09/03/2026
A demand letter is often the first formal step in resolving a dispute, but it doesn't always get results. If the other side ignores it, denies the claim, or simply refuses to pay, you have options.
Here's what typically comes next:
Filing a Complaint: This formally opens a lawsuit in the appropriate Georgia court, whether that's Magistrate, State, or Superior Court depending on the amount and complexity involved.
Discovery: Both sides exchange evidence, documents, and testimony to build their case.
Motions Practice: Attorneys may file motions to resolve certain issues before trial, sometimes disposing of the case entirely.
Mediation or Settlement Talks: Many disputes still resolve before trial, even after litigation has formally begun.
Trial: If no resolution is reached, the case proceeds to trial before a judge or jury.
The right path depends on the type of dispute, the amount at stake, and the venue. Commercial disputes in Cobb, Fulton, or Cherokee County each move through slightly different court procedures and timelines.
If a demand letter didn't get the response you needed, it's worth talking through your next move before deadlines start working against you.
