Franklin County Small Claims Court
How to file a small claims case in Franklin County, OH. Courthouse locations, hours, fees, and filing options for the Columbus area.
Small claims in Ohio — the numbers for Franklin County courts
$6,000
maximum claim
$50
filing fee (published)
2–8 yrs
filing deadline by claim type
No
e-filing — file in person or by mail
Published court information — verify before acting. See the full Ohio small claims guide · The form that starts a case: every field explained.
Franklin County has 1 independent courts
How to choose: Per ORC § 1925.04 and Ohio Civil Rule 3, venue is proper where the incident or transaction giving rise to the claim occurred OR where the defendant resides or regularly does business in Franklin County.
Use the official court locator →All Courts in Franklin County
Franklin County Municipal Court — Small Claims Division
375 South High Street
Columbus, OH 43215
Serves: ALL of Franklin County including Columbus, Bexley, Worthington, Upper Arlington, Grandview Heights, Whitehall, Westerville, Hilliard, Dublin, Reynoldsburg, Gahanna, New Albany, and all unincorporated areas. Single unified court for the entire county.
How to File in Franklin County
File in person
Bring your completed forms to the courthouse clerk during business hours. Pay the filing fee by cash, check, or credit card.
File by mail
Most small claims courts accept filing by mail — check with this courthouse first. Typically you mail your completed forms with the filing fee (check or money order) plus a self-addressed stamped envelope for your returned copies.
Important for Franklin County: Franklin County Municipal Court small claims procedure has these key features: (1) Cases primarily heard by MAGISTRATES rather than Judges; (2) Service is NOT automatic — must be requested separately and paid for; (3) Continuances limited to one 30-day continuance per party with 7-10 days advance notice; (4) E-filing available for existing cases but NOT for new small claims initiation; (5) Strict ORC § 1925.17 limits on corporate self-representation — entity reps can file and present but cannot do legal advocacy; (6) Self-Help Center on 16th Floor provides in-person guidance to pro se filers; (7) NO punitive damages, NO equitable relief, NO claims against governments — money damages for narrow disputes only.
Ready to take action in Franklin County?
A demand letter often settles disputes before a case is ever filed — and it only takes a few minutes.
Read the demand letter guideSmall claims rules in Ohio
How much you can sue for
Individuals can sue for up to $6,000.
Deadline to file (statute of limitations)
8 yrs written contract · 6 yrs oral contract · 4 yrs property damage · 2 yrs personal injury
Common questions
How much does it cost to file a small claims case in Franklin County?
Filing fees in Ohio are set by the state and are $50. If you can't afford the fee, Ohio offers a fee waiver — ask the clerk how to apply. Fees change, so confirm the current amount with the court clerk before you file.
What's the most I can sue for in Franklin County?
Small claims cases in Franklin County are limited to $6,000. If your claim is worth more than that, you either have to bring it in a different court or give up the amount above the limit to stay in small claims. The clerk can confirm which court fits your claim.
Can I file online in Franklin County?
No — the record shows no electronic filing for small claims in Franklin County. You'll file in person or by mail. Check with the clerk before you make the trip, in case that's changed.
Do I have to have a lawyer to file in Franklin County?
Small claims court is built for people representing themselves, and most filers do exactly that. Whether an attorney may appear varies by state — the state guide linked on this page covers the rule where you are, and the clerk can confirm it.
Answers reflect published court data. Court rules and fees change — the clerk is always the authoritative source.