Philadelphia County Small Claims Court (Pennsylvania): How to File, Fees & Forms

Philadelphia small claims: Municipal Court, the $12,000 limit, where to file and hearings at 1339 Chestnut Street, fees, continuances and case lookup. Checked 2026-10-27.

Navy cover with a drawn generic courthouse and the words Philadelphia Small Claims, One court for the whole county: where and how to file
Where and how to file small claims in Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania.

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Quick answer: In Philadelphia, small claims are heard by the Philadelphia Municipal Court, Civil Division (not a magisterial district court), for cases involving up to $12,000. New cases are filed in person at the First Filing Unit, 1339 Chestnut Street, 10th floor; appointments are preferred. Filing with one Philadelphia defendant served by the court costs $94.75 or $116.75, depending on the amount. First Filing Unit: 215-686-2901.

Drawn generic courthouse beside a pinned info board for the Philadelphia Municipal Court: file at 1339 Chestnut Street, 10th floor, Room 1000, hours not listed online, and an e-filing row saying filing is in person with appointments preferred.
Philadelphia small claims at a glance, checked 2026-10-27.

This independent guide covers small claims cases in Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania, where the city and county are the same. Small Claims Coach is not the court; we link to the court's official pages throughout.

Checked on 2026-10-27 against the Philadelphia Municipal Court website. Sources are listed below. Jump to court addresses and phones ↓. For the statewide rules, see our Pennsylvania small claims guide.

Filing in Philadelphia County? See a filled-in sample first.

Everything on this page is free. The Small Claims Playbook adds a filled-in sample of a Pennsylvania claim form (the Magisterial District Court Civil Complaint, AOPC 308A, used outside Philadelphia), using a made-up case, with a box-by-box guide. Philadelphia Municipal Court uses its own Statement of Claim form, posted on the court's website. One membership covers every state. $149 for your first year (introductory offer), then $199 a year. Join now.

See what's in the Playbook →

Which court hears small claims in Philadelphia County?

  • Court: the Philadelphia Municipal Court, Civil Division (Small Claims), not a magisterial district court.
  • Limit: the court says it deals with small claims cases involving up to $12,000, not counting interest and court costs.
  • Claims: generally money claims for contract or negligence, per the court's small claims information sheet.
  • Not here: the court does not deal with cases against Commonwealth parties like SEPTA, and it can't make someone do something, like give back property or make repairs.
  • Lawyers: not required. The court says Municipal Court is designed so that you can go through the legal process without a lawyer. Lawyer Referral: 215-238-6333.
  • Appeal: there's a Notice to Appeal form. Appeals of money judgments generally go to the Court of Common Pleas within 30 days of the judgment; confirm the deadline and fee with the court before relying on it.

Which court do I file in?

  • One court for the whole county. Philadelphia city and county are the same, and all small claims go to Philadelphia Municipal Court.
  • The statewide Interactive Magisterial District Court Map does not apply to Philadelphia small claims. Follow the Municipal Court's instructions instead.
  • If the defendant isn't a Philadelphia resident, this court may not be the right place. Call the court at 215-686-2910 before you file.

Addresses, phone numbers and hours

From the court's Starting a Small Claims Case page and Small Claims page. The court is accepting new cases in person, and appointments are preferred. Hours weren't on the pages we checked; call before you go.

Widener Building, 1339 Chestnut Street

Address: 1339 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107

Phone: 215-686-2901 (First Filing Unit)

Small claims offices:

  • First Filing Unit, 10th floor, Room 1000: 215-686-2901
  • Questions about new cases: 215-686-7988
  • All small claims hearings: courtrooms on the 6th floor

How much does small claims cost in Philadelphia County?

From the court's Small Claims filing fees sheet:

  • One defendant in Philadelphia (court serves), $0 to $2,000: $94.75 (includes the $27.00 service fee)
  • One defendant in Philadelphia (court serves), $2,000.01 to $12,000: $116.75 (includes the $27.00 service fee)
  • One defendant outside Philadelphia, or private service, $0 to $2,000: $67.75
  • One defendant outside Philadelphia, or private service, $2,000.01 to $12,000: $89.75
  • Service within Pennsylvania but outside Philadelphia: $45.00 per service
  • Each additional name (except husband and wife): $5.50
  • Each additional Philadelphia service: $27.00
  • Counterclaim: same as an initial filing fee
  • Subpoena: $3.30

A fee waiver may be available if you qualify. Fees can change; confirm with the First Filing Unit at 215-686-2901 before you file. Don't assume the statewide magisterial district cost table applies in Municipal Court.

Can I e-file in Philadelphia County?

The court says it is currently accepting new small claims cases in person, and appointments are preferred. We didn't find an e-filing option for new small claims on the pages we checked; ask the First Filing Unit at 215-686-2901.

Philadelphia County small claims forms

Philadelphia Municipal Court uses its own Statement of Claim form, posted on the court's website. If you're not represented by a lawyer, the First Filing Unit's interviewers can help with paperwork but cannot give legal advice. See also the court's filing and hearing information (PDF) and small claims pamphlet (PDF).

