Small claims court in Cuyahoga County, Ohio
In Cuyahoga County, small claims cases up to $6,000 are heard by more than one court: 13 courts hear small claims in this county. You must file with the one that serves the right area. Below is one of them, the Cleveland Municipal Court, with a link to the official list.
Where to file in Cuyahoga County
One of several courts in Cuyahoga County: 13 courts hear small claims in this county. Find the right one: Official court directory.
Cleveland Municipal Court
Address: 1200 Ontario Street, Cleveland, OH 44113 · Map
Phone: 216-664-4870
13 courts hear small claims in this county; the others are Bedford Municipal Court, Berea Municipal Court, Cleveland Heights Municipal Court, East Cleveland Municipal Court, Euclid Municipal Court, Garfield Heights Municipal Court, Lakewood Municipal Court, Lyndhurst Municipal Court, Parma Municipal Court, Rocky River Municipal Court, Shaker Heights Municipal Court, South Euclid Municipal Court. Each covers its own cities/townships: file in the one for the area where the defendant lives or does business, or where the problem happened.
Court addresses, phones and hours change. Call the clerk before you go, and ask whether small claims are filed at this location.
Is this the right county?
File in the municipal or county court for the area where the defendant lives or does business, or where the problem happened. The claim must be in plain language and signed under oath.
If the person or business you are suing is in another county, use that county's court instead. See all Ohio counties.
How to file in Cuyahoga County
Ask for payment in writing
Ohio doesn't require a demand letter, but official guides recommend sending one by certified mail. Make a free demand letter.
Fill in the claim (Small Claims Complaint)
Your local court's Small Claims Complaint form Get the form.
File it with the right court and pay the fee
Each court sets its own fee, usually about $37 to $124 for one defendant, often including service by certified mail. Each extra defendant costs more. Fee waiver: Poverty affidavit (affidavit of indigency); Ohio Legal Help has the form.
Have the papers served
The clerk serves the defendant, usually by certified mail with a return receipt; if that's refused, often by regular mail or a bailiff. You don't have to arrange it yourself.
Go to the hearing
By law the hearing is set 15 to 40 days after you file. Some courts offer mediation first. Bring receipts, photos, messages, the contract and your demand letter, with copies.
Want every detail? The full Ohio filing guide covers each stage with a checklist.
Open the filing guideCommon questions
Where is small claims court in Cuyahoga County?
Cuyahoga County has more than one small claims court (13 courts hear small claims in this county). File with the one that serves the area where the defendant lives or where the problem happened, as the venue rules say. One of them is the Cleveland Municipal Court, 1200 Ontario Street, Cleveland, OH 44113. Phone: 216-664-4870. Official list of all of them: Official court directory, https://www.supremecourt.ohio.gov/courts/judicial-system/ohio-trial-courts/
How much can I sue for in Cuyahoga County small claims court?
Up to $6,000. The limit is $6,000, not counting interest and court costs. If a counterclaim asks for more, the whole case moves to the regular docket. Small claims only award money and can't hear libel, slander or claims for getting property back. Collection agencies and debt buyers can't file.
How much does it cost to file in Cuyahoga County?
Each court sets its own fee, usually about $37 to $124 for one defendant, often including service by certified mail. Each extra defendant costs more. Fee waiver: Poverty affidavit (affidavit of indigency); Ohio Legal Help has the form.