in Atlanta, a lawyer from the Atlanta Legal Aid Society may help you. The telephone number is (404) 524-5811.

Yes. You may discuss your case with the other side. You may ask the other side for more information. It is possible to work out your case before the hearing.

The Administrative Law Judge may not talk to you about your case before the hearing. If you write to the Administrative Law Judge about your case, you must send a copy of your letter to the other side. If you have a question about your case, you may contact the Case Management Assistant for your case.

The hearing is your chance to tell your side to the Administrative Law Judge. You should bring what you will need to help you remember important details about your case. You should bring any documents that are important to your case. If there are people who have knowledge of important facts, you should bring them to the hearing. If you need them, the Case Management Assistant for your case can send you subpoenas, or you can find them here.

Your hearing will be similar to a court trial without a jury. The Administrative Law Judge will make a decision based only on the evidence that is presented at the hearing. Usually, the evidence will include the testimony of witnesses and the documents that relate to the case.

You should call the Case Management Assistant for your case with your new address.

The judge will decide your case with a written decision. You will be sent a copy of your decision as soon as it is ready.

In most cases, the judge’s decision will explain how to ask for a review of your case.