--- name: ga-statewide-format description: > Use when the user asks to "draft a Georgia pleading", "format a Georgia motion", "format a Georgia complaint", "build a Superior Court caption", or "build a Georgia caption" for any Georgia trial court. Triggers: "O.C.G.A. § 9-11-10 caption", "Georgia certificate of service", "O.C.G.A. § 9-11-5 service of subsequent papers", "O.C.G.A. § 9-11-11 signing", "numbered paragraphs O.C.G.A. § 9-11-10(b)", "Uniform Superior Court Rules", "USCR 36 e-filing", "Georgia Bar No. signature block", "Civil Action File No.", "PeachCourt", "Odyssey eFileGA", "line numbering", "Page X of Y footer", "Georgia citation O.C.G.A. S.E.2d". Covers the O.C.G.A. § 9-11-10 caption and numbered-paragraph form of pleadings, the Uniform Superior / State / Magistrate Court Rules, the § 9-11-11 signing requirement, the § 9-11-5 filing and certificate of service, USCR 36 e-filing through PeachCourt / Odyssey eFileGA, the marketplace format baseline, line-numbered pleading paper, footer conventions, and Georgia citation format. version: 0.1.0 --- # Georgia Statewide Court Document Formatting > **NOT LEGAL ADVICE.** This skill assists with drafting and > formatting only. Verify against the current Georgia Civil Practice > Act (O.C.G.A. Title 9, Chapter 11), the Uniform Rules of the filing > court, and any judge's standing order before submitting any > document. Use these conventions whenever drafting a paper to be filed in a Georgia trial court — a **Superior Court**, a **State Court**, or a **Magistrate Court**. Georgia has **no single strict statewide pleading-paper rule** fixing margins, font, and line spacing. Instead, the form of a Georgia court document flows from the **Georgia Civil Practice Act** — chiefly **O.C.G.A. § 9-11-10** (form of pleadings: caption and numbered paragraphs), **O.C.G.A. § 9-11-7** (pleadings allowed and their designations), **O.C.G.A. § 9-11-8** (general rules of pleading), **O.C.G.A. § 9-11-11** (signing), and **O.C.G.A. § 9-11-5** (service and filing of subsequent papers, including the certificate of service) — together with the **Uniform Superior Court Rules (USCR)** and their parallels, the **Uniform State Court Rules** and the **Uniform Magistrate Court Rules**. Electronic filing runs under **USCR 36** and the statewide e-filing standards. Pull the verbatim rule and statute text from the `ga-law-references` corpus at `../ga-law-references/references/court-rules/` and `../ga-law-references/references/ga-statutes-debt/` before relying on any specific deadline, service add-on, or form figure — those values live in the rule text and never drift here. ## Governing rules - **O.C.G.A. § 9-11-10** — Form of pleadings. - **(a) Caption.** Every pleading contains a caption stating the **name of the court**, the **county**, the **title of the action**, the **file number**, and a **designation** of the pleading as provided in § 9-11-7(a). In the **complaint** the title of the action names **all the parties**; in **later pleadings** it is sufficient to name the **first party on each side** with an appropriate indication of other parties ("et al."). - **(b) Numbered paragraphs; separate counts.** All averments of claim or defense are made in **numbered paragraphs**, each limited so far as practicable to a **single set of circumstances**. Each claim founded on a separate transaction and each separate defense is stated in a **separate count** where separation aids clarity. - **O.C.G.A. § 9-11-7** — Pleadings allowed; designations (complaint, answer, reply, etc.). - **O.C.G.A. § 9-11-8** — General rules of pleading: a **short and plain statement** of the claim showing entitlement to relief; relief demanded; alternative and inconsistent pleading permitted. - **O.C.G.A. § 9-11-11** — Signing of pleadings. Every pleading is **signed** by the party's attorney of record (or by the party if self-represented), with the signer's **address**. There is **no general requirement that pleadings be verified or accompanied by affidavit** except where a specific statute or rule requires it (certain equitable and extraordinary actions). Confirm whether your particular action carries a verification requirement before relying on