Small Claims Office
After a case is filed with the Clerk’s Office, it is scheduled for a hearing. The office is staffed by two part-time magistrates and one full-time court coordinator. The Magistrates in small claims court hear cases involving eviction, small claims, rent deposit, garnishment, replevin, revivor and second cause eviction matters.
Small Claims Cases
(Claims for $6,000.00 or less)
To initiate a small claims case, you must file a complaint with the Clerk’s Office in Room 100. You can find some forms which may be helpful to you in these cases at the forms section of our website. The local rules also provide guidance regarding small claims matters. Finally, the Ohio State Bar Foundation Small Claims Court: A Citizens Guide may assist you in handling these matters.
Mediation Program
All small claims cases are required to go through Mediation. For eviction and rent escrow, Mediation is encouraged but not mandatory. A request for Mediation can be made from the time of filing until the hearing.
Mediation provides the parties with an opportunity to resolve their disputes with the help of a neutral third party trained in mediation. The mediator’s role is to help the parties communicate and not as a judge deciding right or wrong.
Why Mediation?
- Avoids lengthy waits for decisions
- Solutions designed by both parties
- Avoids expense and collection procedures
- Confidential and avoids open court airing of disputes
- Parties are more likely to abide by the agreement they created