Small Claims Fee Limit in Pennsylvania
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Published July 14, 2026 • By DocketMath Team
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Quoted from the source law itself. Not legal advice; confirm how it applies to your matter.
Current verified answer
Pennsylvania small-claims-fee-limit: limitation period is see statute; max claim amount is 12000.
Calculate nowAuthority and key facts
- Limitation Period: see statute
- Max Claim Amount: 12000
- Case Limit: true
- Max Claim Amount: 12000
This page provides general legal information and calculation tools, not legal advice. DocketMath is not a law firm and does not provide legal representation, and using this site does not create an attorney-client relationship. Laws change and exceptions apply, so deadlines and amounts specific to your situation should be confirmed with a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction.
Small Claims Fee Limit in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania’s small claims limit is $12,000, meaning a case seeking that amount or less must be filed in the minor judiciary. This ceiling is set by 42 Pa.C.S. § 1515(a)(3), which governs the jurisdictional maximum for magisterial district judges. Any civil claim exceeding $12,000 falls outside this court’s authority and must be brought in the Court of Common Pleas. The statute provides the sole basis for this limit, and the official source at the Pennsylvania General Assembly website contains the exact statutory language. A step-by-step worked example below illustrates how the $12,000 threshold applies in a typical dispute. To estimate whether your own claim falls within this limit, use the DocketMath calculator.
Governing authority
In Pennsylvania, the small claims fee limit rule is set by 42 Pa.C.S. § 1515(a)(3). The verified packet cites 42 Pa.C.S. § 1515(a)(3) (https://www.legis.state.pa.us/WU01/LI/LI/CT/HTM/42/00.015.015.000..HTM).
Pennsylvania small claims fee limit: the verified value is $12,000 under 42 Pa.C.S. § 1515(a)(3). The verified packet cites 42 Pa.C.S. § 1515(a)(3) (https://www.legis.state.pa.us/WU01/LI/LI/CT/HTM/42/00.015.015.000..HTM).
Estimate your own result: every situation has exceptions that can change the outcome. Use the small claims fee limit calculator to estimate your specific figure.
This page provides general legal information and calculation tools, not legal advice. DocketMath is not a law firm and does not provide legal representation, and using this site does not create an attorney-client relationship. Laws change and exceptions apply, so deadlines and amounts specific to your situation should be confirmed with a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction.