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Fi.FA Information

On this page, you will find all the necessary Fi.Fa instructions and forms for the Decatur Magistrate Court in Bainbridge, Georgia.

What is a Fi.Fa.

A Fi.Fa., short for Fieri Facias, is a legal writ issued by the Decatur Magistrate Court. This document commands a sheriff or other authorized official to seize and sell a debtor’s property in order to satisfy a court judgment. This procedure is typically used when a court has issued a monetary judgment in favor of a creditor, and the debtor has not voluntarily paid the amount owed. The sale of the seized property is intended to cover the debt specified in the court’s judgment.

Understanding Fi.Fa

Purpose of Fi.Fa

The primary purpose of a Fi.Fa. is to enforce a court’s judgment by allowing creditors to collect what is owed to them when a debtor fails to pay. It serves as a powerful tool for creditors to recover debts by legally obligating the seizure and sale of the debtor’s assets.

Issuance of a Fi.Fa.

To request the issuance of a Fi.Fa., the creditor must file a formal request with the Decatur Magistrate Court. The court will then review the request and, if granted, issue the Fi.Fa. to the appropriate law enforcement official, usually the sheriff.

Execution of a Fi.Fa.

Once a Fi.Fa. is issued, the sheriff or authorized official will locate and seize the debtor’s non-exempt property. This property will then be sold at a public auction, and the proceeds will be used to satisfy the outstanding judgment. It is important to note that certain types of property may be exempt from seizure under state law.

Steps to obtain a fi.fa