How to File a Small Claims Lawsuit in Pennsylvania
- 1). Decide which court holds authority in your case. Choose the court where the person you're suing lives, where the business you're suing operates or where the incident about which you're suing happened. If you're not sure where to file your lawsuit, check with your area's magisterial district judge.
- 2). Get a Pennsylvania civil complaint form online or at the courthouse. Fill out and sign. The form asks for your name and address, the name and address of the party you're suing and a brief statement of your complaint.
- 3). Submit your complaint. You can file your complaint by mail, but bring it to the courthouse if possible. Doing so will save you time. A clerk can check it for completeness, correct any mistakes and calculate your fees on the spot.
- 4). Decide whether to serve your complaint to the party you're suing by certified mail or in person using the local sheriff or constable.
- 5). Pay the fees due.