the general rule. - **O.C.G.A. § 9-11-5** — Service and filing of pleadings and other papers subsequent to the original complaint, and the **certificate of service** (see below). - **Uniform Superior Court Rules (USCR)** govern practice in the Superior Courts; the **Uniform State Court Rules** parallel them in the State Courts, and the **Uniform Magistrate Court Rules** govern Magistrate Court. **USCR 36** governs electronic filing. ## Paper and legibility Georgia does not impose a single statewide font / margin / spacing rule for pleadings. The marketplace applies a clean, e-filing-ready baseline **by default**, since no Georgia rule displaces it: | Item | Baseline (confirm local rules) | |------|--------------------------------| | Paper / ink | US Letter, 8½ × 11 in., **black ink** on white | | Sides | Single-sided | | Font | A legible serif — **Times New Roman 12 pt** — or **Arial 12 pt** | | Line spacing | **Double-spaced** body; single-spacing permitted for block quotes, captions, and signature blocks | | Margins | **1 inch** on all four sides | | Caption | Court name + county centered above the party block | | Document title | Centered ALL-CAPS heading; also carried in the footer | | Page numbers | Each page numbered; `Page X of Y` in the footer | Local rules of a specific court (and a judge's standing order) may add page limits on motions and briefs, chambers-copy requirements, and exhibit-tabbing conventions. `scripts/format-check.py` validates a generated `.docx` against this baseline and flags departures. ## Line numbering (pleading paper) — applied BY DEFAULT Apply continuous line numbering down the left margin of every generated Georgia pleading. Line numbers count every body line and **restart on each page**. The Civil Practice Act and the Uniform Rules do **not** themselves require line numbering, and a Georgia document filed without line numbers is rule-compliant. But line-numbered pleading paper is the universal convention across this marketplace: it lets the court and opposing counsel cite an exact location ("page 4, lines 12–15") and never harms a Georgia filing. Apply it **by default** to every complaint, motion, response, affidavit, declaration, notice, and proposed order. Exhibits and attachments are exempt. For programmatically generated `.docx` documents, apply line numbering through the section's `lineNumbers` property: ```javascript import { LineNumberRestartFormat } from "docx"; sections: [{ properties: { page: { /* size + margins */ }, lineNumbers: { countBy: 1, // number every line restart: LineNumberRestartFormat.NEW_PAGE, // restart 1.. each page }, }, // ... }] ``` This emits `` into the section's ``. The numbers render in the left margin and do not shift the text margin. **Do NOT set `start` explicitly.** An explicit `start: 1` renders off by one in LibreOffice (the first body line shows "2"). Omit `start` — it defaults to 1 in OOXML. If you use a two-section page-1 layout (a deeper top margin to seat the caption, then a normal continuation section), **set `lineNumbers` on BOTH sections**, or numbering stops at the section break. ## Required footer (mandatory on every generated document) Every generated document MUST carry a running footer on every page: - **Left**: a short document identifier — typically `[Document title] — Civil Action File No. [number]` (e.g., `Motion to Dismiss — Civil Action File No. ____________`). Keep it to a single line so it never wraps; this places the title at the bottom of each page. - **Right**: `Page X of Y`, where `X` is the current page number and `Y` is the total page count. Use Word's `PAGE` and `NUMPAGES` fields — never a static number. - **Font**: matches the body font family, may be slightly smaller (10 pt). - **Alignment**: a right-aligned tab stop at 9,360 DXA (6.5") places the page counter flush right while the title stays flush left. The footer runs continuously from page 1 through the last exhibit page — do not restart or suppress pagination anywhere. ## Margin rule (double vertical line) — applied BY DEFAULT Draw a double vertical rule — two thin parallel lines (~0.75 pt each, with a ~7 pt gap between them) — down the left margin between the line numbers and