Small Claims Court Pennsylvania Forms Fees

Overview

In Pennsylvania, small claims actions are handled primarily by the Magisterial District Courts (MDJ) and, within Philadelphia County, the Municipal Court Civil Division. These courts provide a faster and more affordable path for individuals and small businesses to resolve disputes of $12,000 or less without the expense of hiring an attorney. The goal is accessibility—offering standardized forms, modest filing fees, and simplified hearings that emphasize fairness over procedural complexity.

The process begins when the plaintiff completes and files a Civil Complaint form along with the required filing fee. The complaint explains what happened, who is being sued, and how much money is claimed. After filing, the defendant is formally notified (served), and a hearing date is scheduled—typically within 4 to 6 weeks. The hearing is informal: both parties can testify, present evidence, and bring witnesses. The judge (known as a Magisterial District Judge or Municipal Court Judge) then issues a decision, called a judgment, which can include money damages or dismissal of the claim.

Pennsylvania’s system uses standard statewide forms created by the Administrative Office of Pennsylvania Courts (AOPC). The main form for filing a small claim is the MDJ Civil Complaint (AOPC 310A). These forms are free to download and can be filled out digitally or by hand. Filing fees range between $60 and $120 depending on the amount claimed, number of defendants, and method of service (mail, constable, or sheriff). Fee waivers are available for low-income litigants using the In Forma Pauperis process.

Because the MDJ system is statewide, each district office may have slightly different submission methods—some accept online or mail filings, while others require in-person submission. Philadelphia’s Municipal Court has its own e-filing portal and separate fee schedule. Despite these variations, the essential elements remain identical: accurate forms, verified addresses, and proper payment of court fees. Any errors in those areas can cause delays or dismissal of your case.

This guide walks you through the entire process in ten sequential steps—from identifying the right court and completing forms to paying fees, serving the defendant, and understanding how judgments and appeals work. Each step explains what form to use, how to complete it correctly, how to calculate and pay fees, and how to maintain compliance with Pennsylvania’s small claims procedures. By following this structure carefully, you can minimize mistakes and move your case to resolution as quickly and efficiently as possible.

Who Can File in Pennsylvania Small Claims Court

Pennsylvania’s small claims court system—operated through the Magisterial District Courts (MDJ) and the Philadelphia Municipal Court Civil Division—is open to nearly every adult, small business, and organization seeking to recover monetary damages of $12,000 or less. The system was designed to give ordinary people access to justice without the expense or procedural complexity of higher courts.

Any person aged 18 or older may file a small claim, as can a duly authorized representative of a business or corporation. This includes landlords seeking unpaid rent or property damage compensation, contractors pursuing overdue invoices, customers demanding refunds for defective goods, and tenants reclaiming security deposits. Even out-of-state individuals or entities may sue in Pennsylvania if the transaction or event giving rise to the dispute occurred here or if the defendant resides or does business within the Commonwealth.

• Individuals: Pennsylvania residents and nonresidents can file when their financial loss occurred in the state or when the defendant is located here.
• Small Businesses: Corporations, LLCs, and partnerships may file through an owner, officer, or authorized agent. Legal counsel is optional but not required.
• Landlords and Tenants: Both sides can pursue monetary claims; landlords often file for unpaid rent or damages, while tenants file for deposit refunds.

Because representation is optional, the vast majority of small claims litigants in Pennsylvania appear pro se (without attorneys). Judges in these courts are accustomed to self-represented parties and maintain a more conversational, accessible hearing structure. Court clerks can help filers identify the correct forms and ensure all required fields are complete, though they cannot provide legal advice.

