Trover

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

What is a Trover?

Definition: Trover is a form of lawsuit for recovery of damages for wrongful taking of personal property. Trover belongs to a series of remedies for such wrongful taking, its distinctive feature being recovery only for the value of whatever was taken, not for the recovery of the property itself.

Venue: Trovers may be served at the defendant’s residence or, as a last resort, the place of employment within Decatur County.

Filing Fee: The filing fee is $46.00 for one defendant and $50.00 for service by the Sheriff’s Department. Business check or certified funds should be made payable to the Magistrate Court of Decatur County.

Appeal: An appeal must be filed within 10 days of the judgment by the losing party.

Trover Procedure

Step 1: Prepare you Claim
Step 2: Answer
Step 3: Default
Step 4: Hearing

If a defendant files an answer, a hearing will be scheduled within 30 days of the date of the answer, but no sooner than 15 days. Both parties will have the right to present evidence and call witnesses. The parties should bring any relevant evidence with them to court; including copies of the contract, receipts, ledgers, photographs, or other relevant items.
Step 5: Mediation

At the discretion of the court, the matter may be referred to mediation prior to court to give the parties an opportunity to speak to see if the matter can be resolved without a hearing. A mediator will be provided by the court to assist the parties in discussing the matter, at no additional cost. If a decision cannot be reached during mediation, the court will set up a hearing date and the case will be presented to the judge.
Step 6: Witnesses

If a party has witnesses, the party should bring them to the hearing. Written statements may not be accepted as evidence. If assistance is needed to obtain the attendance of witnesses, a Request for Subpoena form should be completed and filed with the Clerk of the Magistrate Court along with the required fee of $8.00.

Trover

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What is a Trover?

Trover Procedure