How to file in Philadelphia County, step by step

Illustrated winding road with six numbered stations for Philadelphia small claims: check your claim fits the limit, book a visit to the First Filing Unit in Room 1000, fill out the Statement of Claim, pay or ask for a fee waiver, bring copies and keep track of your hearing date, and arrive early for the hearing on the 6th floor.
The steps to file a small claims case in Philadelphia.
  1. Make sure your claim is up to $12,000 and isn't against a Commonwealth party like SEPTA.
  2. Make an appointment if you can, and go to the First Filing Unit, 1339 Chestnut Street, 10th floor (Room 1000). Questions: 215-686-2901.
  3. Fill out the court's Statement of Claim. The interviewers can help with paperwork but can't give legal advice.
  4. Pay the filing and service fee ($94.75 or $116.75 with one Philadelphia defendant served by the court), or ask about a fee waiver.
  5. Bring copies of your evidence, and keep track of your hearing date. To change it, ask in writing at least 10 days before.
  6. Arrive early for your hearing on the 6th floor of the Widener Building with your evidence. Statewide rules are in our Pennsylvania guide.

Ready to fill in your own form?

The steps above are free. The Playbook helps you do each one: a filled-in sample of a Pennsylvania claim form (the Magisterial District Court Civil Complaint, AOPC 308A, used outside Philadelphia) with every box explained, plus your Pennsylvania Playbook section on serving the other side, hearing day, appeals to the Court of Common Pleas, and collecting a judgment. Philadelphia Municipal Court uses its own Statement of Claim form, posted on the court's website.

You also get prep guides that work in any state: a document checklist, exhibit labels, a prep timeline and a hearing-day outline. $149 for your first year (introductory offer), then $199 a year. Join now.

See what's inside →

How to look up a Philadelphia small claims case

What does it cost to collect a judgment?

Winning doesn't mean you get paid automatically. Philadelphia's collection fees weren't on the pages we checked. Ask the court, and see our Pennsylvania guide for the statewide steps.

Fee waivers and venue changes

  • Fee waiver: may be available if you qualify; ask the First Filing Unit at 215-686-2901.
  • Continuance: ask in writing at least 10 days before the hearing to John J. Joyce, Deputy Court Administrator, 1339 Chestnut Street, Room 1020, or email mcclaims@courts.phila.gov. Send a copy to the other side.

Coach's Tips for Philadelphia County

  • Arrive early. The court says that if you are late, you might automatically lose the case.
  • Book an appointment. The court is taking new cases in person, and appointments are preferred.
  • Ask for a new date early. A continuance request has to be in writing at least 10 days before the hearing.

Philadelphia County small claims checklist

  • My claim is up to $12,000 and isn't against a Commonwealth party like SEPTA.
  • I know I'm filing at the First Filing Unit, 1339 Chestnut Street, 10th floor.
  • I have the court's Statement of Claim form.
  • I know the filing and service fee, or I asked about a fee waiver.
  • I know any continuance request is due in writing 10 days before the hearing.
  • I'll arrive early on hearing day.
  • My evidence is organized and copied for court.

Philadelphia County small claims FAQ

What is the small claims limit in Philadelphia?

The Philadelphia Municipal Court says it deals with small claims cases involving up to $12,000.

How much does it cost to file small claims in Philadelphia?

With one Philadelphia defendant served by the court, $94.75 for claims up to $2,000 and $116.75 from $2,000.01 to $12,000, including the $27.00 service fee. Confirm with the First Filing Unit at 215-686-2901.

Which Philadelphia court do I file in?

Philadelphia Municipal Court, Civil Division. New cases are filed at the First Filing Unit, 1339 Chestnut Street, 10th floor.

Where is small claims court in Philadelphia?

All hearings are in a courtroom on the 6th floor of the Widener Building, 1339 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107.

How do I look up a small claims case in Philadelphia?

Use the court's CLAIMS system for Municipal Court civil cases at fjdclaims.phila.gov. If you can't find your case, call the court at 215-686-2910.

Where do I get Philadelphia small claims forms?

Philadelphia Municipal Court uses its own Statement of Claim form, posted on the court's website.

Do I need a lawyer for small claims in Philadelphia?

No. The court says Municipal Court is designed so that you can go through the legal process without a lawyer. Lawyer Referral is 215-238-6333.

What if I'm the defendant?

If you're the defendant: mail the Notice to Defend at least 5 days before the hearing.

Sources

Checked 2026-10-27.

Nearby counties

More for Pennsylvania: Pennsylvania small claims guide · How to file your claim · Sued? What to do next

Free: the Small Claims Starter Kit (basic timeline and checklists).

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

This page covers where and how to file in Philadelphia County. The Playbook coaches you from filing to hearing day: a filled-in sample of a Pennsylvania claim form (the Magisterial District Court Civil Complaint, AOPC 308A, used outside Philadelphia), your Pennsylvania Playbook section, and step-by-step prep guides. Philadelphia Municipal Court uses its own Statement of Claim form, posted on the court's website. One membership covers every state. $149 for your first year (introductory offer), then $199 a year. Join now.

See the Playbook →

Small Claims Coach is built to help you handle your case yourself, without a lawyer. But if your situation is complicated, doesn't 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.

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