What we handle
Samara Law Firm represents individuals, families and small businesses in civil disputes across Georgia. Most of these cases involve a relationship that has broken down and money or property that is in dispute. Our job is to understand what actually happened, identify the strongest path to a resolution, and pursue it without running up a bill on steps that do not move the case.
Civil matters we take
Breach of contract, unpaid invoices, partnership and vendor disputes, non-compete and non-solicitation issues, and disputes over the sale or purchase of a business.
Boundary and easement disputes, contractor and construction disputes, HOA conflicts, landlord-tenant matters and claims arising from the purchase or sale of a home.
Claims an insurer has delayed, underpaid or wrongly denied, including property, auto and business policies, and Georgia bad-faith claims where the law allows them.
Deceptive business practices, unfair debt collection, warranty disputes and other civil claims in Georgia magistrate, state and superior courts.
How a civil case moves
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Understanding the dispute. We review the contract, the correspondence, the records and the timeline, and we tell you candidly how strong the position is and what a realistic outcome looks like.
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Demand and negotiation. Most civil disputes resolve without a lawsuit. A well-documented demand letter, backed by the credible ability to file suit, often brings the other side to the table.
- 3
Filing suit when necessary. If negotiation fails, we file in the appropriate Georgia court and manage the pleadings, discovery and motions that follow.
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Mediation and settlement. Georgia courts routinely require mediation. We prepare for it seriously, because it is where most filed cases end.
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Trial. When a fair resolution is not available, we try the case. Preparing for that possibility from day one is what makes settlements fair.
How fees work for civil matters
Personal injury cases are handled on a contingency fee, where our fee comes out of the recovery. Civil disputes are different: depending on the matter, representation may be hourly, a flat fee for a defined task such as a demand letter or contract review, or in some cases a contingency or hybrid arrangement. We explain the options and the likely cost before you commit to anything, in writing, and we tell you when a dispute is not worth the cost of pursuing. The initial consultation is free.
When a civil matter overlaps with an injury
Some disputes start as something else. A contractor’s negligence injures someone on the job site. An insurer’s refusal to pay a total-loss claim leaves a family without a car. A landlord’s failure to fix a hazard leads to a fall. Because the firm handles both injury claims and civil disputes, we can see the whole picture and pursue every claim that applies, rather than handing you off to a second lawyer.
Common questions
Do you handle small claims?
Georgia magistrate courts handle claims up to $15,000 without the need for a lawyer, and for very small disputes we may tell you that representing yourself is the better value. For larger or more complicated matters, or where the other side has counsel, we can help.
Can you review a contract before I sign it?
Yes. Reviewing a lease, purchase agreement, business contract or settlement offer before you sign is one of the most cost-effective things a lawyer can do for you, and it is usually handled for a flat fee.
How long does a civil lawsuit take in Georgia?
A dispute resolved by demand letter can be over in weeks. A filed case in state or superior court typically takes a year or more to reach trial, though most settle at mediation well before that. We will give you a realistic timeline at the start and update it as the case develops.