Paulding Judicial Circuit Superior Courts

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. What if I (or someone in my family) cannot afford a lawyer?
  2. Questions about child support.
  3. How can I keep someone away from me who is harassing, threatening, or abusing me?
  4. How do I get information on probation?
  5. Whom can I call to get help for myself or someone else who is addicted to drugs?

1. What if I (or someone in my family) cannot afford a lawyer?

The answer to this question depends on whether the case is criminal or civil.

CRIMINAL cases: If the case is a criminal case (where someone is charged with a violation of the law or a violation of probation), the person charged must complete an application for appointment of a lawyer. This form is available in every county of the circuit, and the form should be completed in its entirety. Many times people leave out vital information about their financial resources, a fact that results in a delay in the appointment of a lawyer even though the person may be qualified to have a lawyer appointed.  The Public Defender's Office, Clerk of Superior Court, and the Sheriff’s Office in each county have the application forms for lawyers for indigent persons charged with crimes. If you have any further questions, contact the Public Defenders Office at (770) 443-3463.
 

CIVIL cases: If the case is a civil case (cases other than criminal such as divorce, temporary protective orders, lawsuits about car wrecks, collection of debt, collection of child support, etc.), there is no provision for the appointment of lawyers for indigent persons. It is often said in these cases: “I cannot afford a lawyer.” The truth is that a person cannot afford to come to court without a lawyer! The judge cannot tell a citizen how to prepare for a case or how to conduct the hearing or trial since the judge cannot “take sides” in the case. The judges strongly urge all persons in civil cases to hire a lawyer to protect their rights and because it will almost always be cheaper in the long run to pay the lawyer rather than to represent oneself. For some types of cases, Georgia Legal Services will represent a party in a civil case. For information on Georgia Legal Services, please telephone (404) 894-7707. 

 

You might also want to visit the website at www.legalaid.org and www.georgiaadvocates.org for information on how to determine if you qualify for a lawyer at public expense in civil cases.

2. Questions about child support. People often try to get to the judge to ask questions such as the following: “How do I get my child support lowered?” “How do I get my child support raised?” “How do I get the child support recovery unit off my back?”

If you are supposed to be receiving child support and want it collected or increased, you have two options: (1) Hire an attorney to represent you; or (2) contact the child support recovery unit at one of the offices set forth below. (NOTE: An attorney in private practice has more options available in modifying child support than does the child support recovery unit.)

If you are supposed to be paying child support and want it lowered, you have two options: (1) Hire an attorney to represent you in a modification action; or (2) contact the child support recovery unit at one of the offices set forth below. (NOTE: An attorney in private practice has more options available in modifying child support than does the child support recovery unit.)

The bottom line is this: if you are notified to come to court for a child support matter, the BEST thing to do is hire a lawyer to represent you! It is often said in these cases: “I cannot afford a lawyer.” The truth is that a person cannot afford to come to court without a lawyer! The judge cannot tell a citizen how to prepare for a case or how to conduct the hearing or trial since the judge cannot “take sides” in the case. The judges strongly urge all persons in child support cases to hire a lawyer to protect their rights and because it almost always will be cheaper in the long run to pay the lawyer rather than to represent oneself.

Paulding County Child Support Office: (404) 921-1490


3. How can I keep someone away from me who is harassing, threatening, or abusing me?

Your best option would be to consult a lawyer as to your rights or to contact the local law enforcement agency (police or sheriff's department). If you desire, you may contact Shepherd’s Rest Ministries, Incorporated to see if you qualify to get a Family Violence Temporary Protection Order or a Stalking Protective Order.  If you do get such an Order, you should also get a lawyer to represent you. Shepherd’s Rest Ministries, Incorporated Hotline Number is listed below. Hotline: 770-443-5213 

4. How do I get information on probation?  If you need information on probation it would be best if you call your local probation office. Paulding County State Probation Office:Phone: (770) 443-7861 Paulding County Probation Office:Phone: (678) 383-3121

5.  Whom can I call to get help for myself or someone else who is addicted to drugs? There are several agencies and institutions that offer help for drug addiction.  The judges of the Paulding Judicial Circuit believe that a long-term, in-house treatment facility is the best opportunity for successful treatment.  Many of these are "faith-based" and can be utilized with no or very little cost to the participant, although many are in need of donations. The following are a few suggestions and they may give you other leads. 

The Golden Rule (women only)
P.O. Box 243
Butler, Georgia 31006
Phone: (478) 862-5825
Fax: (478) 937-5754 Email: goldenrule31058@yahoo.com
Web Address: http://www.taylor.k12.ga.us/%7Egrule/golden_rule.htm
 

Teen Challenge (will take people older than teenagers, also)Several locations and facilities:Atlanta Headquarters - Administration Office
P.O. Box 17969
Atlanta, GA 30316
Phone: (678) 526-0433
Fax: (678) 526-9734
Web Address: http://www.teenchallengegaintl.com/
Non-residential

Columbus Teen Challenge Center for Women
2021 Sixth Ave
Columbus, GA 31904
Phone: (706) 323-5822
Fax: (706) 320-0107
Web Address: www.teenchallenge.cc
Female - Ages: 18+
 

Columbus Teen Challenge Center for Girls
P.O. Box 2405
Columbus, GA 31902
Phone: (334) 855-3695
Fax: (334) 855-1487
Web Address: http://www.teenchallenge.cc/Columbus%20Girls/index.htm
Female - Ages: 13-17
 

Middle Georgia Teen Challenge - Dublin
3729 Hwy 441 South
Dublin, GA 31021
Phone: (478) 984-5252
Fax: (478) 984-5415
Web Address: www.teenchallengemidga.com
Male - Ages: 18+
 

Teen Challenge Men's Center - Lithonia
1753 Stephenson Rd
Lithonia, GA 30058
Phone: (678) 526-8640
Fax: (678) 526-9734
Web Address: http://www.teenchallengegaintl.com/
Male - Ages: 18+
 

Second Chances of Statesboro, Inc.
P.O. Box 2279
Statesboro, GA 30459
Phone: (912) 764-8184
Fax: (912) 764-7301
Email: farrahs@frontiernet.net
Web Address: www.secondchances.org
Female - Ages: 18+ Althes Place, Incorporated
415 Walker Road
Brunswick, GA 31520
Office Phone: (912) 466-9788
House Phone: (912) 46-9994
Cell Phone: (912) 223-4275
Fax: (912) 466-9788
Facilities: 6 women & 8 men

Twelve Oaks - An Adolescent & Adult Alcohol & Drug Treatment Center (JCAHO Accredited)
2068 Healthcare Avenue
Navarre, Florida 32566
Phone: (850) 939-1200
Toll Free : 1-800-622-1255
Fax: (850) 939-1257
Cell Phone: (912) 682-0305
Email: info@crchealth.com
Web Address: www.twelveoaksrecovery.com
Programs: Adolescent Program & Adult Program
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