Neither the Hancock County Clerk nor staff may give legal opinion or advice; therefore, contacting an attorney may be best.
In Hancock County, evictions, also known as ejectments, wherein damages are estimated in excess of $10,000, are filed in Superior Court Number 1 or Circuit Court. Evictions/ejectments wherein damages are less than $10,000 may be filed as an EV(SC) in Superior Court Number 2. Either party to an Ejectment has the right to be represented by an attorney or represent themselves. An Ejectment may be filed based on non-payment of rent, or other reasons.
For damages over $10,000:
- To serve 1 Defendant: $157 by Certified Mail
- To serve 1 Defendant: $185 by Sheriff
For an EV(SC):
- To serve 1 Defendant: $97 by Certified Mail
- To serve 1 Defendant: $125 by Sheriff
There is an additional $10 for per additional Defendant.
Note: While there is not a statutory requirement for initial service of ejectment to be done by Sheriff's Service, it is recommended due to the Court's statutory obligation to confirm service of process has been perfected upon the Defendant(s) prior to issuing an order for ejectment. Perfecting service through means other than service by sheriff may result in a delay of the eviction hearing.