Judge Debbie-Ann R. Rickman
Individual Rules, Standing Orders & Policies
- Rules last changed:
Limits & Logistics
Document Limits
Courtesy Copies
Exhibits, Attachments
Motion
- Upon Filing
Adjournments
- Extension requests must explain the circumstances, set forth a completion timetable, and be made before the deadline.
- Discovery extension requests must include a proposed Scheduling Order with all proposed deadline extensions, a statement of prior grants, a description of discovery conducted, a schedule of outstanding discovery, and an explanation of why the original deadline was insufficient.
Request must include
Communication
Chambers
Phone
Court-wideClerk
Page & Word Limits1 rule
Absent advance permission, no party may file a motion, brief, or response in excess of twenty-five (25) pages (excluding affidavits, deposition extracts, and other relevant exhibits). Documents exceeding twenty-five (25) pages that are filed without permission may be stricken from the record.
- Motion
- Up to 25 pages
- Brief
- Response
Excluded from page count
- •Exhibits
Exception
More pages with leave of court
Document Format Requirements4 rules
Proposed orders for ministerial motions must be submitted to chambers electronically as Microsoft Word documents.
- File type
- Word
- Proposed order
Court's wording
Every ministerial motion (e.g., motion to file reply brief, to extend discovery, etc.) must be copied to chambers and accompanied by a proposed order submitted to chambers electronically as a Microsoft Word document.
All proposed orders should be submitted electronically via email directly to Ms. Percifield in Microsoft Word format.
- File type
- Word
- Proposed order
Documents e-mailed for the Court's signature (proposed orders, etc.) should be sent in Microsoft Word format.
- File type
- Word
- Proposed order
Documents e-mailed for the Court's review (motions and other pleadings) should be sent in PDF format.
- File type
- Motion
- Pleading
Document Filing Requirements5 rules
Every ministerial motion (e.g., motion to file reply brief, to extend discovery, etc.) must be copied to chambers and accompanied by a proposed order submitted to chambers electronically as a Microsoft Word document.
- Document
- Ministerial motion
Must include
- •Proposed order
seeking oral arguments on a motion for summary judgment must comply with Uniform Superior Court Rule 6.3 and file a pleading to that effect.
To seek service by publication, plaintiff must file proof of attempted service, a Motion for Service by Publication, and an Affidavit of Diligent Search.
Court's wording
To seek an order for service by publication, Petitioner/Plaintiff must file proof of attempted service on Respondent/Defendant at Respondent's/Defendant's last known address, together with a Motion for Service by Publication and an Affidavit of Diligent Search.
A party requesting a CSSO modification must submit a proposed revised scheduling order with all extensions and deadlines plus a statement of prior extension requests.
Court's wording
In the event a modification to the CSSO is requested, the moving party shall submit a proposed revised scheduling order setting forth all requested extensions and deadlines, together with a statement identifying whether the Court has previously granted any requests for extensions.
Proposed orders on motions for summary judgment should include detailed findings of facts and conclusions of law which the Court may adapt as appropriate.
Filing & Service rules
Electronic Filing Rules
E-filing is mandatory for all civil cases filed in Fulton County Superior Court.
E-filing is mandatory for civil cases filed in Fulton County Superior Court.
Civil cases
Page 1 | SECTION 2. E-FILING
Every attorney of record and self-represented litigant must register with the Court's e-filing system at www.efilega.com.
Every attorney of record and every self-represented litigant must register with the Court's e-filing system. This can be accomplished at www.efilega.com.
Civil cases
Page 1 | SECTION 2. E-FILING
Service and Proof of Service Rules
Plaintiff must promptly obtain service on defendants and file proof of service with the Court.
Petitioner/Plaintiff must promptly obtain service on Respondent(s)/Defendant(s) and file proof of same with the Court.
Civil cases
Page 2 | SECTION 3.1 Service
Discovery requests must be served early enough that responses are due on or before the last day of the discovery period.
All discovery requests must be served early enough so that the responses thereto are due on or before the last day of the discovery period.
Civil cases
Page 4 | 5.1 Deadlines
Electronic service of pleadings (except the initial complaint and summons) is legally sufficient for service on parties.
Electronic service of pleadings, other than the initial complaint and summons, is legally sufficient for service on parties.
Civil cases
Page 1 | SECTION 2. E-FILING
Courtesy Copy Requirements
Movants must provide courtesy copies of motions and related filings to the Court at the time of filing.
Movants must provide courtesy copies of motions and related filings to the Court contemporaneous with filing. See USCR 6.1.
Civil cases
Page 6 | 6.1 Deadlines
Electronic copies of pleadings are preferred, but hard copies of lengthy exhibits or attachments are required.
Electronic copies of pleadings are preferred; hard copies of lengthy exhibits or other attachments are required.
Civil cases
Page 6 | 6.1 Deadlines
Pre-Motion Conference Requirements
Parties must discuss the issue with the opposing party before filing a motion to compel or protective order; non-compliant motions to compel will be denied.
