PA State Guide

Pennsylvania Small Claims Court

Magisterial District Court

$12,000

Maximum Claim

$45 - $125

Filing Fees

30-60 days

Timeline

In-person

Hearing Format

Court Information

Court Name

Magisterial District Court

Attorneys

Allowed

Appeal Rights

Appeal to Court of Common Pleas within 30 days

Court Website

https://www.pacourts.us

Statute of Limitations

4 years

Written Contracts

4 years

Oral Contracts

2 years

Property Damage

Unique Rules in Pennsylvania

District judges hear cases

Philadelphia has special procedures

How to File in Pennsylvania

Determine if your case qualifies for small claims court

Send a demand letter to the other party

File your claim at the correct courthouse

Serve the defendant with the lawsuit

Prepare your evidence and presentation

Attend the hearing and present your case

Amendment Filing Fees in Pennsylvania

Amendment Fee Range

Amendment fees in Pennsylvania typically range from $15-$50, depending on the court and type of amendment.

Important Note

Contact your local court clerk for exact amendment fees, as they vary by jurisdiction.

When Amendments Are Allowed

Before the defendant is served

To correct clerical errors or add necessary details

With court permission after service

Cannot increase claim amount beyond court limits

Common Amendment Types

Correct Defendant Name

Fix misspellings or add proper legal names

Add Damages

Include additional damages discovered later

Clarify Facts

Provide clearer description of the dispute

State-Specific Resources

Additional guides and information for Pennsylvania small claims cases

Complete Small Claims Guide

Comprehensive guide to filing, preparing, and winning your small claims court case nationwide.

Demand Letter Templates

Free templates and examples for writing effective demand letters before filing your case.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the small claims limit in Pennsylvania?

The maximum you can sue for in Pennsylvania small claims court is $12,000.

How much does it cost to file in Pennsylvania?

Filing fees in Pennsylvania range from $45 - $125, depending on the claim amount.

Are attorneys allowed in Pennsylvania small claims court?

Yes, attorneys are allowed to represent parties in Pennsylvania small claims court.

How long does a case take in Pennsylvania?

From filing to hearing typically takes 30-60 days in Pennsylvania.

Can I appeal a small claims decision in Pennsylvania?

Appeal to Court of Common Pleas within 30 days

Counties We Serve in Pennsylvania

Find small claims court information for your county

All 67 Counties in Pennsylvania

Adams County Allegheny County Armstrong County Beaver County Bedford County Berks County Blair County Bradford County Bucks County Butler County Cambria County Cameron County Carbon County Centre County Chester County Clarion County Clearfield County Clinton County Columbia County Crawford County Cumberland County Dauphin County Delaware County Elk County Erie County Fayette County Forest County Franklin County Fulton County Greene County Huntingdon County Indiana County Jefferson County Juniata County Lackawanna County Lancaster County Lawrence County Lebanon County Lehigh County Luzerne County Lycoming County McKean County Mercer County Mifflin County Monroe County Montgomery County Montour County Northampton County Northumberland County Perry County Philadelphia County Pike County Potter County Schuylkill County Snyder County Somerset County Sullivan County Susquehanna County Tioga County Union County Venango County Warren County Washington County Wayne County Westmoreland County Wyoming County York County

State-Specific Resources

Additional guides and information for Pennsylvania small claims cases

Complete Small Claims Guide

Comprehensive guide to filing, preparing, and winning your small claims court case nationwide.

Demand Letter Templates

Free templates and examples for writing effective demand letters before filing your case.

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