Philadelphia Small Claims Court: Where and How to File

Which court

Money claims up to $12,000 go to Municipal Court, mainly contract and negligence cases. The court treats a defendant who doesn't live in Philadelphia as a possible wrong-venue problem, so check that before you pay to file.

Where and how to file

Limit	$12,000
Court	Philadelphia Municipal Court, Civil Division (Small Claims)
Address	1339 Chestnut Street, 10th Floor, Room 1000, Philadelphia, PA 19107
Phone	215-686-7988
Hours	Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Fees	With one defendant in Philadelphia, $94.75 for claims up to $2,000 or $116.75 for $2,000.01 to $12,000, including $27 for service. If the defendant is outside Philadelphia or you use private service, it's $67.75 or $89.75, plus $45 for service elsewhere in Pennsylvania. Each added name is $5.50.
Serving papers	The fee schedule includes $27 for service at a Philadelphia address and $45 for service elsewhere in Pennsylvania. You must give a real street address, because the court can't use a P.O. box.

Philadelphia Municipal Court, Civil Division (Small Claims) small claims page

Good to know here

The court can't order someone to do something, such as make repairs or return property, and it can't hear a case against a Commonwealth party such as SEPTA.
New cases are taken in person with appointments preferred, or by mail. Mailed filings must be typed and paid by money order, business check or attorney check, not a personal check.
A business must appear through an executive officer with proof of authority, such as articles of incorporation.
Trials are on the 6th floor of the same building. If you're late or absent, a default judgment can be entered against you.
Documents not filed with your claim must reach the other side at least 10 days before trial.

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

Philadelphia Small Claims Court

Where and how to file

Good to know here

Sources

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