Bucks County Magisterial Districts
Bucks County has 18 Magisterial Districts which are:
07-1-01
The Magisterial District Judge for 07-1-01 is Michael W. Gallagher . The 07-1-01 Magisterial District courthouse is located at:
2404 Byberry Road Bensalem, PA 19020 The phone number for 07-1-01 Magisterial District is: 215-638-1040. The fax number for 07-1-01 Magisterial District is: 215-638-0135.
07-1-02
The Magisterial District Judge for 07-1-02 is Frank W. Peranteau . The 07-1-02 Magisterial District courthouse is located at:
501 Bath Street Bristol, PA 19007The phone number for 07-1-02 Magisterial District is: 215-785-3521. The fax number for 07-1-02 Magisterial District is: 215-785-0816.
07-1-03
The Magisterial District Judge for 07-1-03 is (Vacant) Kline . The 07-1-03 Magisterial District courthouse is located at:
3030 Bath Road Bristol, PA 19007The phone number for 07-1-03 Magisterial District is: 215-788-5561. The fax number for 07-1-03 Magisterial District is: 215-788-5568.
07-1-04
The Magisterial District Judge for 07-1-04 is Robert L. Wagner . The 07-1-04 Magisterial District courthouse is located at:
7325 New Falls Road Levittown, PA 19055The phone number for 07-1-04 Magisterial District is: 215-943-9414. The fax number for 07-1-04 Magisterial District is: 215-943-9454.
07-1-07
The Magisterial District Judge for 07-1-07 is Daniel E. Baranoski . The 07-1-07 Magisterial District courthouse is located at:
142 Centre Street Penndel, PA 19047The phone number for 07-1-07 Magisterial District is: 215-757-6761. The fax number for 07-1-07 Magisterial District is: 215-757-2284.
07-1-08
The Magisterial District Judge for 07-1-08 is John J. Kelly . The 07-1-08 Magisterial District courthouse is located at:
2661 Trenton Road Levittown, PA 19056The phone number for 07-1-08 Magisterial District is: 215-946-5450. The fax number for 07-1-08 Magisterial District is: 215-946-5459.
07-1-09
The Magisterial District Judge for 07-1-09 is Daniel J. Finello . The 07-1-09 Magisterial District courthouse is located at:
567 Newtown Road Warminster, PA 18974The phone number for 07-1-09 Magisterial District is: 215-672-5853. The fax number for 07-1-09 Magisterial District is: 215-672-8013.
07-1-10
The Magisterial District Judge for 07-1-10 is Jan Vislosky . The 07-1-10 Magisterial District courthouse is located at:
9187 New Falls Road Fallsington, PA 19054The phone number for 07-1-10 Magisterial District is: 215-736-0231. The fax number for 07-1-10 Magisterial District is: 215-736-0809.
07-1-11
The Magisterial District Judge for 07-1-11 is (Vacant) Burns . The 07-1-11 Magisterial District courthouse is located at:
31 East Cleveland Avenue Morrisville, PA 19067The phone number for 07-1-11 Magisterial District is: 215-736-1121. The fax number for 07-1-11 Magisterial District is: 215-736-0835.
07-1-12
The Magisterial District Judge for 07-1-12 is Joseph P. Falcone . The 07-1-12 Magisterial District courthouse is located at:
Bensalem Professional Plaza 3237 Bristol Road, Suite 100-101 Bensalem, PA 19020The phone number for 07-1-12 Magisterial District is: 215-741-3501. The fax number for 07-1-12 Magisterial District is: 215-741-3503.
07-2-01
The Magisterial District Judge for 07-2-01 is William J. Benz . The 07-2-01 Magisterial District courthouse is located at:
60 Township Road Richboro, PA 18954The phone number for 07-2-01 Magisterial District is: 215-322-0144. The fax number for 07-2-01 Magisterial District is: 215-322-7371.
07-2-02
The Magisterial District Judge for 07-2-02 is Mark D. Douple . The 07-2-02 Magisterial District courthouse is located at:
1277 Almshouse Road Warrington, PA 18976The phone number for 07-2-02 Magisterial District is: 215-343-7961. The fax number for 07-2-02 Magisterial District is: 215-343-7964.
07-2-05
The Magisterial District Judge for 07-2-05 is Lisa J. Gaier . The 07-2-05 Magisterial District courthouse is located at:
281 California Road Quakertown, PA 18951The phone number for 07-2-05 Magisterial District is: 215-536-9650. The fax number for 07-2-05 Magisterial District is: 215-536-6966.
07-2-07
The Magisterial District Judge for 07-2-07 is Michael W. Petrucci . The 07-2-07 Magisterial District courthouse is located at:
28 North State Street Newtown, PA 18940The phone number for 07-2-07 Magisterial District is: 215-968-1657. The fax number for 07-2-07 Magisterial District is: 215-968-5886.
07-2-08
The Magisterial District Judge for 07-2-08 is Regina M. Armitage-Smith . The 07-2-08 Magisterial District courthouse is located at:
962 Town Center New Britain, PA 18901The phone number for 07-2-08 Magisterial District is: 215-230-7265. The fax number for 07-2-08 Magisterial District is: 215-230-7276.
07-3-01
The Magisterial District Judge for 07-3-01 is Maggie Snow . The 07-3-01 Magisterial District courthouse is located at:
4001 Durham Road Doylestown, PA 18901The phone number for 07-3-01 Magisterial District is: 215-345-7516. The fax number for 07-3-01 Magisterial District is: 215-345-7527.
