Philadelphia Municipal Court Civil Division (First Filing Unit)
Filing information for Philadelphia Municipal Court Civil Division (First Filing Unit) in Philadelphia, PA. Part of the Philadelphia County small claims court system.
Small claims in Pennsylvania — the numbers that apply at this court
$12,000
maximum claim
from $53
filing fee (published, varies by claim)
2–4 yrs
filing deadline by claim type
No
e-filing — file in person or by mail
Published court information — verify before acting. See the full Pennsylvania small claims guide · The form that starts a case: every field explained.
Courthouse Details
Philadelphia Municipal Court Civil Division (First Filing Unit)
1339 Chestnut Street, 10th Floor (Widener Building)
Philadelphia, PA 19107
Hours: Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
How to File at Philadelphia Municipal Court Civil Division (First Filing Unit)
File in person
Bring your completed forms to the courthouse during business hours.
File by mail
Most small claims courts accept filing by mail — check with this court first. Typically you mail your completed forms with the filing fee plus a self-addressed stamped envelope for your returned copies.
Ready to take action?
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 Pennsylvania
How much you can sue for
Individuals can sue for up to $12,000.
Philadelphia uses Municipal Court small claims ($12,000 limit)
Deadline to file (statute of limitations)
4 yrs written contract · 4 yrs oral contract · 2 yrs property damage · 2 yrs personal injury
Common questions
How much does it cost to file a small claims case at Philadelphia Municipal Court Civil Division (First Filing Unit)?
Filing fees in Pennsylvania are set by the state and run from $53 to $103, depending on how much you're claiming. If you can't afford the fee, Pennsylvania 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 Philadelphia County?
Small claims cases in Philadelphia County are limited to $12,000. 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 at Philadelphia Municipal Court Civil Division (First Filing Unit)?
No — the record shows no electronic filing for small claims in Philadelphia County. You'll file in person or by mail. Check with the clerk before you make the trip, in case that's changed.
Where is Philadelphia Municipal Court Civil Division (First Filing Unit), and when is it open?
Philadelphia Municipal Court Civil Division (First Filing Unit) is at 1339 Chestnut Street, 10th Floor (Widener Building), Philadelphia, PA 19107. Posted hours: Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM. Phone: (215) 686-2910. Hours change around holidays and court closures — call ahead before you travel.
Do I have to have a lawyer to file in Philadelphia?
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.