Small Claims

The information provided about Small Claims is not intended as legal advice, but to help you understand the Small Claims process. If you have any questions, you should contact an attorney or your local Bar Association.

Click here for Small Claims Guide

What cases can the Court hear?
Most claims for monetary damages of $6,000 or less, plus interest and court costs. Small claims court cannot order the return of property.

Who can sue or be sued?
Anyone over the age of 18; anyone under the age of 18 through a parent or guardian; and a corporation or limited liability company through its officer, salaried employee or attorney. By law, if you are an officer or salaried employee of a corporation or limited liability company you will only be permitted to present the company’s claim or defense, but cannot engage in cross-examination, argument or other acts of advocacy without an attorney.

Where do I file my claim?
You can file your claim in Darke County if the transaction or incident took place in Darke County or if the defendant (or any one defendant, if there is more than one) lives or has its principal place of business in Darke County.

How do I file my claim?
All Small Claims Complaints are filed at the Darke County Municipal Court and must be notarized. You must provide a statement of your claim and the names and current addresses of each person making a claim or liable for the claim. A filing fee of $67.00 is due at the time of filing for claims up to $1,000.00. A filing fee of $92.00 is due at the time of filing for claims of $1,000.01 to $3,000.00.  A filing fee of $117.00 is due at the time of filing for claims of $3,000.01 to $6,000.00.

I’ve been sued! What do I do now?
If the claim is fair, you may pay the plaintiff the full amount of the claim and court costs. You may also contact the plaintiff and try to settle the dispute. Regardless of how you choose to handle your situation, you must attend the trial at the date and time it is scheduled. Failure to attend may result in a judgment being entered against you. If you have a counterclaim against the plaintiff or cross-claim against another defendant, you must file it with the clerk of courts at least seven (7) days prior to the date of the trial. The clerk must be notified in writing if a settlement is reached or the claim is paid, otherwise, a trial will be held and all parties must attend.

How do I prepare my case?
The person making the claim must prove it by a preponderance of the evidence, which means it is more likely than not that the claimant should prevail. The court may only consider the evidence actually presented at trial. You must come to your scheduled trial prepared to prove your claim or defense to the best of your ability. Anything that can support your case may be useful as evidence, including your own testimony, witnesses, documents, photos, etc. Certain kinds of testimony may be especially useful. For example, a professional repair person could be a good witness when poor or incomplete workmanship is an important question. Friends, neighbors, or bystanders who are familiar with the incident or transaction may be witnesses. If you wish to require a witness to attend, you must pay a fee and file a request for a subpoena with the clerk of courts well in advance of the trial date.

What if I do not appear at the trial?
Failure to appear at the trial means you may be ordered to pay the plaintiff’s claim, regardless of the merits of your claim or defense. If you are a party to the case, you must appear. Any continuance of the trial date must be requested prior to the trial date, in writing, and will be subject to the court’s review and decision.

What do I do at the trial?
This is your day in court. There will be several trials that day, all scheduled at the same time. Please arrive on time and check in at the civil clerk’s window. Because some cases will take more than their allotted time, be prepared to wait for your case to be called.

Small claims cases are heard by the judge. Roll call will be made at the beginning of the Small Claims court session for all cases scheduled for that date and time.

Bring all of your evidence and witnesses with you. The judge can only consider the evidence it receives at the trial. The plaintiff will present its case first. Once the plaintiff is finished, the defendant can present its case. The judge may ask her own questions. Answer all questions directly, politely and to the best of your knowledge. Be brief and stick to the facts relevant to the claims before the court. Remember, good manners and a calm, orderly presentation promote the fair and efficient conduct of the trial. Each side may make a brief closing argument at the end of the trial.

How will a decision be made?
The judge will either make a decision from the bench on the day of your trial or take the matter under advisement. If the judge makes a decision from the bench on the day of your trial, you will receive your copy of the decision immediately upon leaving the courtroom. If the judge takes the matter under advisement, she will carefully consider the evidence presented by both sides and prepare a decision. The clerk of courts will mail the decision to the parties. It is your responsibility to keep the clerk of courts informed of your current address.

How can I collect my judgment?
Once the judgment is issued, the debtor can voluntarily pay the amount due. If the debtor does not pay, it is up to the creditor to collect its own judgment. The creditor may choose to garnish the debtor’s earnings or bank account; attach the debtor’s personal property; obtain a lien against the debtor’s real estate; or take any other actions permitted by law. Many of these processes require filing documents with the court and paying additional fees. The court cannot give you legal advice to help you collect your debt, however, we offer the public a Small Claims Booklet for their use.

Small Claims Complaint Form
You may print this form (Small Claims Complaint) and take it to the Darke County Municipal Court, 504 South Broadway, Suite 7, Greenville, OH 45331, located on the 3rd floor of the Darke County Courthouse, to file, or complete the form at the court. Small Claims Complaints must either be filed in person, as the person filing the complaint must sign in the presence of a Clerk or you can have the Small Claims Complaint form notarized and mail it to Darke County Municipal Court along with a check for the appropriate filing fee.