Key Benefits of Pennsylvania Small Claims Court

Small claims courts in Pennsylvania provide a powerful mix of accessibility, speed, and fairness that benefits citizens, tenants, and business owners alike. These are the most important advantages:

• 1. Simplicity: No attorney is required, and most cases rely on standard forms available from the Unified Judicial System (UJS) Forms Library. Anyone with clear documentation can present their claim in plain language.
• 2. Affordability: Filing costs range from roughly $60 to $120, including service fees. There are no discovery motions, lengthy trials, or complex procedural filings, making small claims ideal for resolving everyday disputes without heavy expense.
• 3. Speed: Most hearings are scheduled within 4–6 weeks of filing, and judgments are usually issued within days. Compared to the months or years required in higher courts, small claims offer rapid resolution.
• 4. Accessibility: With more than 500 Magisterial District Courts distributed statewide, every Pennsylvania resident is within reasonable travel distance of a filing location. Many offices also accept mailed or electronic filings.
• 5. Fairness and Informality: The evidentiary rules are relaxed. Judges allow testimony, documents, photos, and even text messages as evidence if relevant and credible. This environment favors honesty and documentation over legal technicality.

In practice, small claims courts serve as Pennsylvania’s civic equalizer. They empower residents and small enterprises to hold one another accountable while maintaining dignity and order. Whether it’s a tenant reclaiming $1,200 from an unreturned deposit or a tradesperson collecting $8,000 in unpaid labor, small claims courts provide a practical, efficient, and equitable pathway to enforce rights and obligations without excessive cost or delay.

Step 1: Determine Whether Your Case Qualifies for Small Claims



Before filing, you must confirm that your dispute meets Pennsylvania’s small claims criteria. These courts handle civil monetary disputes up to $12,000 exclusive of interest and costs. Examples include unpaid debts, breach of contract, unreturned security deposits, defective goods, minor vehicle damage, or unpaid wages. They cannot hear cases involving divorce, child custody, or injunctions—those belong in the Court of Common Pleas. The $12,000 cap is jurisdictional, meaning that claims exceeding it must be filed in a higher court.

Each Pennsylvania county is divided into Magisterial Districts, each with its own court office and judge. You must file your claim in the district where the defendant lives, works, or where the dispute occurred. Filing in the wrong district causes delays or dismissal. Use the court locator to find the correct MDJ office.

If you live in Philadelphia, your filing goes to the Municipal Court Civil Division, which has identical monetary limits but uses different forms and an e-filing platform. Philadelphia cases are still considered small claims but are managed through a central system.

When evaluating your claim, consider the following questions:

• Is the claim purely about money (not custody, eviction, or protection orders)?
• Is the total claim amount $12,000 or less, excluding costs?
• Does the defendant have a Pennsylvania address or did the transaction occur here?
• Can you support your claim with documents, photos, receipts, or witnesses?

If all these are true, your case qualifies for small claims. Knowing your eligibility upfront prevents wasted effort and unnecessary filing costs. Once verified, the next step is to gather the correct forms and prepare them thoroughly to avoid clerk rejection.

Step 2: Obtain and Complete the Required Court Forms



Pennsylvania’s small claims system relies on standardized, pre-approved forms to maintain consistency across its 500+ district courts. The primary form you’ll need is the MDJ Civil Complaint (AOPC 310A). This form initiates your case, listing both parties’ names, addresses, and a short statement of the claim. You can download it free from the Pennsylvania Courts Forms Portal or obtain paper copies from any Magisterial District Court office.

Other forms may include:

• Service Request Form: Specifies whether you want the constable, sheriff, or certified mail to serve the complaint.
• Statement of Claim Attachment: Provides detailed facts and documentation supporting your complaint.
• Request for Judgment or Withdrawal Form: Used if the defendant fails to appear or if you choose to withdraw the claim before hearing.

Each form must be completed carefully. Errors—such as spelling mistakes in party names, incomplete addresses, or missing signatures—can delay or invalidate your case. Always use your full legal name as it appears on identification, and double-check the defendant’s correct legal entity (for example, “ABC Auto Repair LLC” instead of just “ABC Auto”).

If you have multiple defendants, you must file one complaint listing each party and pay additional service fees for each. Attach supporting evidence like contracts, repair estimates, text messages, or receipts directly to your complaint. The clearer your documents, the faster the judge can assess the claim.

For Philadelphia cases, download the Municipal Court forms. These include the Civil Complaint, Service Instructions, and Praecipe to Enter Judgment. All can be filed online through the city’s e-filing portal. Unlike MDJ offices, Philadelphia requires online submission unless you receive special permission to file in person.

