Relevant Statutes:
Maximum Dollar Limit:
Locating Agent For Service:
Online Court Forms:
Start a Claim:
Service Of Process:
Hearing Date:
Attorneys:
Transfer:
Appeals:
Additional Information:
Small claims cases are heard in District or Justice Court, except in Philadelphia where heard in Municipal Court.
Philadelphia Statutes Annotated, Title 42, Part II, Subpart A, Article D, Ch. 11, Subchapter B, Section 1123; Title 42, Part II, Article E, Ch. 15, Subchapter B, Sections 1511-1520. Rules of Civil Procedure Governing Actions and Proceedings Before District Justices, Rules 201-325; Philadelphia Municipal Rules of Civil Procedure, Rules 101-134.
District or Justice Court: $8,000 Philadelphia Municipal Court: $10,000.
Secretary of State Corporation Bureau,
206 North Office Building, Harrisburg,
PA 17120; Phone:(717) 787-1057; Toll Free: (888) 659-9962; Fax: (717)
787-1734.
Certified or registered mail, sheriff or disinterested adult.
District or Justice Court: 12 to 60 days from service. Municipal Court: Set by the court.
Allowed. Required for corporations, except in Municipal Court when the corporation is the defendant and the claims exceeds $2,500.
District or Justice Court: Inapplicable. Municipal Court: If defendant counterclaims over jurisdictional limit, case tried in Court of Common Pleas.
Either party may file an appeal for a new trial or a trial by jury to the Court of Common Pleas within 30 days of judgment.
District Justice Court: Court may order arbitration. Municipal Court: No jury trial. If exceeds $2,000 for injury to self or property, must submit a statement of claim under oath.