Allegheny County Small Claims Court, Pennsylvania

 

Small Claims Court in Allegheny County

Allegheny County Small Claims Court
Allegheny County Small Claims Court

Small Claims courts are in Pennsylvania are generally called Magisterial District Courts. A party is not required to have an attorney for a small claims court case in a Magisterial District Court. The amount of the claim you are filing cannot exceed $12,000.00. The plaintiff is required to file a filing fee when filing the complaint. There is also an additional cost for serving the defendant with the claim. If the plaintiff prevails in the case, these costs can be recovered from the defendant.

Magisterial District Court in Allegheny County

Allegheny County has 46 Magisterial Districts which are:

05-2-01

The Magisterial District Judge for 05-2-01 is Tara L. Smith . The 05-2-01 Magisterial District courthouse is located at:

660 Lincoln Avenue
Second Floor
Pittsburgh, PA 15202

The phone number for 05-2-01 Magisterial District is: 412-761-8772. The fax number for 05-2-01 Magisterial District is: 412-761-8254.

05-2-01

The Magisterial District Judge for 05-2-01 is Tara L. Smith . The 05-2-01 Magisterial District courthouse is located at:

660 Lincoln Avenue
Second Floor
Pittsburgh, PA 15202

The phone number for 05-2-01 Magisterial District is: 412-761-8772. The fax number for 05-2-01 Magisterial District is: 412-761-8254.

05-2-02

The Magisterial District Judge for 05-2-02 is Richard G. Opiela . The 05-2-02 Magisterial District courthouse is located at:

439 Perry Highway
Pittsburgh, PA 15229

The phone number for 05-2-02 Magisterial District is: 412-931-3205. The fax number for 05-2-02 Magisterial District is: 412-931-4135.

05-2-03

The Magisterial District Judge for 05-2-03 is Daniel J. Konieczka . The 05-2-03 Magisterial District courthouse is located at:

1007 Mount Royal Blvd.
Pittsburgh, PA 15223

The phone number for 05-2-03 Magisterial District is: 412-487-7630. The fax number for 05-2-03 Magisterial District is: 412-487-7567.

05-2-04

The Magisterial District Judge for 05-2-04 is Elissa M. Lang . The 05-2-04 Magisterial District courthouse is located at:

1205 Main Street
Sharpsburg, PA 15215

The phone number for 05-2-04 Magisterial District is: 412-784-8555. The fax number for 05-2-04 Magisterial District is: 412-784-3167.

05-2-05

The Magisterial District Judge for 05-2-05 is Carolyn S. Bengel . The 05-2-05 Magisterial District courthouse is located at:

1010 Broadview Boulevard
Brackenridge, PA 15014

The phone number for 05-2-05 Magisterial District is: 724-224-5555. The fax number for 05-2-05 Magisterial District is: 724-226-1594.

05-2-06

The Magisterial District Judge for 05-2-06 is Anthony L. DeLuca . The 05-2-06 Magisterial District courthouse is located at:

85 Universal Road
Pittsburgh, PA 15235

The phone number for 05-2-06 Magisterial District is: 412-731-0100. The fax number for 05-2-06 Magisterial District is: 412-731-1986.

05-2-07

The Magisterial District Judge for 05-2-07 is Jeffrey L. Herbst . The 05-2-07 Magisterial District courthouse is located at:

Parkway Building, Suite 1500
339 Old Haymaker Road
Monroeville, PA 15146

The phone number for 05-2-07 Magisterial District is: 412-372-1125. The fax number for 05-2-07 Magisterial District is: 412-372-8740.

05-2-08

The Magisterial District Judge for 05-2-08 is Thomas P. Caulfield . The 05-2-08 Magisterial District courthouse is located at:

Forest Hills Plaza
21 Yost Boulevard, Suite 100
Pittsburgh, PA 15221

The phone number for 05-2-08 Magisterial District is: 412-646-1837. The fax number for 05-2-08 Magisterial District is: 412-646-4729.

05-2-10

The Magisterial District Judge for 05-2-10 is Kim M. Hoots . The 05-2-10 Magisterial District courthouse is located at:

Penn West Building
907 West Street, Third Floor
Wilkinsburg, PA 15221

The phone number for 05-2-10 Magisterial District is: 412-241-7052. The fax number for 05-2-10 Magisterial District is: 412-247-9270.

05-2-11

The Magisterial District Judge for 05-2-11 is Roxanne S. Eichler . The 05-2-11 Magisterial District courthouse is located at:

371 Lincoln Highway
North Versailles, PA 15137

The phone number for 05-2-11 Magisterial District is: 412-824-3862. The fax number for 05-2-11 Magisterial District is: 412-824-3864.

