Want it written for you? Pennsylvania courts issue their own version of the claim form, so we do not produce the form itself. Answer a few plain-English questions and get a Statement of Claim written so you can copy each field onto your court’s form, plus a script for the hearing and an evidence checklist. Checking is free; $19 for the completed documents.
Check if your Pennsylvania claim qualifiesThe Pennsylvania Small Claims Form
📄 MDJ Civil Complaint (statewide) / Phila. Municipal Court Statement of Claim
Pennsylvania courts issue their own version of this form, so get the one for the court you file in. Download it free from pacourts.us.
Pennsylvania Limit, Fee and Filing Rules
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Court | Magisterial District Court (Philadelphia: Municipal Court) |
| Claim limit | $12,000 |
| Claim form | MDJ Civil Complaint (statewide) / Phila. Municipal Court Statement of Claim |
| Filing fee | $68.50 (≤$500) / $91 (≤$2,000) / $114 (≤$4,000) / $171 (≤$12,000), 2026 court costs; service extra |
| Serving the defendant | Court sends certified mail + constable/sheriff personal (confirm the current service rules with the clerk) |
| Law that sets the limit | 42 Pa.C.S. § 1515(a)(3) |
| Court data verified | October 6, 2026 |
In Pennsylvania, the exact court, local paperwork and fees can differ by county or court. The court finder below shows yours.
Filing Deadlines in Pennsylvania
How long the law gives you to file. When the clock starts depends on the claim, so do not leave it late: a claim filed after the deadline can be dismissed however strong it is.
| Type of claim | Time to file | Law |
|---|---|---|
| Written contract | 4 years | 42 Pa.C.S. § 5525(a)(8) |
| Oral / verbal agreement | 4 years | 42 Pa.C.S. § 5525(a)(3) |
| Damage to property | 2 years | 42 Pa.C.S. § 5524(3), (4) |
| Personal injury | 2 years | 42 Pa.C.S. § 5524(2) |
| Unpaid debt or account | 4 years | 42 Pa.C.S. § 5525(a)(3)-(4) |
Not sure which type yours is? The statute of limitations lookup covers more claim types.
Being Sued in Pennsylvania Instead?
Do you file an answer? No written answer is required in magisterial district court. To defend, notify the court in writing (Notice of Intent to Defend form) and appear at the hearing. (Pa.R.Civ.P.M.D.J. 305)
If they owe you money: File your own complaint against the plaintiff at least 5 days before the hearing date; it may be any claim within the magisterial district judge's jurisdiction. (Pa.R.Civ.P.M.D.J. 315)
The been-sued deadline lookup covers what happens if you do nothing.
Where to Get the Official Pennsylvania Forms
Court forms are free from the official sources below. Use the current version from your court.
- Official claim form — pacourts.us
- Official source — pacourts.us
- Official source — pacourts.us
- The law itself — 42 Pa.C.S. § 1515(a)(3)
- The clerk of the Magisterial District Court (Philadelphia: Municipal Court) — can give you the current form and tell you whether your court adds any local paperwork.
How does Pennsylvania compare? See the small claims limits and filing fees for every state.
Pennsylvania Small Claims Forms: FAQ
❓ What form do I file to start a small claims case in Pennsylvania?
The claim is filed on your court’s own version of the MDJ Civil Complaint. The official source is pacourts.us. Court-issued forms are free; you pay only the filing fee.
❓ How much can you sue for in Pennsylvania small claims court?
In Pennsylvania you can claim up to $12,000 in the Magisterial District Court (Philadelphia: Municipal Court). If your claim is larger, you can usually reduce it to the limit or file in a higher court instead.
❓ How much does it cost to file small claims in Pennsylvania?
The filing fee is $68.50 (≤$500) / $91 (≤$2,000) / $114 (≤$4,000) / $171 (≤$12,000), 2026 court costs; service extra. Serving the defendant usually costs extra.
❓ Can you fill in the Pennsylvania small claims form for me?
Pennsylvania courts issue their own version of the claim form, so we do not produce the form itself. We write a Statement of Claim from your answers, laid out so you can copy each field onto your court’s official form, plus a script for the hearing and an evidence checklist.
Want it written for you?
A few plain-English questions about your Pennsylvania case, then review and file. Checking is free; $19 for the completed documents.
Check if your Pennsylvania claim qualifiesGeneral information, not legal advice. SmallClaimsHelper prepares documents; it is not a law firm.