Before submission, make three copies of every document—one for you, one for the court, and one for the defendant. Organizing your forms with labeled folders or PDF filenames (for example, “MDJ310A_Smith_vs_Jones.pdf”) ensures smooth clerk intake and easier case tracking. Once your paperwork is in order, you’re ready to calculate and pay your filing fees.

Step 3: Calculate and Pay the Filing Fees



Filing fees in Pennsylvania small claims courts are standardized by the Administrative Office of Pennsylvania Courts (AOPC), but minor variations occur by county and service type. In most districts, the total cost to file a small claim ranges between $60 and $120. This covers the base filing fee and service-of-process fee for one defendant. Additional defendants or special service methods incur extra charges.

The base fee depends on your claim amount:

• $0–$1,000 claim: approximately $60–$70
• $1,000–$5,000 claim: approximately $75–$90
• $5,000–$12,000 claim: approximately $90–$120

Service fees vary depending on whether the defendant is served by certified mail, constable, or sheriff. Certified mail generally costs about $10–$15 per address; constable service usually runs $35–$50. If multiple defendants live at separate addresses, you must pay a separate service fee for each.

Payment methods differ by court. Many MDJ offices accept cash, money order, or cashier’s check. Some larger counties (e.g., Allegheny, Montgomery) and Philadelphia allow credit card payments online. Always check the district court’s payment policy before filing to avoid delays. Keep your receipt as proof of payment; you’ll need it for any future appeal or enforcement action.

If you cannot afford the filing fee, Pennsylvania courts offer the In Forma Pauperis (IFP) procedure. Complete the “Petition to Proceed In Forma Pauperis” form available at any MDJ office or online. Attach documentation of income, public benefits, or unemployment. If approved, all filing and service fees are waived, and your case proceeds without payment. This is a crucial access-to-justice feature for low-income litigants.

Once the court receives your complaint and fees, the clerk assigns a docket number and issues a hearing notice. You’ll receive confirmation by mail or email, along with a stamped copy of your complaint. The case is now active. The next step involves ensuring proper service on the defendant to keep the process moving.

Step 4: Serve the Defendant Properly



After you’ve filed your complaint and paid the filing fee, the court must officially deliver (or “serve”) a copy of your complaint and hearing notice to the defendant. Service ensures that the other party is aware of the lawsuit and has the opportunity to respond. Pennsylvania law requires that every defendant be served in one of the approved ways: by certified mail with return receipt, by a court constable, or in some counties, by the sheriff’s office. You may choose the method when filing your complaint; the court then carries out the service on your behalf.

Service by certified mail is typically the fastest and least expensive. The clerk mails the documents to the defendant’s address as listed on your complaint, restricted delivery, meaning only the defendant can sign for it. Once signed, the green return card is sent back to the court as proof. If the mail is refused, unclaimed, or returned, the court will notify you, and you may request constable service. Constables personally deliver the papers and then file a Return of Service confirming the date and time.

If the defendant resides outside Pennsylvania, certified mail with return receipt requested is still valid, but allow additional transit time. If service fails repeatedly, the judge may require you to provide an alternate address or grant permission for substitute service by posting or publication. Each unsuccessful attempt adds a few days to your timeline, so provide the most accurate address possible when you file.

In Philadelphia’s Municipal Court, service is typically handled by the court’s Civil Office or its contracted process servers. Plaintiffs cannot serve defendants themselves. Once service is completed, you will receive a docket update showing “Service Made.” Only then will the court proceed with your scheduled hearing. If service fails and cannot be corrected before the hearing date, the judge may continue or dismiss the case without prejudice—meaning you can refile after correcting the issue.

Proper service is the cornerstone of your case. Without proof that the defendant was lawfully notified, no judgment can be entered—even if you show up prepared with overwhelming evidence. Always check the docket or confirm with the clerk that proof of service has been filed before the hearing date. Early verification prevents last-minute continuances and keeps your case on track toward resolution.