05-2-12

The Magisterial District Judge for 05-2-12 is William K. Wagner . The 05-2-12 Magisterial District courthouse is located at:

Lower Level
8105 Perry Highway
Pittsburgh, PA 15237

The phone number for 05-2-12 Magisterial District is: 412-366-2221. The fax number for 05-2-12 Magisterial District is: 412-366-8260.

05-2-13

The Magisterial District Judge for 05-2-13 is Eugene F. Riazzi . The 05-2-13 Magisterial District courthouse is located at:

687 O’Neil Blvd.
McKeesport, PA 15132

The phone number for 05-2-13 Magisterial District is: 412-664-4612. The fax number for 05-2-13 Magisterial District is: 412-664-1554.

05-2-14

The Magisterial District Judge for 05-2-14 is Richard D. Olasz . The 05-2-14 Magisterial District courthouse is located at:

2629 Skyline Drive
West Mifflin, PA 15122

The phone number for 05-2-14 Magisterial District is: 412-466-1503. The fax number for 05-2-14 Magisterial District is: 412-466-3202.

05-2-15

The Magisterial District Judge for 05-2-15 is Thomas R. Torkowsky . The 05-2-15 Magisterial District courthouse is located at:

510 East Eighth Avenue
Munhall, PA 15120

The phone number for 05-2-15 Magisterial District is: 412-461-5977. The fax number for 05-2-15 Magisterial District is: 412-461-0786.

05-2-16

The Magisterial District Judge for 05-2-16 is Michael W. Thatcher . The 05-2-16 Magisterial District courthouse is located at:

343 Old Curry Hollow Road
Pittsburgh, PA 15236

The phone number for 05-2-16 Magisterial District is: 412-653-2102. The fax number for 05-2-16 Magisterial District is: 412-653-0221.

05-2-17

The Magisterial District Judge for 05-2-17 is David J. Barton . The 05-2-17 Magisterial District courthouse is located at:

Caste Village Shopping Center, 2nd Floor, Suite M201
5301 Grove Road
Pittsburgh, PA 15236

The phone number for 05-2-17 Magisterial District is: 412-885-2111. The fax number for 05-2-17 Magisterial District is: 412-885-4630.

05-2-18

The Magisterial District Judge for 05-2-18 is Ralph Kaiser . The 05-2-18 Magisterial District courthouse is located at:

5001 Curry Road, Unit 2
Pittsburgh, PA 15236

The phone number for 05-2-18 Magisterial District is: 412-714-8354. The fax number for 05-2-18 Magisterial District is: 412-714-8645.

05-2-19

The Magisterial District Judge for 05-2-19 is Blaise P. Larotonda . The 05-2-19 Magisterial District courthouse is located at:

Washington Center Building, Suite B103
680 Washington Road
Pittsburgh, PA 15228

The phone number for 05-2-19 Magisterial District is: 412-561-4415. The fax number for 05-2-19 Magisterial District is: 412-561-4338.

05-2-20

The Magisterial District Judge for 05-2-20 is Ronald A. Arnoni . The 05-2-20 Magisterial District courthouse is located at:

Hiras Professional Building
2414 Lytle Road, Suite 200
Bethel Park, PA 15102

The phone number for 05-2-20 Magisterial District is: 412-835-1661. The fax number for 05-2-20 Magisterial District is: 412-835-4060.

05-2-21

The Magisterial District Judge for 05-2-21 is Maureen McGraw-Desmet . The 05-2-21 Magisterial District courthouse is located at:

295 Millers Run Road
Bridgeville, PA 15017

The phone number for 05-2-21 Magisterial District is: 412-221-3353. The fax number for 05-2-21 Magisterial District is: 412-221-0908.

05-2-22

The Magisterial District Judge for 05-2-22 is Craig C. Stephens . The 05-2-22 Magisterial District courthouse is located at:

Scott Township Municipal Building
301 Lindsay Road
Carnegie, PA 15106

The phone number for 05-2-22 Magisterial District is: 412-276-7887. The fax number for 05-2-22 Magisterial District is: 412-276-0654.

05-2-23

The Magisterial District Judge for 05-2-23 is John P. Kobistek . The 05-2-23 Magisterial District courthouse is located at:

136 Bradford Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA 15205

The phone number for 05-2-23 Magisterial District is: 412-921-5559. The fax number for 05-2-23 Magisterial District is: 412-921-5619.

