[OH] Which form do I use for small claims?
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The basics of small claims in Ohio
In Ohio, small claims cases are handled in the municipal or county courts, depending on where you live. For Trotwood, your small claims cases go through the Dayton Municipal Court system, because Trotwood is within its jurisdiction. Small claims in Ohio are capped at $6,000—which matches what you’ve been told.
The correct form you need
The key form is called a Small Claims Complaint. Each municipal or county court has its own version of this form, but they are all essentially the same. It is not the standard “civil complaint” form used for higher-value cases. The correct form will usually have the title “Small Claims Complaint” at the top.
Here’s what it generally includes:
Your name and address (plaintiff).
The defendant’s name and address (the person or business you’re suing).
A short description of what happened and how much money you’re asking for (limited to $6,000).
Your signature and sometimes a notary section (depending on the court).
For Dayton Municipal Court (covering Trotwood), the form you need is:
Dayton Municipal Court – Small Claims Complaint Form.
This form is available online on the Dayton Municipal Court’s website, or you can get it directly from the clerk’s office. You’ll also need to pay a filing fee, but it should be much less than the $50 you mentioned per login—usually around $50–$100 total for filing, plus a fee for service on the defendant.
What happens next
Once you file the complaint, the clerk will schedule a hearing and serve the defendant with notice of the case. You’ll be given a court date, and you’ll need to bring all of your evidence (photos of your car, repair bills, proof of lost wages, etc.) to court.
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After this form, which forms do I get to finish filing my lawsuit in the correct claims court? No one will help me because I have no bodily injuries. All I have to sue for is the damage to my car and my loss of wages because I can’t work. No lawyer will take my case, I have to do this on my own.
I understand how frustrating it can be to navigate the legal process on your own. What type of claims court are you looking to file your lawsuit in?
Small claims. I guess one form only allows me to sue for $6000, and that's it.
Have you already completed any specific forms related to your case, and if so, which ones?
That’s just it, the form was a new complaint form, but it wasn’t the right one, so the clerk at the courts building said, but according to the clerk who gave it to me, it is the right one.
Is there anything else the Lawyer should know before I connect you? Rest assured they’ll be able to help with your small claims lawsuit.
No, that’s it. All the clerk at the City of Trotwood courthouse showed me was a sign stating that I should get a lawyer, but like I said so far, no lawyer has returned my calls or helped me in any way.
Hi there and welcome to AskaLawyer. My name is Brandon and I'm an attorney. I' be happy to help you out today. Please note that this discussion is for guidance only and does not constitute an Attorney-Client Relationship. My answers and comments should not be considered legal advice.
Please also note that I am human, that I often need to research your answer to give you an accurate response, that I work with other customers and get up from time to time. So please be patient while waiting for a response. If more than 30 minutes have passed, please feel free to reach out.
Where are you located?
I’m in the state of Ohio all I need is for you to tell me what the correct name of the forms or form I need to file my lawsuit not how to go about it. Just the right forms to get download or whatever.
The basics of small claims in Ohio
In Ohio, small claims cases are handled in the municipal or county courts, depending on where you live. For Trotwood, your small claims cases go through the Dayton Municipal Court system, because Trotwood is within its jurisdiction. Small claims in Ohio are capped at $6,000—which matches what you’ve been told.
The correct form you need
The key form is called a Small Claims Complaint. Each municipal or county court has its own version of this form, but they are all essentially the same. It is not the standard “civil complaint” form used for higher-value cases. The correct form will usually have the title “Small Claims Complaint” at the top.
Here’s what it generally includes:
Your name and address (plaintiff).
The defendant’s name and address (the person or business you’re suing).
A short description of what happened and how much money you’re asking for (limited to $6,000).
Your signature and sometimes a notary section (depending on the court).
For Dayton Municipal Court (covering Trotwood), the form you need is:
Dayton Municipal Court – Small Claims Complaint Form.
This form is available online on the Dayton Municipal Court’s website, or you can get it directly from the clerk’s office. You’ll also need to pay a filing fee, but it should be much less than the $50 you mentioned per login—usually around $50–$100 total for filing, plus a fee for service on the defendant.
What happens next
Once you file the complaint, the clerk will schedule a hearing and serve the defendant with notice of the case. You’ll be given a court date, and you’ll need to bring all of your evidence (photos of your car, repair bills, proof of lost wages, etc.) to court.
Okay, that form for up to $6000 is not the one I need, seeing how my lawsuit is for the amount of getting my car fixed and the loss of wages. I am suing for the amount of $35000. What is the form I now need? Thank you for answering my questions. You are the first and only person to help me thus far.
You’re very welcome. I wish you the best.
Is the form the same name, even if the amount is different from 6000, or is the higher amount not considered a small claims but a regular court filing?
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Small Claims vs. Regular Civil
Small Claims: In Ohio, the limit is $6,000. If your claim is at or under $6,000, you use the Small Claims Complaint form. This is the more informal process, designed for people representing themselves.
Regular Civil (Municipal Court): If your claim is over $6,000 but under $15,000, it goes into the municipal court’s general division, not small claims. You would then file a Civil Complaint, which is a different, more formal form.
Common Pleas Court: If your claim is over $15,000, it has to be filed in the Court of Common Pleas with a regular civil complaint.
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Form Names
If you are within the $6,000 cap → the correct form is Small Claims Complaint.
If you are above $6,000 → it is not small claims anymore, and you must use a Civil Complaint (sometimes called “Complaint for Money Damages” or simply “Complaint”). That form is longer and usually requires you to set out numbered allegations.
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Which path is best for you
Since you mentioned damage to your car and lost wages, here’s the decision point:
If the total is $6,000 or less, stick with Small Claims Complaint.
If the total is more than $6,000, you can’t use small claims. You’d have to use the municipal court’s regular civil complaint form. That also means a more complex process—sometimes including discovery, motions, and more formal procedure.
