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PA County Guide

Lancaster County Small Claims Court

Magisterial District Court • Population: 552,984

$12,000
Maximum Claim
$45 - $125
Filing Fees
30-60 days
Timeline
In-person
Hearing Format

Courthouse Information

Courthouse

Lancaster County Courthouse

Address

50 N Duke St, Lancaster, PA 17608

Court Website

https://www.pacourts.us

Local Tips

  • Small claims through magisterial district courts
  • Multiple MDJ locations — file where the defendant resides
  • Pennsylvania small claims limit is $12,000

How to File in Lancaster County

1

Determine if your case qualifies for Pennsylvania small claims court (up to $12,000)

2

Send a written demand letter to the other party

3

File your claim at the Lancaster County courthouse or online through the Magisterial District Court

4

Serve the defendant with official notice of the lawsuit

5

Prepare your evidence, documents, and witnesses

6

Attend the in-person hearing and present your case

Statute of Limitations in Pennsylvania

4 years
Written Contracts
4 years
Oral Contracts
2 years
Property Damage

Important Rules in Pennsylvania

District judges hear cases
Philadelphia has special procedures

Frequently Asked Questions

To file a small claims case in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, visit your local courthouse at 50 N Duke St, Lancaster, PA 17608 or the Magisterial District Court website. You'll need to fill out the claim form, pay the filing fee ($45 - $125), and serve the defendant. The maximum claim amount is $12,000.

The maximum you can sue for in Pennsylvania small claims court is $12,000. This limit applies to all counties including Lancaster County.

In Pennsylvania, attorneys are allowed to represent parties in small claims court. While you can represent yourself in Lancaster County, you may choose to hire a lawyer for your case.

From filing to hearing, a small claims case in Pennsylvania typically takes 30-60 days. Timelines in Lancaster County may vary depending on court schedules.

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