Columbus Small Claims Court: Where and How to File

Which court

File here if the incident or transaction happened in Franklin County, or the defendant lives in or regularly does business there. Claims over $6,000 and up to $15,000 are regular civil cases in the same court, not small claims.

Where and how to file

Limit	$6,000
Court	Franklin County Municipal Court, Small Claims Division
Address	375 S. High St., 3rd Floor, Columbus, OH 43215
Phone	(614) 645-8214
Hours	Filings accepted Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Fees	$92 to file, plus service for each defendant: certified mail $10, bailiff or process server $25, ordinary mail $3, or sheriff $41 outside Franklin County. Court cost schedule and Clerk's cost sheet, both 2026 files.
Serving papers	You choose the method and pay per defendant. A court bailiff serves inside Franklin County, and the sheriff serves elsewhere in Ohio ($41 includes a $35 deposit, and the final cost can differ). Service must be completed within six months of filing or the case is dismissed.

Franklin County Municipal Court, Small Claims Division small claims page

Good to know here

Claims are for money only; you cannot ask for property back or for work to be finished.
The court's FAQ asks for the original complaint, 3 copies and a New Filing Civil Cover Sheet. If mailing, include a self-addressed stamped envelope for each complaint.
Every case gets an initial hearing, held weekdays from 1:30 p.m. before a magistrate. If the plaintiff does not appear, the case is dismissed.
A corporation or LLC appearing through a non-lawyer may not question witnesses or argue the law at trial.
Written objections to a magistrate's decision are due within 14 days, with a $20 fee.

Hours, fees and locations change. Call the court or check its site before you go.

Columbus Small Claims Court

Where and how to file

Good to know here

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