Step 5: Prepare Your Evidence and Witnesses



Once the hearing date is set and service confirmed, focus on building a clear, concise presentation of your case. The judge will expect you to prove your claim through documentation, testimony, or physical evidence. Organize your evidence in a logical order so that you can tell a straightforward story supported by facts. Begin with a short written outline summarizing what you intend to show—this keeps you focused and avoids getting sidetracked under pressure.

Acceptable evidence includes contracts, invoices, receipts, photographs, text or email messages, repair estimates, and witness statements. Bring the originals plus two copies of each: one for you, one for the judge, and one for the defendant. If your evidence exists in digital form (for example, emails or phone screenshots), print them and highlight the relevant portions. Judges prefer paper copies that can be easily marked as exhibits.

If you intend to bring witnesses, notify them as early as possible. Witnesses who refuse to attend voluntarily can be compelled through a subpoena. The Magisterial District Court can issue a subpoena upon request; a constable or sheriff serves it for a small fee (usually $25–$40). Subpoenas must be requested at least a week before the hearing. Each subpoena should specify the witness’s name, address, and what they are expected to testify about. Witnesses may include contractors, neighbors, or any third party who observed the events in dispute.

Prepare yourself as if explaining the matter to someone unfamiliar with the situation. Judges appreciate litigants who stay factual and polite. Avoid emotional or speculative statements—stick to dates, transactions, and documents. A well-organized presentation increases your credibility and helps the judge quickly connect each piece of evidence to your claim amount.

For defendants, preparation follows the same logic: review the complaint carefully, gather counter-evidence, and identify inaccuracies. Bringing receipts or communications showing payment, performance, or lack of liability can shift the outcome decisively. Whether you are plaintiff or defendant, organization is key. Label each exhibit (Exhibit A, B, C etc.) and practice stating your narrative in five minutes or less. Concise clarity often wins small claims hearings more effectively than lengthy argument.

Step 6: Attend the Hearing and Present Your Case



The hearing is the pivotal event in your small claims case. It’s typically informal but structured to ensure fairness. Arrive early—at least fifteen minutes before the scheduled time—so you can check in with the clerk. Dress neatly and bring all your materials in organized order. When your case is called, both parties stand before the judge, are sworn in, and present their sides.

As the plaintiff, you speak first. Briefly explain the facts: what happened, what you lost, and why the defendant is legally responsible. Refer to your exhibits as you go (“Exhibit A shows the signed agreement,” “Exhibit B is the invoice I paid”). The judge may interrupt to ask clarifying questions; answer directly and honestly. Once you finish, the defendant has the opportunity to present their defense and evidence. Each side may then offer rebuttal testimony or call witnesses if allowed.

Judges in MDJ courts are accustomed to pro se litigants and will often guide you through the process if you’re uncertain about procedure. However, they will not prepare your case for you. Stay calm, stick to your notes, and avoid arguing with the other party. The focus should remain on the evidence and how it supports (or refutes) the claim.

Hearings usually last between 15 and 30 minutes. Once both sides have finished, the judge may announce a decision immediately or “take the matter under advisement” and mail the judgment within five days. Written judgments are mailed to both parties and recorded on the docket. If you win, the judgment will specify the amount owed, including court costs. If you lose, you still have the right to appeal within 30 days to the Court of Common Pleas.

Whether you are the plaintiff or defendant, remember that demeanor matters. Judges weigh credibility heavily, and professionalism enhances your standing. Speak respectfully, don’t interrupt, and bring every required paper. Many litigants lose cases they should have won simply because they failed to produce the right document or came unprepared. Treat the hearing as your one chance to present a complete, coherent story supported by evidence.

Step 7: Review the Judgment and Understand Payment or Appeal Options



Once the judgment is issued, review it carefully. The judgment form lists who won, how much money is awarded, and who must pay. It may also specify deadlines or instructions for payment. If you are the plaintiff and win, the defendant is expected to pay voluntarily within thirty days unless an appeal is filed. If no payment arrives, you can request enforcement through a constable or sheriff to collect the debt. This is done by filing a Request for Order of Execution and paying a small fee (generally $60–$90, recoverable from the debtor).

