Short answer. In Pennsylvania, small claims (Magisterial District Court (civil action); Philadelphia Municipal Court has separate rules) cover claims up to $12,000. Pennsylvania's filing fee wasn't on the official page we checked; ask the clerk.
Can I file my claim in Pennsylvania small claims?
Enter an amount to compare it with the Pennsylvania limit of $12,000.
Pennsylvania small claims at a glance
- Limit
- $12,000. 42 Pa.C.S. 1515(a)(3): magisterial district judges hear civil claims where the sum demanded does not exceed $12,000, exclusive of interest and costs (assumpsit except real contracts involving title to real estate, trespass, and government fines/penalties; not claims against a Commonwealth party). A plaintiff may waive the excess to fit; the waiver is revoked if the defendant appeals. Philadelphia Municipal Court limits were not confirmed here.
- Court
- Magisterial District Court (civil action); Philadelphia Municipal Court has separate rules
- Lawyers
- Allowed
- Appeal
- Civil action: appeal within 30 days after entry of judgment by filing a notice of appeal with the prothonotary of the court of common pleas, with the magisterial district judge's Notice of Judgment (Pa.R.Civ.P.M.D.J. 1002, per pacourts.us rule document dated Dec 3, 2012). Residential lease possession judgments: 10 days.
Costs vary by county and amount claimed; no statewide figure confirmed. Check the local magisterial district court.
Not confirmed for Pennsylvania: filing fees, who can file, where to file, how the other side is served, online filing. The official Pennsylvania page we checked didn't state these, so we left them out. Ask the clerk or see the official page.
Filing a small claim in Pennsylvania, step by step
- Check that your claim fitsUse the checker above: the Pennsylvania limit is $12,000, and the official wording is in the summary. Count only what you can show with papers or photos.
- Pick the right courtThe Pennsylvania page we checked doesn't say which county or court to use. Ask the clerk before you file.
- Fill out the claim and pay the feeCosts vary by county and amount claimed; no statewide figure confirmed. Check the local magisterial district court.
- Have the other side servedHow service works in Pennsylvania wasn't on the page we checked; the clerk will explain it when you file.
- Get ready for the hearingLawyers: allowed. Bring the contract, receipts, photos, messages and a short timeline, with copies for the judge and the other side.
- After the decisionCivil action: appeal within 30 days after entry of judgment by filing a notice of appeal with the prothonotary of the court of common pleas, with the magisterial district judge's Notice of Judgment (Pa.R.Civ.P.M.D.J. 1002, per pacourts.us rule document dated Dec 3, 2012). Residential lease possession judgments: 10 days.
Official Pennsylvania links
- Pennsylvania small claims self-help page
- Unified Judicial System of PA: Rule 1002 (Minor Court Civil Rules) document
Last checked November 2026.
General information checked against the official Pennsylvania pages above, not legal advice. MCC Solutions isn't a law firm and isn't affiliated with any court. Rules and fees change: the official page and the clerk have the final word. The checker runs in your browser, and nothing you enter is sent or saved.
Pennsylvania small claims questions
What is the small claims limit in Pennsylvania?
$12,000. 42 Pa.C.S. 1515(a)(3): magisterial district judges hear civil claims where the sum demanded does not exceed $12,000, exclusive of interest and costs (assumpsit except real contracts involving title to real estate, trespass, and government fines/penalties; not claims against a Commonwealth party). A plaintiff may waive the excess to fit; the waiver is revoked if the defendant appeals. Philadelphia Municipal Court limits were not confirmed here.
Can a lawyer represent me in Pennsylvania small claims?
Allowed in Pennsylvania, per the official page.
Can I appeal a small claims decision in Pennsylvania?
Civil action: appeal within 30 days after entry of judgment by filing a notice of appeal with the prothonotary of the court of common pleas, with the magisterial district judge's Notice of Judgment (Pa.R.Civ.P.M.D.J. 1002, per pacourts.us rule document dated Dec 3, 2012). Residential lease possession judgments: 10 days.
Which court hears small claims in Pennsylvania?
Magisterial District Court (civil action); Philadelphia Municipal Court has separate rules.
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