05-2-25

The Magisterial District Judge for 05-2-25 is (Vacant) Murray . The 05-2-25 Magisterial District courthouse is located at:

923 Fifth Avenue, First Floor
Coraopolis, PA 15108

The phone number for 05-2-25 Magisterial District is: 412-262-3881. The fax number for 05-2-25 Magisterial District is: 412-262-2710.

05-2-26

The Magisterial District Judge for 05-2-26 is Beth S. Mills . The 05-2-26 Magisterial District courthouse is located at:

2611 Hayden Boulevard, Suite 3
Route 51 North
Elizabeth, PA 15037

The phone number for 05-2-26 Magisterial District is: 412-382-3050. The fax number for 05-2-26 Magisterial District is: 412-382-3052.

05-2-27

The Magisterial District Judge for 05-2-27 is Eugene N. Ricciardi . The 05-2-27 Magisterial District courthouse is located at:

900 Sarah Street, Suite 208
Pittsburgh, PA 15203

The phone number for 05-2-27 Magisterial District is: 412-481-0616. The fax number for 05-2-27 Magisterial District is: 412-481-1997.

05-2-28

The Magisterial District Judge for 05-2-28 is Oscar J. Petite . The 05-2-28 Magisterial District courthouse is located at:

1901 Centre Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA 15219

The phone number for 05-2-28 Magisterial District is: 412-261-2660. The fax number for 05-2-28 Magisterial District is: 412-261-0772.

05-2-31

The Magisterial District Judge for 05-2-31 is Mikhail N. Pappas . The 05-2-31 Magisterial District courthouse is located at:

6808 Greenwood Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA 15206

The phone number for 05-2-31 Magisterial District is: 412-404-5914. The fax number for 05-2-31 Magisterial District is: 412-404-5916.

05-2-32

The Magisterial District Judge for 05-2-32 is Linda I. Zucco . The 05-2-32 Magisterial District courthouse is located at:

10101 Saltsburg Road
Plum, PA 15239

The phone number for 05-2-32 Magisterial District is: 412-793-2727. The fax number for 05-2-32 Magisterial District is: 412-793-1355.

05-2-35

The Magisterial District Judge for 05-2-35 is Daniel E. Butler . The 05-2-35 Magisterial District courthouse is located at:

5850 1/2 Forward Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA 15217

The phone number for 05-2-35 Magisterial District is: 412-521-9288. The fax number for 05-2-35 Magisterial District is: 412-521-3400.

05-2-36

The Magisterial District Judge for 05-2-36 is James J. Hanley . The 05-2-36 Magisterial District courthouse is located at:

Lower Level Rear
4371 Murray Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA 15217

The phone number for 05-2-36 Magisterial District is: 412-521-7782. The fax number for 05-2-36 Magisterial District is: 412-521-3500.

05-2-38

The Magisterial District Judge for 05-2-38 is James A. Motznik . The 05-2-38 Magisterial District courthouse is located at:

736 Brookline Blvd.
Pittsburgh, PA 15226

The phone number for 05-2-38 Magisterial District is: 412-343-1188. The fax number for 05-2-38 Magisterial District is: 412-343-6667.

05-2-40

The Magisterial District Judge for 05-2-40 is Derwin D. Rushing . The 05-2-40 Magisterial District courthouse is located at:

421 East Ohio Street
Pittsburgh, PA 15212

The phone number for 05-2-40 Magisterial District is: 412-321-0788. The fax number for 05-2-40 Magisterial District is: 412-321-4014.

05-2-42

The Magisterial District Judge for 05-2-42 is Robert P. Ravenstahl . The 05-2-42 Magisterial District courthouse is located at:

3880 Perrysville Avenue, First Floor
Pittsburgh, PA 15214

The phone number for 05-2-42 Magisterial District is: 412-321-0116. The fax number for 05-2-42 Magisterial District is: 412-321-0702.

05-2-43

The Magisterial District Judge for 05-2-43 is Carla M. Swearingen . The 05-2-43 Magisterial District courthouse is located at:

5624 Steubenville Pike
McKees Rocks, PA 15136

The phone number for 05-2-43 Magisterial District is: 412-787-5000. The fax number for 05-2-43 Magisterial District is: 412-787-5510.

05-2-47

The Magisterial District Judge for 05-2-47 is Scott H. Schricker . The 05-2-47 Magisterial District courthouse is located at:

100 Penn Plaza Shopping Center
Penn Avenue
Turtle Creek, PA 15145

The phone number for 05-2-47 Magisterial District is: 412-824-6201. The fax number for 05-2-47 Magisterial District is: 412-824-6364.

