In McCracken County, small claims cases up to $2,500 are heard by the McCracken District Court, Small Claims Division (Circuit Court Clerk's office, McCracken County Courthouse). Here is where it is, how to reach it and how to file.
Address: 300 Clarence Gaines St., Paducah, KY 42003 · Map
Phone: 270-575-7270
Online filing: available, per the court
Court addresses, phones and hours change. Call the clerk before you go, and ask whether small claims are filed at this location.
File with the circuit court clerk in the county where the defendant lives or does business. A company can also be sued where an officer or its process agent lives, or, on a contract, where the contract was made or was to be carried out.
If the person or business you are suing is in another county, use that county's court instead. See all Kentucky counties.
Kentucky doesn't require a demand letter before you file small claims, but asking for payment in writing first is a good idea. Make a free demand letter.
Small Claims Complaint Get the form.
From July 1, 2026, the small claims filing fee is $38 plus a $20 court technology fee and a few small required add-on fees, so expect to pay roughly $60. Service by certified mail (paid to the clerk) or by the sheriff (paid to the sheriff) costs extra. Fee waiver: Ask the circuit court clerk for a motion to proceed without paying costs and fees (in forma pauperis).
The clerk issues a summons. You choose certified mail through the clerk or personal service by the sheriff. The case can't be heard until the defendant is served, and the clerk won't tell you whether service worked, so check.
The hearing date is printed on the Small Claims Summons; it depends on the county. Bring receipts, photos, messages, the contract and your demand letter, with copies.
Want every detail? The full Kentucky filing guide covers each stage with a checklist.
Open the filing guideSmall claims in McCracken County are filed with the McCracken District Court, Small Claims Division (Circuit Court Clerk's office, McCracken County Courthouse), 300 Clarence Gaines St., Paducah, KY 42003. Phone: 270-575-7270.
Up to $2,500. You can sue for up to $2,500, not counting interest and court costs. It's for money or personal property only. Each person can file at most 25 small claims a year. Collection agencies, lenders who charge interest, and people suing on a debt someone else assigned to them can't use small claims. Libel and slander cases aren't allowed.
From July 1, 2026, the small claims filing fee is $38 plus a $20 court technology fee and a few small required add-on fees, so expect to pay roughly $60. Service by certified mail (paid to the clerk) or by the sheriff (paid to the sheriff) costs extra.
Yes. The court says online filing is available for small claims. Check the court website for the e-filing system and any fees.