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 837. 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 scheduled for a mediation hearing prior to being scheduled for a full evidentiary hearing. Failure to appear at the mediation hearing may result in an order granting default judgment and or dismissal.
Mediation provides the parties with an opportunity to resolve their disputes with the help of a third party mediator who works with both sides of the dispute in an informal discussion. The mediator’s role is to help the parties communicate and not as a judge deciding right or wrong.
Why Mediate?
- Avoids lengthy waits for decisions
- Solutions designed by both parties
- Avoids expense and collection procedures
- Confidential and avoids open court airing of disputes
The mediators in the Court’s Mediation Program are unpaid volunteers, including students of The University of Akron School of Law and members of the Akron community. Mediation sessions are held on selected Saturdays from 8:30 a.m. to noon.