05-3-02

The Magisterial District Judge for 05-3-02 is Robert L. Ford . The 05-3-02 Magisterial District courthouse is located at:

190 Ohio River Blvd.
PO Box 153
Leetsdale, PA 15056

The phone number for 05-3-02 Magisterial District is: 724-266-7179. The fax number for 05-3-02 Magisterial District is: 724-266-7422.

05-3-03

The Magisterial District Judge for 05-3-03 is David J. Sosovicka . The 05-3-03 Magisterial District courthouse is located at:

721 Gulf Lab Road
Cheswick, PA 15024

The phone number for 05-3-03 Magisterial District is: 724-274-4800. The fax number for 05-3-03 Magisterial District is: 724-274-2515.

05-3-04

The Magisterial District Judge for 05-3-04 is Thomas T. Swan . The 05-3-04 Magisterial District courthouse is located at:

2060 Saxonburg Boulevard
Gibsonia, PA 15044

The phone number for 05-3-04 Magisterial District is: 724-265-2380. The fax number for 05-3-04 Magisterial District is: 724-265-2727.

05-3-05

The Magisterial District Judge for 05-3-05 is Thomas G. Miller . The 05-3-05 Magisterial District courthouse is located at:

Rainbow Village Shopping Center
1985 Lincoln Way
White Oak, PA 15131

The phone number for 05-3-05 Magisterial District is: 412-672-3916. The fax number for 05-3-05 Magisterial District is: 412-672-3922.

05-3-06

The Magisterial District Judge for 05-3-06 is Bruce J. Boni . The 05-3-06 Magisterial District courthouse is located at:

104 Linden Avenue
McKees Rocks, PA 15136

The phone number for 05-3-06 Magisterial District is: 412-331-3414. The fax number for 05-3-06 Magisterial District is: 412-331-3422.

05-3-09

The Magisterial District Judge for 05-3-09 is Armand A. Martin . The 05-3-09 Magisterial District courthouse is located at:

461 Miller Avenue
Clairton, PA 15025

The phone number for 05-3-09 Magisterial District is: 412-945-3193. The fax number for 05-3-09 Magisterial District is: 412-673-0467.

05-3-10

The Magisterial District Judge for 05-3-10 is Anthony M. Ceoffe . The 05-3-10 Magisterial District courthouse is located at:

4211 Butler Street
Pittsburgh, PA 15201

The phone number for 05-3-10 Magisterial District is: 412-681-1558. The fax number for 05-3-10 Magisterial District is: 412-681-5300.

05-3-12

The Magisterial District Judge for 05-3-12 is Kevin E. Cooper . The 05-3-12 Magisterial District courthouse is located at:

566 Brushton Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA 15208

The phone number for 05-3-12 Magisterial District is: 412-241-1165. The fax number for 05-3-12 Magisterial District is: 412-241-3600.

05-3-13

The Magisterial District Judge for 05-3-13 is Randy C. Martini . The 05-3-13 Magisterial District courthouse is located at:

22 Wabash Street, Suite 101
Pittsburgh, PA 15220

The phone number for 05-3-13 Magisterial District is: 412-331-9828. The fax number for 05-3-13 Magisterial District is: 412-331-0475.

05-3-14

The Magisterial District Judge for 05-3-14 is Richard G. King . The 05-3-14 Magisterial District courthouse is located at:

2213 Brownsville Road
Pittsburgh, PA 15210

The phone number for 05-3-14 Magisterial District is: 412-884-1511. The fax number for 05-3-14 Magisterial District is: 412-884-3135.

05-3-17

The Magisterial District Judge for 05-3-17 is Anthony W. Saveikis . The 05-3-17 Magisterial District courthouse is located at:

8052 Steubenville Pike
Oakdale, PA 15071

The phone number for 05-3-17 Magisterial District is: 724-695-2070. The fax number for 05-3-17 Magisterial District is: 724-695-3761.

Allegheny County Magisterial District Court Appeal

If the plaintiff prevails, the defendant may arrange to make payments on a twelve month installment plan (which will be set by the judge). Also, the defendant has thirty days to file an appeal to the Common Pleas Court. If the defendant wishes to appeal, he or she must file a Notice of Appeal with the prothonotary at the county courthouse. A copy of the Notice of Appeal will be served on the judge (who made the decision) and the plaintiff in the case. The plaintiff cannot take any steps to collect money from the Defendant based on the Magisterial District Court’s judgment until the appeal has been decided. If the judge rules for the defendant, the plaintiff can appeal this decision as well.

Types of Cases Handled by a Magisterial District Judge in Allegheny County

A Magisterial District Judge has jurisdiction over the following cases: preliminary hearings and preliminary arraignments in criminal cases, traffic offenses, municipal code violations, landlord/tenant cases and cases where the amount sought does not exceed $12,000.00.

