The Clerk of Courts office no longer provides in-person assistance for preparing Small Claims cases. While clerks are available to answer general questions about completing the required forms, they cannot assist with filling out or preparing the forms, and they are not permitted to provide legal advice or answer legal questions.

If you need to speak with a clerk in person, please visit or call us at (216) 664-4860 by 3:30 PM, Monday through Friday. Small Claims cases may still be filed by mail.

For forms and detailed filing instructions, please visit our Small Claims Forms & Resources. For additional questions, call (216) 664-4860.

Clerk staff cannot provide legal advice. For legal assistance, please consult an attorney.

The Small Claims Division was established by the Ohio General Assembly in 1967 with the enactment of Chapter 1925 of the Ohio Revised Code. The division of the court was created to provide a more informal, expeditious and inexpensive means for individuals to pursue claims for smaller sums of money. The monetary limit is currently $6,000, exclusive of interest and costs.

• You do not need an attorney to file a small claims case; however, if you do not retain one, you assume ALL RESPONSIBILITY of the filing of your claim.
• The small claims limit is $6,000.
• A filing fee of $37 is required at the time of filing. Each additional defendant (person you are suing) costs $7.
• The defendant must live in or conduct business in the City of Cleveland or Village of Bratenahl or the cause of action must have occurred in the City of Cleveland or Village of Bratenahl.
• Please provide the complete names and addresses of all defendants and:
  • Proof of your small claim
  • Paid receipts
  • Written estimates of damages or loss should reflect the amount you are asking in your claim. (Although this information is not needed at the time of filing, please come prepared with documentation which will be presented to the magistrate at the hearing).
• If you are filing against a business, it is suggested that you contact the Ohio Secretary of State to verify the following:
  • Proper name of the business
  • Proper name of the owner(s) of the business as registered with the Secretary of State’s office
  • Is there an attorney or agent that represents the corporation
• If you are filing your case by mail, you must send along with the filing the following:
  • Additional copies of your small claim for all parties listed in your case.
  • Payment for the small claim (cash, check or money order)
  • A stamped,self-addressed envelope so we can send you a time-stamped copy with your hearing date affixed and your payment receipt.