Pennsylvania's small claims court

Theoretically, small claims cases in Pennsylvania may be heard in one of three courts: the Court of Common Pleas, Magisterial District Courts, and Community Courts. Which court is right for a particular small claims case depends largely on the county where the case is filed. Some counties, for example, do not have Community Courts. The best thing to do is contact the civil department of the Court of Common Pleas in your county (sometimes called the prothonotary) and ask what the small claims options are for that particular county. A directory of Pennsylvania courts, organized by county, as well as a listing of Pennsylvania court resources that may assist you in your case, can be found at the Pennsylvania Courts Guide related link.