Franklin County Small Claims Court Ohio: Filing, Fees and What to Expect

Where to File

The Franklin County Municipal Court handles all small claims cases in Franklin County — that includes Columbus and every township within county boundaries. The civil division clerk's office is on the third floor at 375 South High Street, Columbus, OH 43215.

Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8 AM to 4 PM. You can file in person or by mail, though mailed complaints must include the original, copies for each defendant, and full payment.

Filing Fees

Franklin County's small claims filing fee runs approximately $102 all-in for a single defendant. That breaks down as a $92 base complaint fee plus certified mail service charges.

Additional costs to budget for:

• Extra defendant: $22 per additional defendant, plus $10 certified mail for each
• Ordinary mail re-service: $3 re-issuance fee if certified mail fails
• Bailiff personal service: $25
• Subpoena: $15 per witness ($30 if bailiff-served)
• Counterclaim filing: $20 plus service fees
• Objection to magistrate decision: $20 plus service fees

All fees are set under Local Rule 13 Schedule 9.00 and are subject to administrative updates. Verify the current schedule with the clerk before filing.

Forms and Complaint Requirements

Franklin County uses its own Small Claims Complaint form — a Civil Cover Sheet with Class "I" designation. There is no statewide form number; each Ohio court uses its own template.

Your complaint must include:

• Full legal names and addresses for all parties
• An itemized dollar amount ($6,000 or less)
• A brief factual statement explaining what happened
• Your signature under oath
• If claiming interest, the rate and accrual start date (2026 statutory rate: 7.0%)

Bring one original for the court file plus one complete copy — complaint and all attachments — for each defendant. Missing copies delay processing.

E-Filing

Franklin County Municipal Court offers electronic filing, which is mandatory for attorneys. Self-represented filers should check with the clerk's office for current e-filing options, as availability has expanded in recent years. Many pro se plaintiffs still file on paper, which the court continues to accept.

Service of Process

The clerk sends your complaint to the defendant by certified mail. If certified mail comes back unclaimed or refused, you submit a written request asking the clerk to re-serve by ordinary mail.

Ordinary mail service is complete when the clerk enters a certificate of mailing on the docket, provided the envelope is not returned as undeliverable. If both mail methods fail, you can request bailiff service for $25.

Service must happen at least 7 calendar days before the hearing date. If the defendant has not been served by then, the court grants a continuance.

What to Expect at the Hearing

Hearings are before a magistrate. Bring every piece of evidence in printed form — contracts, invoices, photos, text messages, receipts. Organize them into sets: one for the court, one for the defendant, and one for yourself.

The magistrate hears both sides, reviews evidence, and typically issues a decision the same day. The magistrate's decision is not itself a final, enforceable judgment; the judge must review, approve, and sign a final judgment entry. Either party may object within 14 calendar days of the decision's filing.

Franklin County's docket moves quickly but it is a high-volume court. Arrive early and be prepared for a wait.

For a step-by-step walkthrough of the entire process — from demand letter through judgment collection — our Ohio small claims filing guide includes a Local Court Verification Worksheet, service tracking log, and evidence organizer built for Franklin County and every other Ohio municipal court.

See more Ohio guides →