No party may file a motion to compel or a motion for a protective order without first having discussed the issue with the opposing party. This requirement applies to disputes with non-parties as well. Motions to compel that do not comply with Rule 6.4 will be denied.
Civil cases
Page 5 | 5.4 Disputes
A party must notify the Court of a discovery dispute by letter/email demonstrating USCR 6.4 compliance and providing sufficient information for a meaningful conference.
If that fails, an aggrieved party must notify the Court of the discovery dispute by submitting a letter/e-mail demonstrating compliance with Uniform Superior Court Rule 6.4 and providing sufficient information and/or documentation to permit a meaningful conference between the parties and the Court.
Civil cases
Page 5 | 5.4 Disputes
Adjournment & Extension Requirements
Discovery extension requests must include a proposed Scheduling Order with all proposed deadline extensions, a statement of prior grants, a description of discovery conducted, a schedule of outstanding discovery, and an explanation of why the original deadline was insufficient.
In the event an extension to any discovery deadline(s) imposed by statute or a Scheduling Order is requested, the moving party shall submit a proposed Scheduling Order or Revised Scheduling Order, which must include all proposed deadline extensions as well as a statement indicating whether the Court has previously granted extension requests. All requests for discovery extensions shall include a basic description of discovery conducted thus far, the requested deadline extension, a specific schedule of outstanding discovery to be completed during the requested extension, and an explanation as to why the original deadline was insufficient.
Civil cases
Page 4 | 5.1 Deadlines
Extension requests must explain the circumstances, set forth a completion timetable, and be made before the deadline.
Parties seeking an extension of time or any deadline should explain, with specificity, circumstances necessitating the extension and should set forth a timetable for the completion of the task(s) for which the extension is sought, such requests should be made prior to any deadline.
Civil cases
Page 3 | 3.4 Extensions of time
Chambers Communication Rules
Any filing to be brought to the Court's attention must be emailed to the Senior Staff Attorney at the time of filing.
FOR ANY FILING THAT YOU WANT TO BE BROUGHT TO THE ATTENTION OF THE COURT, YOU MUST E-MAIL A COPY OF SAME AT THE TIME OF FILING TO lara.percifield@fultoncountyga.gov.
Civil cases
Page 2 | SECTION 2. E-FILING
The Rule 6.3 oral argument pleading must also be e-mailed to Ms. Percifield.
That Rule 6.3 pleading must also be e-mailed to Ms. Percifield.
Civil cases
Page 7 | 6.3
Parties must copy opposing parties or counsel on all communications with the Court.
Parties are reminded to copy the opposing party/parties or counsel, as appropriate, on all communications with the Court, including all court staff.
Civil cases
Page 1 | SECTION 1. CONTACTING THE COURT
Any request for an extension must be submitted by email to the Senior Staff Attorney.
Any request for an extension shall be submitted by email to Ms. Percifield.
Civil cases
Page 2 | SECTION 3.2 Scheduling Orders
The Court shall be notified immediately of any problem or dispute (e.g., discovery issues, witness unavailability, illness, or the late addition of parties or claims) that could delay the case or cause a party to miss a deadline. Such notification should be by email to lara.percifield@fultoncountyga.gov.
The Court shall be notified immediately of any problem or dispute (e.g., discovery issues, witness unavailability, illness, or the late addition of parties or claims) that could delay the case or cause a party to miss a deadline. Such notification should be by email to lara.percifield@fultoncountyga.gov.
Civil cases
Page 3 | 3.4 Extensions of time
Proposed orders should be submitted via email directly to Ms. Percifield.
All proposed orders should be submitted electronically via email directly to Ms. Percifield in Microsoft Word format.
Civil cases
Page 7 | 6.5
The Senior Staff Attorney is the principal contact for civil matters and should be reached by email, with the Judicial Assistant as follow-up contact.
Lara Percifield, Senior Staff Attorney, is your principal contact for civil matters. Whenever possible, communication with Ms. Percifield should be via e-mail to lara.percifield@fultoncountyga.gov. Ms. Percifield will respond to all matters as time permits. If further follow up is needed, please email Judicial Assistant Katrina Devine-Weaver at katrina.devine-weaver@fultoncountyga.gov.
Civil cases
Page 1 | SECTION 1. CONTACTING THE COURT
Conference requests should be via email to lara.percifield@fultoncountyga.gov.
Conference requests should be via email to lara.percifield@fultoncountyga.gov.
Civil cases
Page 3 | 3.3 Conferences
Trial-related questions or issues should be directed to Ms. Percifield via email with all parties/counsel copied.
Any questions or issues related to trial should be directed to Ms. Percifield via email: lara.percifield@fultoncountyga.gov with all parties/counsel copied.
Civil cases
Page 7 | 7.1
Counsel should contact Ms. Percifield in advance of trial to ensure presentation viewing equipment is properly equipped.
Counsel should contact Ms. Percifield in advance of trial to ensure that any viewing equipment counsel intends to use for a presentation is equipped with all necessary players, drivers, cables, and other accessories.
Civil cases
Page 7 | 7.2