Lawsuits to collect debts are usually filed in state courts—and may be filed in small claims courts, depending on the amount of the debt and the small claims court’s jurisdictional limits (the maximum amount of a claim that can be filed in the court).
In Ohio, lawsuits to collect debts are typically filed in state courts, and small claims courts are often used for lower amounts of debt. The jurisdictional limit for small claims courts in Ohio is $6,000, meaning that any claim for debt collection up to this amount can be filed in a small claims court. Claims exceeding this limit must be filed in a higher court, such as a municipal or common pleas court. The process in small claims court is designed to be more straightforward and less formal than in higher courts, allowing individuals to represent themselves without an attorney if they choose. However, for more complex cases or those involving larger sums, it is advisable to seek legal representation.