the body text. It is the standard companion to line-numbered pleading paper. Like line numbering, no Georgia rule requires it, but it is universal convention across this marketplace. Apply it **by default** to every line-numbered pleading; exhibits and attachments are exempt. Implement it as two independent full-height line shapes anchored in the page header, so they repeat on every page — **not** as an OOXML `double` page border, whose style couples the inter-line gap to the line weight (widening the gap thickens both lines into heavy bars). Draw each line as a thin filled rectangle (VML `v:rect`). **One shape per ``** — multiple `` elements in a single `` will not all render; each rectangle needs its own `` inside its own `` run. `docx-js` has no first-class API for header-anchored VML shapes. Add them with the docx skill's **unpack → edit → pack** workflow: generate the file with docx-js (give each section an empty `Header` so a `word/header1.xml` part exists, and keep the `lineNumbers` section property from above), then rewrite the header XML and repack: ```bash python scripts/office/unpack.py out.docx unpacked/ # ... inject the rule into unpacked/word/header*.xml (helper below) ... python scripts/office/pack.py unpacked/ out.docx --original out.docx ``` Inside each `unpacked/word/header*.xml`, declare the VML namespace on the root `` and add the two runs — one `v:rect` per `` per `` — inside the header paragraph. A document can have several header parts (first-page / even / default, or one per section); add the runs to **each** distinct `word/header*.xml`, giving every `v:rect` a unique `id`. This stdlib helper (no `python-docx`) does it and is idempotent: ```python import pathlib, re def _runs(i): outer = ('') % i return outer + (outer.replace('VRuleOuter%d' % i, 'VRuleInner%d' % i) .replace('margin-left:60pt', 'margin-left:67pt')) word = pathlib.Path('unpacked/word') # 1. Double rule: one set of shapes per distinct header part (unique ids). for i, hdr in enumerate(sorted(word.glob('header*.xml'))): xml = hdr.read_text(encoding='utf-8') if 'VRuleOuter' in xml: # idempotent continue if 'xmlns:v=' not in xml: xml = re.sub(r'(', _runs(i) + '', 1) # first header para hdr.write_text(xml, encoding='utf-8') # 2. Keep line numbers off header/footer text. for f in list(word.glob('header*.xml')) + list(word.glob('footer*.xml')): xml = f.read_text(encoding='utf-8') xml = re.sub(r'(]*)?>)(?!)', r'\1', xml) xml = re.sub(r'(]*)?>)(?!', xml) f.write_text(xml, encoding='utf-8') ``` The `` line-numbering element is already emitted by docx-js's `lineNumbers` section property (above), so the patch only touches the header / footer parts. **Geometry** (US Letter, 1-inch margins, line-number `distance` 360 twips = ¼″): body text starts at 72 pt and the line-number gutter at ~54 pt, so the two rules at `margin-left` **60 pt** and **67 pt** sit ~7 pt apart, clear of both. The gap is the difference of the two values; `margin-top:21.6pt` + `height:748.8pt` spans the full page height; `width:0.75pt` is the line weight. Verify with `python scripts/office/validate.py out.docx` then `python scripts/office/soffice.py --headless --convert-to pdf out.docx`; confirm two thin parallel lines with a clear gap between the numbers and the text on **every** page and that the header / footer text is not line-numbered. Then open the `.docx` in Microsoft Word, where VML renders slightly differently and the output must still be correct. ## Caption structure (O.C.G.A. § 9-11-10(a)) A Georgia caption carries (1) the **name of the court and the county**, centered at the top; (2) the **party block** with the party designations; (3) the **file number** — labeled **"Civil Action File No."