Georgia § 42-12-5 - In forma pauperis procedure; contents and service of affidavit; judicial determinations.
Full text of Georgia Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 42-12-5 — In forma pauperis procedure; contents and service of affidavit; judicial determinations., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 42-12-5. In forma pauperis procedure; contents and service of affidavit; judicial determinations.
A prisoner's affidavit of in forma pauperis status shall contain each of the following: The prisoner's identity, including any and all aliases, and the prisoner's inmate number; The nature and amount of any income as well as the source of that income; Real and personal property owned by the prisoner; and Cash and checking accounts held by the prisoner. The affidavit shall also contain the following sworn statement and signature of the prisoner: The affidavit shall contain a copy of the prisoner's inmate account of the last 12 months or the period of incarceration, whichever is less. The institution shall promptly provide said account information upon request. The prisoner shall serve the affidavit, including all attachments, on the court and all named defendants. Failure by the prisoner to comply with this subsection shall result in dismissal without prejudice of the prisoner's action. A judicial order authorizing a prisoner to proceed in forma pauperis shall not prevent the freezing of a prisoner's inmate account nor the forwarding of any future deposits into that account to the court in accordance with the provisions of this chapter. In the event that the court denies the prisoner's application for in forma pauperis status, the court shall give written notice to the inmate that the inmate's action will be dismissed without prejudice if the filing fees are not paid within 30 days of the date of the order. Upon the denial of in forma pauperis status the court shall make a finding as to whether in forma pauperis status was sought fraudulently, frivolously, or maliciously. If the court finds that the in forma pauperis status was sought fraudulently, frivolously, or maliciously, the action shall be dismissed with prejudice, and the court shall assess filing costs. If an action is dismissed without prejudice and the prisoner refiles the action in substantially the same form: All filing requirements including filing fees must be met in their entirety; and No amount paid for court fees in any earlier action or any part thereof shall be credited to the prisoner. (Code 1981, § 42-12-5 , enacted by Ga. L. 1996, p. 400, § 1.) I, _____________, do swear and affirm under penalty of law that the statements contained in this affidavit are true. I further attest that this application for in forma pauperis status is not presented to harass or to cause unnecessary delay or needless increase in the costs of litigation.
Source: official Georgia text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Georgia § 42-12-5
What does Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 42-12-5 cover?
Section 42-12-5 ("In forma pauperis procedure; contents and service of affidavit; judicial determinations.") is part of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, the codified statutory law of Georgia. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Georgia § 42-12-5?
A common citation format is "Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 42-12-5" (Georgia). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Georgia law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Georgia official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Georgia attorney.
How does Georgia § 42-12-5 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Georgia can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Georgia.