07-3-02
The Magisterial District Judge for 07-3-02 is Jean Seaman . The 07-3-02 Magisterial District courthouse is located at:
1720 Kendarbren Drive, Suite 711 Jamison, PA 18929The phone number for 07-3-02 Magisterial District is: 215-343-0627. The fax number for 07-3-02 Magisterial District is: 215-343-0629.
07-3-03
The Magisterial District Judge for 07-3-03 is Thomas G. Gambardella . The 07-3-03 Magisterial District courthouse is located at:
276 Tabor Road Ottsville, PA 18942The phone number for 07-3-03 Magisterial District is: 610-847-5164. The fax number for 07-3-03 Magisterial District is: 610-847-8497.
Bucks County Small Claims Court
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 for the case was signed or where work was to be performed
- the accident happened
- the property from the case is kept
The plaintiff should contact the Magisterial District Court clerk to ensure it is the proper court for the case. The plaintiff can also inquire what the filing fee for the case will be. The filing fee can be paid by the plaintiff when the case is actually filed. The form “Civil Complaint” need to be completed by the plaintiff. Note: if you need to include confidential information in your complaint, it is important to use the Confidential Information Form found on the same page.
Types of Cases in Bucks County Small Claims Court
Two types of civil cases are generally heard in Magisterial District Court in Bucks County: negligence and contract actions. A breach of contract action is where parties enter into an agreement that can be either oral or in writing. Contracts are common and used in a wide variety of situations including between:
- homeowners and contractors to make repairs
- insurance companies to provide insurance services
- credit card companies and credit card holders to provide credit services
Breach of contract occurs when one party does not complete what they are required to do under the contract. A negligence case occurs when a party who is responsible to protect someone or something using due care, fails to do so. Negligence actions usually arise in an automobile accident or other times where someone sustains personal injuries or property damage.
Advantages of Filing in Magisterial District Court in Bucks County
Claims for $12,000 or less can also be filed in a court called common pleas court. But, the Common Pleas Court is more formal and expensive than Magisterial District Court. Additionally, you need an attorney to file your case in the court of common pleas. Magisterial District Court does not require an attorney.
What does a Magisterial District Judge Handle?
A Magisterial District Judge is a judge elected by the people of the district to handle certain types of cases including criminal (preliminary hearings and arraignments, traffic offenses, municipal code violations) and civil (landlord/tenant cases and cases where the amount in dispute does not exceed $12,000).
Bucks County Magisterial District Court Small Claims Court Hearing
Once you file your claim, the clerk will schedule a hearing (usually between 12 and 60 days from the date you filed your claim). Prior to the hearing, you should gather all documents and papers related to your case. You should also arrange to have any witnesses that may support your position present on the date of the hearing so they can testify. The hearing is open to the public and usually includes the following: judge, clerk, plaintiff, defendant, and any witnesses for either party. Courtrooms are open to the public so there may be additional persons in the gallery (who may include additional parties if there is more than one case set for a hearing that day). At the beginning of the case (or calendar), the Magisterial District Judge will usually briefly explain the procedures used at the hearing. The plaintiff and defendant will both be sworn in to present testimony to the judge. At the hearing, the judge will give the plaintiff an opportunity to testify about the circumstances surrounding the case. During this time, the plaintiff should present any evidence supporting the case including paperwork, receipts, records, photographs, or videos of the case. The court will then give the Defendant a chance to ask questions to the plaintiff. Once the plaintiff is finished, any witnesses the plaintiff brought will be sworn and have the chance to testify as well. The defendant will be given the chance to ask questions of these witnesses as well. Once the plaintiff is done, the defendant will have a chance to present testimony (and the plaintiff can ask questions of the defendant). The defendant can also bring witnesses to provide testimony to the judge as well. Once all the evidence has been presented, the judge will either make a decision at the hearing or within five days.
Bucks County Magisterial District Court Appeal
If the plaintiff wins at the hearing, the judge may set up a twelve month installment plan for payments from the Defendant. The defendant has thirty days to appeal the Magisterial District Judge’s decision to 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.
Steps Before Filing a Case in Bucks County Small Claims Court
You should send a demand letter to the defendant asking for payment before filing your claim. A demand letter can be the cheapest and quickest way of resolving your situation. In addition to the amount you are requesting, you should also set a reasonable deadline for the defendant to respond by. If the defendant does not agree to the terms in your letter (or fails to respond), you may consider filing your case. Before filing your case, you need to learn the name and address of the party you are filing your case against. The court is unable to accept a P.O. Box. It needs a physical address. Additionally, if the party you are suing is not an individual, you will need to have the correct name of the corporation, partnership, limited liability entity, or whatever the corporate structure the party is utilizing. 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:
- name and address of the plaintiff
- name and address of the person you want to sue
- the amount of the claim
- short statement of facts surrounding the circumstances of the case (including dates and locations)
The court allows a plaintiff to file a complaint through the mail, but a plaintiff should file it in person so the court clerk can notify you if there are any problems with your complaint. The plaintiff can also pay the filing fee in person at the courthouse. The plaintiff will also have to pay for a cost to serve the defendant. A Defendant can be served by certified mail or in person by a deputy sheriff or constable. Personal service can be more expensive than certified mail but can be quicker than certified mail.