If you lose and believe the judge made an error, you may file a Notice of Appeal within 30 days to the Court of Common Pleas in the same county. Appeals require payment of additional fees (typically $120–$160) and a new filing called a Praecipe to File Appeal. The entire case is reheard “de novo,” meaning from scratch. You’ll need to present your evidence again in a more formal setting, and the losing party may be ordered to pay costs if the appeal fails.

When the judgment favors you and payment arrives, issue a Satisfaction of Judgment form to the court so the docket reflects that the case is resolved. Failing to do so can prevent the defendant from restoring credit or renewing licenses. Keep copies of all payments, correspondence, and receipts for at least three years.

Philadelphia’s Municipal Court follows the same principles but manages payments through its Civil Office. Defendants can pay at the courthouse cashier or by mail. Plaintiffs can request collection assistance through the court’s Enforcement Unit. Because all payments and filings are electronic, ensure your contact information remains current in the e-filing portal to receive timely updates.

Understanding the judgment phase helps you close the case cleanly and legally. Whether collecting funds, appealing, or marking a satisfaction, follow the correct procedure—each step ensures the court record remains accurate and enforceable.

Step 8: Enforce Your Judgment — From Voluntary Payment to Constable Execution



Winning a judgment is only the beginning; Pennsylvania small claims courts (Magisterial District Courts and the Philadelphia Municipal Court Civil Division) do not collect money for you automatically. Step 8 is about converting your judgment into real payment using the court’s post-judgment tools. First, give the losing party a short window to pay voluntarily. Most judges build in a thirty-day appeal period, and many defendants pay during that time once they understand the consequences of nonpayment: credit visibility, potential property execution, and the cost of additional fees added to the judgment. Proactive, professional outreach helps: send a brief letter or email attaching the judgment, the total due (principal + court costs + any post-judgment fees), your preferred payment methods, and a deadline that aligns with the appeal window. Keep that communication polite and factual. Your goal is fast, voluntary compliance that avoids additional cost for both sides.

If payment does not arrive, request formal enforcement. In MDJ courts, you file a Request for Order of Execution (available at the clerk’s counter) and pay the execution fee. The court issues the order to its constable (or sheriff, where applicable) authorizing lawful levy against the debtor’s non-exempt personal property or bank funds. The constable will attempt to locate assets—tools, equipment, inventory, or account balances—and either secure payment or schedule a sale. Execution expenses (service, mileage, advertising if applicable) are paid up-front by you but become recoverable costs that the debtor ultimately owes if collection succeeds. If the debtor pays after the constable’s demand, insist on a receipt and promptly notify the court so the docket reflects partial or full satisfaction.

Another strategy is to convert your district-court judgment into a county-level lien. Ask the MDJ for a Transcript of Judgment and file it with the Prothonotary of the Court of Common Pleas in the county where the debtor owns real estate. That filing creates a lien against the debtor’s real property for the statutory period, often pressuring payment when they refinance or sell. While a lien does not generate immediate cash, it transforms your judgment into an encumbrance the debtor cannot ignore. If the debtor owns no real property, a transcript can still be helpful for centralized record-keeping and future collection actions.

For business debtors with predictable receivables, a practical approach is a stipulated payment plan. Draft a brief written agreement that acknowledges the judgment and sets a schedule (e.g., weekly or monthly installments). File the stipulation with the court or keep it as evidence of terms if enforcement is needed later. Clear, dated receipts and a shared ledger reduce disputes and demonstrate good faith. Many MDJ judges encourage reasonable plans because they produce faster, more durable compliance than forced sales.

Understand Pennsylvania limitations. Unlike some states, wage garnishment for ordinary civil judgments is generally not permitted except in limited categories (e.g., rent judgments or support). That means execution and liens are your primary tools, supplemented by payment plans. Be methodical: track dates, amounts, and every contact. If the debtor moves assets or refuses lawful access, the constable reports non-cooperation to the court, which may schedule a hearing. Keep your requests specific (“$2,348 principal + $102 costs + $65 execution fee = $2,515 due by [date]”) and never threaten unlawful actions. Professionalism helps; harassment hurts.

