In Montgomery County, small claims cases up to $6,000 are heard by the Dayton Municipal Court. Here is where it is, how to reach it and how to file.
Address: 301 West Third Street, Dayton, OH 45402 · Map
Phone: 937-333-4471
7 courts hear small claims in this county; the others are Kettering Municipal Court, Miamisburg Municipal Court, Montgomery County Municipal Court-Eastern Division, Montgomery County Municipal Court-Western Division, Oakwood Municipal Court, Vandalia 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.
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.
Ohio doesn't require a demand letter, but official guides recommend sending one by certified mail. Make a free demand letter.
Your local court's Small Claims Complaint form Get the form.
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.
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.
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 guideSmall claims in Montgomery County are filed with the Dayton Municipal Court, 301 West Third Street, Dayton, OH 45402. Phone: 937-333-4471.
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.
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.