**; and (4) the **title of the document**. The court identifier is centered and in ALL CAPS: ``` IN THE SUPERIOR COURT OF [COUNTY] COUNTY STATE OF GEORGIA JANE DOE, ) ) Plaintiff, ) ) Civil Action v. ) File No. ____________ ) ACME COLLECTIONS, LLC, ) ) Defendant. ) ``` The court identifier takes one of these forms (confirm the exact court name against the venue skill): - **Superior Court**: `IN THE SUPERIOR COURT OF [COUNTY] COUNTY, STATE OF GEORGIA` (general jurisdiction — divorce, equity, title to land, felonies, and all civil matters not exclusively elsewhere). - **State Court**: `STATE COURT OF [COUNTY] COUNTY` (or `IN THE STATE COURT OF [COUNTY] COUNTY, STATE OF GEORGIA`) — limited jurisdiction but **no civil dollar ceiling**; most debt-collection and tort suits are filed here. See `ga-state-court`. - **Magistrate Court**: `IN THE MAGISTRATE COURT OF [COUNTY] COUNTY, STATE OF GEORGIA` — small-claims and dispossessory matters within the statutory civil cap. See `ga-magistrate`. ### The caption elements in order 1. **Court and county.** The court name and county centered at the top of the page, with `STATE OF GEORGIA` on the line below (or appended to the court line). Match the court to the venue skill. 2. **Party block** (left side). The parties stacked with their designations, separated by a `v.`: - **Plaintiff / Defendant** in general civil actions; - **Petitioner / Respondent** in divorce, family-law, and most special proceedings. In the **complaint**, name **all** parties (§ 9-11-10(a)); in later pleadings, naming the **first party on each side** with "et al." is sufficient. 3. **File number** (right side, opposite the party block). Labeled **`Civil Action File No. ____________`** — left blank on an initial complaint (the clerk assigns it on filing) and populated on every subsequent paper. A column of right parentheses `)` conventionally divides the party block from the file-number block. 4. **Document title.** A centered ALL-CAPS heading below the caption (e.g., `PLAINTIFF'S COMPLAINT` or `MOTION TO DISMISS`), and restated in the footer so it sits at the bottom of every page. ## Numbered paragraphs and the body Under **O.C.G.A. § 9-11-10(b)**, all averments are made in **numbered paragraphs**, each limited so far as practicable to a single set of circumstances. Number with an Arabic numeral, a period, and a tab. State separate causes of action in **separate counts** where separation aids clarity. Under **§ 9-11-8** the body is a short and plain statement of the claim; alternative and inconsistent pleading is permitted. ## Initiating pleading and responsive pleading — terminology - The **initiating pleading** is the **Complaint** (§ 9-11-7). - The **responsive pleading** is the **Answer**, which raises defenses and any compulsory counterclaim. See `ga-first-30-days`. - The pleadings allowed and their designations are fixed by **§ 9-11-7(a)** — match the caption designation to the pleading type. ## Signing (O.C.G.A. § 9-11-11) and the signature block Under § 9-11-11 every pleading is **signed** by at least one attorney of record in the attorney's individual name (or by the party if self-represented), and must state the signer's **address**. A licensed attorney includes the **Georgia Bar No.**: ``` /s/ [Name] [Name] Georgia Bar No. ________ [Firm name] [Street address] [City, GA ZIP] Tel: (###) ###-#### Email: name@example.com Attorney for [Party] ``` **Self-represented filers omit the Georgia Bar No.** and identify as pro se: ``` /s/ [Name] [Name] [Street address] [City, GA ZIP] Tel: (###) ###-#### Email: name@example.com [Party], Pro Se ``` There is **no general verification requirement** under § 9-11-11 — most pleadings need only the signature, not a notarized verification — but certain equitable and extraordinary actions require verification by statute or rule; confirm before omitting one. See `ga-pro-se` for the full self-represented drafting framework. ## Certificate of service (O.C.G.A. § 9-11-5) Every pleading and paper subsequent to the original complaint must be **served** on the other parties under § 9-11-5 and carry a **certificate of service**. Place it at the foot of the document: ``` CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE I certify that on [date] I served a true and correct copy of the foregoing [Document Title] on all parties of record in accordance with O.C.G.A. § 9-11-5: [Opposing party / counsel name] [Address / email] by [the court's electronic-filing/e-service system (PeachCourt / Odyssey eFileGA) / statutory overnight or U.S. first-class mail, postage prepaid / email / hand delivery as permitted by O.C.G.A. § 9-11-5]. /s/ [Signer name] [Signer name] ``` Section 9-11-5 prescribes