If the debtor pays in full, immediately file a Satisfaction of Judgment so the record clears. This protects you from later claims and is required by law within a reasonable time. If payment is partial, file a partial satisfaction and continue enforcement for the balance. When enforcement avenues are exhausted, consider whether additional actions (like re-transcribing to another county, renewing within the permissible period, or negotiating a discounted lump sum) make sense. Step 8’s mindset is simple: pick the right tool, act quickly, keep perfect records, and convert your paper judgment into money as efficiently—and lawfully—as possible.

Step 9: Post-Judgment Motions and Appeals — De Novo Review in the Court of Common Pleas



Pennsylvania provides robust post-judgment options that protect due process while keeping small-claims cases moving. The most important is the right to a de novo appeal—a brand-new trial—in the Court of Common Pleas within 30 days of the judgment’s entry. Either side may appeal. If you lost at the MDJ or Municipal Court hearing and believe the judge misapplied law or credited the wrong facts, file a Notice of Appeal with the county Prothonotary, pay the appeal fee, and follow any local rules for serving the other party. Because the case starts over, you must re-present your evidence in a more formal setting; consider whether limited attorney consultation or clinic support would improve your outcome at this stage.

Appeals pause enforcement only under specific conditions. By default, a timely appeal generally stays the judgment pending the Common Pleas decision, but verify local practice and any bond requirements. If you are the prevailing MDJ plaintiff and the defendant appeals to delay, be ready to proceed quickly in the higher court. Organize exhibits, line up witnesses, and prepare concise statements that translate well to formal civil rules. De novo review is an opportunity—not a paperwork shuffle—so think strategically about what proof the Common Pleas judge will find most persuasive.

Apart from appeals, MDJ courts entertain limited post-judgment motions. If you discover a clerical mistake (misstated name, math error), move promptly to correct the record. If the judgment was entered by default and the absent party shows a valid reason (e.g., lack of notice, excusable neglect), the court may grant a hearing on a petition to open or vacate. Timeliness is critical; file as soon as the issue is discovered and attach affidavits or documents that prove the defect. Judges look for diligence and concrete evidence rather than general complaints.

If you expect an appeal from the other side, adopt a dual-track mindset. On track one, continue to encourage voluntary payment or discuss settlement; appeals are expensive and uncertain for both parties. On track two, treat the Common Pleas action as inevitable: assemble a clean trial binder with chronological exhibits, witness lists, and focused arguments tied to contract language, invoices, or photos. In many counties, mandatory arbitration or mediation may precede the Common Pleas trial for cases within a monetary band—use those sessions to resolve narrow issues (like repair costs) even if the whole dispute cannot settle.

Finally, if an appeal concludes and you prevail again, domesticate the Common Pleas judgment across counties as needed and renew enforcement. If you lose on appeal, evaluate costs and closure value. Small-claims litigation is a tool, not an end in itself; Step 9 ensures you use that tool intelligently, protecting rights without letting process overwhelm the practical resolution you sought.

Step 10: Record-Keeping, Compliance, and Closing the Loop



Closing a Pennsylvania small-claims case well is equal parts paperwork and discipline. Start with a simple foldering system—physical or digital—that mirrors the case lifecycle: Filing (complaint, fee receipts), Service (green cards, constable returns), Evidence (contracts, photos, ledgers), Hearing (notes, witness list), and Post-Judgment (execution orders, transcript filings, payments, satisfaction). Give every document a clear filename with the docket number and date. When months pass and questions arise—credit checks, refinance disclosures, or tax inquiries—you will be grateful for an orderly archive. Courts retain records, but your personal archive is faster and tailored to what businesses and agencies typically ask for.

If you are the prevailing party and payment arrives, issue a Satisfaction of Judgment immediately and keep proof of filing. If you recorded a lien in Common Pleas via transcript, verify that the satisfaction is also reflected there. For installment plans, maintain a payment log (date, amount, method, check/reference number). Send a receipt after each payment to reduce disputes and demonstrate transparency. If a payment bounces, document it and communicate once in writing with a realistic cure date before resuming enforcement. Professional, measured steps preserve your credibility with the court.

