Pennsylvania Small Claims
Everything you need to know about filing in Pennsylvania Magisterial District Courts
General Information Only: This page provides general educational information as of January 2025. Court rules and fees change frequently. Always verify current requirements with your local Magisterial District Court or the Pennsylvania Courts website.
Pennsylvania
Magisterial District Courts
$12,000
Civil claims only
$50-$125
Based on claim amount
Allowed
But not required
30 Days
To Court of Common Pleas
Key Information
1Magisterial District Courts
- Handle claims up to $12,000
- File where defendant lives or incident occurred
- Informal procedures
- Judge decides without jury
2Who Can File
- Individuals 18 or older
- Businesses can file
- Corporations may need attorney
- Minors through parent/guardian
Common Case Types
Security Deposits
Landlord-tenant disputes
Auto Accidents
Property damage claims
Unpaid Debts
Loans and services
Contract Disputes
Broken agreements
Home Repairs
Contractor issues
Consumer Issues
Refunds, warranties
Statutes of Limitations
You must file your claim within these time limits from when the issue occurred:
Filing Process Overview
Find the Right Court
File in the magisterial district where defendant lives or incident occurred
Complete Civil Complaint
Fill out the Civil Complaint form (available at the court or online)
Pay Filing Fee
$50-$125 based on claim amount; fee waivers available for low income
Serve the Defendant
Court typically serves by certified mail; personal service also available
Attend Hearing
Present evidence and testimony; magistrate decides your case
Pennsylvania Court System
Pennsylvania uses Magisterial District Courts (formerly called District Justice Courts) for small claims. These courts handle civil claims up to $12,000 and provide a simpler, faster process than the Court of Common Pleas.
Note: Philadelphia has its own Municipal Court system with slightly different procedures.
Official Resources
Find Your District Court
Pennsylvania has 67 counties, each with multiple magisterial districts. Find the court nearest you.
View Pennsylvania CountiesLegal Disclaimer
This information is provided for general educational purposes only and may be outdated. Laws and procedures change frequently. Always verify current requirements with your local Magisterial District Court or consult a licensed attorney. This is not legal advice. See our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.