the permitted methods of service for subsequent papers. The **original complaint** is served by **summons under O.C.G.A. § 9-11-4** (personal service, service on an agent, or the statutory alternatives including service by publication) — not by § 9-11-5. See `ga-first-30-days`. ## Filing mechanics: e-filing (USCR 36; PeachCourt / Odyssey eFileGA) Georgia electronic filing is governed by **USCR 36** and is handled through county-dependent portals — chiefly **PeachCourt** and **Odyssey eFileGA** (the platform varies by county; check the filing county's posture). E-filing of civil matters is mandatory in many counties pursuant to the statewide e-filing mandate. - Confirm **which portal** your filing county uses before assembling a packet — it differs county to county. - Some portals **auto-generate** intake documents (case-initiation form, summons, sheriff's entry of service) and, in domestic cases, auto-attach a standing order — confirm against the venue skill. - **Self-represented filers** may e-file where the county permits; otherwise file by paper at the clerk's window. Confirm the venue's posture. See the venue skills and `ga-file-packet` for the full e-filing workflow. ## Citation format Georgia legal citation follows the Georgia appellate conventions (Bluebook-based). Common forms: - **Statutes**: `O.C.G.A. § 9-11-10` — always use the `§` symbol for Georgia statutes. - **Uniform Rules**: `USCR 6.2` (no section symbol for rules); cite the Uniform State Court Rules and Uniform Magistrate Court Rules by their own numbering. - **Supreme Court of Georgia**: `Smith v. Jones, 308 Ga. 204, 839 S.E.2d 651 (2020)`. - **Court of Appeals of Georgia**: `Doe v. Roe, 350 Ga. App. 123, 828 S.E.2d 456 (2019)`. - **Regional reporter**: cite the **South Eastern Reporter** (`S.E.2d` / `S.E.`) in parallel with the official `Ga.` / `Ga. App.` reporter. - **Federal statutes**: `15 U.S.C. § 1692g`. Italicize case names (including `v.`). See `ga-fact-check` for citation verification against the corpus. ## Producing documents programmatically For `.docx` generation, use the `docx` npm package. Key points: - Set page size explicitly to US Letter (12,240 × 15,840 DXA) — the library defaults to A4. - Use Times New Roman at `size: 24` (half-points = 12 pt), or Arial 12 pt, with double line spacing in the body. - Apply uniform 1,440 DXA margins to all four sides on every section. - Build the caption with the court name + county centered at the top, a `)`-divided party-block / file-number layout, and `Civil Action File No. ____________` on the right. - Build the footer with a right-aligned tab stop at 9,360 DXA and use `PageNumber.CURRENT` / `PageNumber.TOTAL_PAGES` for "Page X of Y"; carry the document title at the left so it sits at the bottom of each page. - Apply the `lineNumbers` section property above (omit `start`); set it on every section if you use a two-section page-1 layout. Run `scripts/format-check.py` on the generated `.docx` to validate the baseline. ## Composition - For Fulton County courts: `ga-fulton` - For Cobb County courts: `ga-cobb` - For Gwinnett County courts: `ga-gwinnett` - For State Court venue and the no-dollar-ceiling civil docket: `ga-state-court` - For Magistrate Court small-claims / dispossessory matters: `ga-magistrate` - For other counties' courts: `ga-county-courts` - For drafting specific document types: `ga-draft-motion`, `ga-draft-declaration`, `ga-draft-note`, `ga-draft-order` - For pro se conventions: `ga-pro-se` - For pre-filing QC: `ga-quality-check` ## References - `references/templates/declaration.md` — declaration / affidavit with numbered paragraphs and exhibits - `references/templates/motion.md` — motion scaffold with caption, body, signature block, and certificate of service - `references/templates/notice-of-hearing.md` — notice placing a motion on the court's calendar - `references/templates/proposed-order.md` — proposed order for judge signature - `references/caption-format.md` — caption structure with the O.C.G.A. § 9-11-10(a) layout and docx-js recipe - `references/certificate-of-service.md` — § 9-11-5 certificate of service forms and service methods - `references/citation-format.md` — Georgia citation conventions