Eviction service or attorney — which do you need?
- What an attorney does that a service cannot
- What a service does that most attorneys don't
- Uncontested non-payment
- Contested, counterclaim, or habitability raised
- Portfolio owners usually use both
- What we are
What an attorney does that a service cannot
Legal advice, strategy, representation at a contested hearing, responding to counterclaims, and anything involving habitability, discrimination or retaliation allegations. A service that offers to do these things is practising law without a license.
What a service does that most attorneys don't
Field work. Process serving with real attempt discipline. Writ scheduling. Setout crews, officer coordination, locksmiths, cleanout. Most law firms subcontract all of this anyway.
Uncontested non-payment
The bulk of evictions. Usually handled fine by a service, with an attorney available if it turns.
Contested, counterclaim, or habitability raised
Get a lawyer. This is not the place to save money.
Portfolio owners usually use both
Counsel on retainer for the cases that turn, a service running the volume. They aren't competing roles.
What we are
EvictIQ is a service, not a law firm. We don't give legal advice and we say so when a case needs counsel.
The short version
- Attorney: legal advice, contested hearings, counterclaims
- Service: filing logistics, process serving, writ scheduling, setouts
- Uncontested non-payment usually doesn't need a lawyer; a contested case does
- Most portfolio owners use both, for different jobs
Tell us where the property is
We handle cases directly in Georgia and can point you in the right direction elsewhere.
Need help with a real case?
Tell us where the property is and where the case stands.
Landlord eviction checklist
The pre-filing checks that prevent most rejections. One page, free.
Common questions
Can I evict a tenant without going to court?
No. Every state requires a court process. Locking a tenant out, shutting off utilities or removing belongings without a court order is illegal self-help and exposes you to damages that often exceed the rent you were owed.
How long does an eviction take?
It depends on your state, your court's calendar and whether the tenant contests. Some stages are fixed by statute and some are logistics you control. Anyone giving you a guaranteed number of days without knowing your county is guessing.
Do I need a lawyer to evict a tenant?
Not always. Uncontested non-payment cases are routine. If the case is contested, involves a counterclaim, or raises habitability or discrimination issues, get a licensed attorney in your state.
What's the difference between a judgment and a writ?
A judgment says you won. A writ of possession is the separate court order that lets law enforcement actually put you back in the property. You have to apply for it — it isn't automatic.
Stop reading, start moving
If the property is in Georgia we can handle it end to end. If it isn't, we'll point you the right way.