Where Can a Small Claims Court Case Be Filed?

The Pennsylvania courts are divided by county and then into districts. Each district has a Magisterial District Judge. A case should be filed in the Magisterial District where:

  • the Defendant resides or where the business is located
  • the contract involved was signed or performance was made
  • the damage or accident involved happened
  • the property from the case is kept

The plaintiff should contact the Magisterial District Court where the plaintiff thinks the case should be filed and inquire if it is the correct court. You should also contact them to determine what the filing fee will be. The filing fee can be paid by the plaintiff when the case is actually filed. The complaint form can be found under “Civil Complaint” here. If the plaintiff intends to place confidential information on the “Civil Complaint,” the plaintiff also needs to complete the “Confidential Information Form” which is located on the same page.

Types of Cases in Allegheny County Small Claims Court

Most cases filed in small claims court in Allegheny County are either considered a breach of contract case or a negligence case. A contract is where two parties enter into an agreement (either written or oral). Contracts are used in many situations including:

  • contractors and homeowner to make improvements
  • insurance companies to provide insurance services
  • credit card companies and credit card holders to provide credit services

A breach of contract is when one party does not do what they promised under the agreement (pay money or provide services usually). A negligence case occurs when a party who is responsible to protect someone or something using due care, fails to do so. Negligence actions generally include traffic accidents on the road and can include an actions for personal injuries (pain and suffering to a person) and property damage (generally to a car or other property).

Small Claims Court Hearings in Allegheny County Magisterial District Court

Once the claim has been filed, the clerk will set a hearing between 12 and 60 days from the date of the filing of the claim. Prior to the hearing, you should gather all documents and papers related to your case. Both the plaintiff and defendant should also arrange to have any witnesses with knowledge about the case present in court on the date of the hearing. On the day of the hearing the courtroom will include the following: court clerk, judge, plaintiff, defendant, and any witnesses that either side intends to call. Because the hearing is open to the public, there may be members of the public watching court from the gallery (along with maybe other parties waiting for their cases to be called). At the beginning of the case (or calendar), the Magisterial District Judge will usually briefly explain the procedures used at the hearing. Plaintiff and Defendant will both be sworn in at the beginning to present testimony to the court. The court will give the plaintiff a chance to present its case through testimony. During this time, the plaintiff should present any evidence supporting the case including paperwork, receipts, records, photographs, or videos of the case. The plaintiff will probably also be asked questions by the defendant. Once the plaintiff is finished, any witnesses the plaintiff brought will be sworn and have the chance to testify as well. The defendant will also be granted the opportunity to ask questions of these witnesses as well. After the plaintiff is finished presenting his or her case, the court will allow the defendant a chance to present a defense (including testimony from the defendant). The defendant can also bring witnesses to provide testimony to the judge as well. After all the evidence has been presented, the judge will make a decision (either at the hearing or within five days).

Before Filing a Small Claims Court Claim in Allegheny County

Prior to filing a claim, it is recommended that you send a demand letter to the defendant asking for payment. This is usually the quickest and easiest way to resolve your dispute. Make sure you set a reasonable deadline in your letter for the defendant to comply by. If the defendant does not agree to your demands, then you may consider filing your case once the deadline has passed. It is also important to know the name and address of the party you wish to file your action against. The court clerk is unable to accept a Post Office Box for an address. If the party the plaintiff is suing is not an individual, the plaintiff needs to ascertain what corporate form the defendant is using as well as the name of that corporate entity. The Pennsylvania Corporation Bureau is a great resource for assisting with this task (Phone: 717-787-1057). Before heading down to the courthouse to fill out your claim, you should have the following information:

  • your name and address
  • name and address of the person you want to sue
  • the amount of money you are filing your claim for (including all expenses)
  • short statement of facts surrounding the circumstances of the case (including dates and locations)

While you can submit your claim through the mail, it is recommended that you file it in person so the clerk can let you know in person whether the form has been properly completed. Additionally, you can pay the filing costs in person (which can be recovered if you prevail in your lawsuit). In addition to the filing fee, the plaintiff will have to pay a fee to have the Defendant served. A Defendant can be served by certified mail or in person by a deputy sheriff or constable. Service by a sheriff or constable can cost more than by certified mail (but may be quicker because a person might not be home or refuse to accept a certified letter).

Advantages of Filing in Magisterial District Court in Allegheny County

Claims for $12,000 or less can also be filed at the Common Pleas Court. However, the Magisterial District Court is not as formal and is cheaper than a case in common pleas court. Also, you need an attorney to file your case in common pleas court. Magisterial District Court does not require an attorney.