Allegheny County Small Claims: Magisterial District Court

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Allegheny County: small claims filing guide

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Which magisterial district court hears small claims in Allegheny County?

Magisterial District Courts in Allegheny County (Fifth Judicial District). Civil claims of $12,000 or less may be filed at the appropriate magisterial district court; larger amounts go to the Court of Common Pleas (Allegheny County MDJ FAQ, checked 2026-10-08).

How to find the right magisterial district

Use the official Interactive Magisterial District Court Map or the MDJ directory filtered to Allegheny. Venue follows Rule 302 (where the defendant may be served, where the claim arose, or where a related transaction occurred—for individuals).

County-specific filing note

Allegheny's MDJ FAQ confirms the $12,000 cap and that staff cannot give legal advice. It does not publish a separate local filing-fee schedule on that FAQ page—use the 2026 statewide MDJ cost table (204 Pa. Code § 29.402) and ask the specific district office about service costs. Case lookup: UJS Case Search.

Free section summary

Confirm your claim fits the $12,000 limit (or Philadelphia Municipal Court equivalent).
Identify the correct court / district with the official map or Municipal Court instructions.
Download the official Civil Complaint form (MDJ counties) or follow Municipal Court first-filing steps (Philadelphia).
Budget for filing costs using the 2026 statewide MDJ table where it applies, plus service—or check Municipal Court for Philadelphia fees.
Verify every number with the court office before you pay or serve.

Frequently asked questions

Is small claims court in Allegheny County a magisterial district court?

Yes. Small claims in Allegheny County are filed with a magisterial district judge at the Magisterial District Court for the right magisterial district.

Who hears my case?

A magisterial district judge (MDJ).

Which magisterial district court do I file in?

Under Pa.R.Civ.P.M.D.J. 302, you can sue an individual "in and only in a magisterial district where: (1) the individual may be served, or (2) the cause of action arose, or (3) a transaction or occurrence took place out of which the cause of action arose." Businesses, partnerships, insurers and government bodies have their own versions of the rule. Check with the court for the defendant's area to confirm it's the right office.

What form do I use to file?

A civil complaint, filed with the magisterial district court.

How do I look up a magisterial district court docket?

Search the UJS portal at https://ujsportal.pacourts.us/CaseSearch.

You do the work. The Playbook hands you the plays.

This page covers where and how to file in Allegheny County. The Playbook coaches you from filing to hearing day: a filled-in sample of Pennsylvania's Magisterial District Court Civil Complaint (AOPC 308A), your Pennsylvania Playbook section, and step-by-step prep guides. One membership covers every state. $149 for your first year (introductory offer), then $199 a year. Join now.

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Nearby counties

This information is for educational purposes only. It is not legal advice.

Small Claims Coach is built to help you handle your case yourself, without a lawyer — but if your situation is complicated, does not fit our samples, or a deadline is close, you may want to call a lawyer.

Small Claims Coach uses public information to build the Playbook, which coaches you as you organize and present your own case. We are not your lawyer, there is no attorney-client relationship, and we don't want the details of your case.