Small claims court in Mahoning County, Ohio
In Mahoning County, small claims cases up to $6,000 are heard by more than one court: 7 courts hear small claims in this county. File with the one that serves the area where the defendant lives or does business, or where the problem happened.
Not sure which court? Call the clerk: 330-742-8866 (Youngstown Municipal Court) or see Official court directory.
Where to file in Mahoning County
Youngstown Municipal Court
Address: 9 West Front Street, 1st Floor, Youngstown, OH 44503 · Map
Phone: 330-742-8866
7 courts hear small claims in this county. Each covers its own cities/townships: file in the one for the area where the defendant lives or does business, or where the problem happened.
All 7 small claims courts in Mahoning County:
- Youngstown Municipal Court
- Campbell Municipal Court
- Mahoning County Court #2
- Mahoning County Court #3
- Mahoning County Court #4
- Mahoning County Court #5
- Struthers Municipal Court
Court addresses, phones and hours change. Call the clerk before you go, and ask whether small claims are filed at this location.
Is this the right county?
File in the municipal or county court for the area where the defendant lives or does business, or where the problem happened. The claim must be in plain language and signed under oath.
If the person or business you are suing is in another county, use that county's court instead. See all Ohio counties.
How to file in Mahoning County
Ask for payment in writing
Ohio doesn't require a demand letter, but official guides recommend sending one by certified mail. Make a free demand letter.
File it with the right court and pay the fee
Each court sets its own fee, usually about $37 to $124 for one defendant, often including service by certified mail. Each extra defendant costs more. Fee waiver: Poverty affidavit (affidavit of indigency); Ohio Legal Help has the form.
Have the papers served
The clerk serves the defendant, usually by certified mail with a return receipt; if that's refused, often by regular mail or a bailiff. You don't have to arrange it yourself.
Go to the hearing
By law the hearing is set 15 to 40 days after you file. Some courts offer mediation first. Bring receipts, photos, messages, the contract and your demand letter, with copies.
Want every detail? The full Ohio filing guide covers each stage with a checklist.
Open the filing guideCommon questions
Where is small claims court in Mahoning County?
Mahoning County has more than one small claims court (7 courts hear small claims in this county). File with the one that serves the area where the defendant lives or where the problem happened, as the venue rules say. One of them is the Youngstown Municipal Court, 9 West Front Street, 1st Floor, Youngstown, OH 44503. Phone: 330-742-8866. Official list of all of them: Official court directory, https://www.supremecourt.ohio.gov/courts/judicial-system/ohio-trial-courts/
How much can I sue for in Mahoning County small claims court?
Up to $6,000. The limit is $6,000, not counting interest and court costs. If a counterclaim asks for more, the whole case moves to the regular docket. Small claims only award money and can't hear libel, slander or claims for getting property back. Collection agencies and debt buyers can't file.
How much does it cost to file in Mahoning County?
Each court sets its own fee, usually about $37 to $124 for one defendant, often including service by certified mail. Each extra defendant costs more. Fee waiver: Poverty affidavit (affidavit of indigency); Ohio Legal Help has the form.