If you are the losing party and decide not to appeal, pay promptly and request a written satisfaction for your records. Keep copies for employment, licensing, or leasing applications; many background checks look for open judgments rather than paid ones. Clearing the docket avoids downstream friction and sometimes saves money if interest or additional costs might accrue.

For businesses, transform lessons learned into process improvements: require written change orders, clarify warranty terms, and adopt standard invoices with payment timelines and late-fee clauses that comply with Pennsylvania law. For landlords and property managers, tighten move-in/move-out documentation and the 30-day security-deposit accounting. For consumers, insist on detailed estimates, keep receipts, and document communications in writing. Small claims is not only a forum for redress; it is also a feedback loop that upgrades day-to-day contracting discipline.

Finally, step back and assess outcomes versus effort. If you obtained a judgment but collection remains uneconomical, consider negotiated closure at a modest discount to avoid years of low-yield chasing. If you lost a close case, note which evidentiary gaps hurt you and correct those practices. Step 10 is about institutional memory—turning a single dispute into better documentation, clearer expectations, and fewer conflicts in the future. When you archive cleanly, satisfy promptly, and iterate your business or personal practices, you close the loop with confidence and reduce the odds of repeating the same dispute down the road.

Typical Costs


• Base filing (MDJ / Municipal Court): roughly $60–$120 depending on claim band and number of defendants.
• Service of process: certified mail ~$10–$15 per address; constable service ~$35–$50 each defendant/address.
• Subpoena service: usually $25–$40 each (plus mileage).
• Execution (constable) order: commonly $60–$100 + mileage/advertising if sale is scheduled; recoverable if collection succeeds.
• Transcript to Common Pleas (to create lien): modest transcript/prothonotary fees (varies by county).
• Appeal to Common Pleas: typically ~$120–$200 (county-specific).
• Fee waiver (IFP): available for qualified low-income filers; ask the clerk for the local form.

Time Required

• Filing → Service completed: 1–2 weeks (longer if mail is refused or address issues require constable service).
• Hearing scheduling: commonly 4–6 weeks from filing.
• Judgment issuance: day of hearing or within ~5 business days.
• Appeal window: 30 days after judgment entry.
• Enforcement start: immediately after the appeal window closes if no appeal is filed.
• Total typical duration: 6–10 weeks to judgment; add time for appeal or collection if needed.

Limitations & Practical Cautions

• Monetary cap: $12,000 (exclusive of costs/interest). Reduce your claim to fit or file in the Court of Common Pleas.
• Money damages only: no injunctions or orders compelling action; claim the dollar value instead.
• Proper venue required: file where the defendant lives/works or where the event occurred.
• Statutes of limitation: commonly four years for contracts/property damage; shorter or different for specific categories; file on time.
• Evidence must be printable: bring paper copies for judge and opponent; phones and laptops are not substitutes.
• Appeal resets the case: de novo trial in Common Pleas; plan for a more formal process.
• Enforcement limits: wage garnishment is generally unavailable for ordinary civil debts; rely on execution, liens, or settlements.

Authoritative Resources (Official)

• Pennsylvania Unified Judicial System (UJS) Portal — MDJ court lookup, dockets, and general info.
• UJS Forms Library — MDJ Civil Complaint, fee-waiver (IFP), subpoena, and execution request forms.
• Statewide Court Fee Schedules — current filing and related costs (verify by county).
• Magisterial District Courts Overview — structure, jurisdiction, and locations statewide.
• Philadelphia Municipal Court — Civil Division — small-claims forms, e-filing, local procedures, and fees.
• Philadelphia Civil Forms — city-specific complaints, praecipes, and post-judgment documents.

Use the statewide UJS links for MDJ filings outside Philadelphia, and the Philadelphia Municipal Court pages for cases within the city. Always confirm the latest fee schedule and any local administrative orders before filing.