Small Claims & Landlord Tenant

Forms and instructions are available for a small fee at the courthouse or may be downloaded from the Forms section of this site.

A fee is due at the time of filing. Please check the fee chart for the most current fee. Requests for fee deferrals are also available in the forms section.

Landlord Tenant Instructions

Small claims cases provide an informal process to resolve small civil disputes involving money or damages of $10,000 or less. Attorneys are not allowed to represent people in small claims without special permission from the court. Once the plaintiff files a claim and serves it on the defendant, the defendant has 14 days to either pay the claim or file an answer and request a hearing.

Forms and instructions are available for a small fee at the courthouse or may be downloaded from the Forms section of this site.

A fee may be due at the time of filing, please check the fee chart. Requests for fee deferrals are also available in the forms section. You may also file electronically through the OJD iForms System.

Statewide Small Claims Forms Site

Small Claims Instructions

What is Mediation?

Mediation is an informal, voluntary, and confidential way to resolve disagreements. Mediation is process that can help parties reach a mutually acceptable agreement through the use of a neutral person trained in problem solving instead of going to trial.

What is a Mediator?

The mediator is a neutral third-party who helps the parties discuss their conflict. Mediators do not tell people what to do, or decide who “wins” or “loses.” Decision making power stays with the parties. Mediators may not give legal advice to either party. Mediation is not a substitution for legal advice. You should contact an attorney if you have questions about your legal rights.

When does Mediation occur in a case?

At the first appearance cases are usually referred to mediation by the judge if the parties have not reached an agreement.

What happens in Mediation?

The Mediation process will vary depending on the mediator. Generally, the mediator will start by describing how the process will work. Then each party will tell the mediator a short story about why they are in mediation. They mediator will help identify issues, discuss each party’s needs, and assist the parties explore options for settlement.

What is the cost of Mediation?

Free mediation is available in small claims and landlord tenant cases.

Is Mediation Confidential?

Anything that is said in mediation is confidential, so if the case goes to trial, the judge will not hear about anything that occurred in the mediation. The mediator cannot be called as a witness. There are a few exceptions to the confidentiality of mediation, including: mediator shall report allegations of child abuse, elder abuse, or threats of bodily harm.

What happens if a Mediation Agreement is reached?

A mediation agreement is signed by the judge and documented as a court order.

What happens if a Mediation Agreement is not followed?

If a party does not follow a term of the agreement, the other party may file an affidavit of noncompliance and a judgment will be entered against the party who does not comply.