What is Small Claims Court?  

The Small Claims Court is the division of the Garfield Heights Municipal Court that hears cases up to $6000 in value.  Claims that do not involve money damages are not heard in Small Claims Court.

Claims that are over $6000 in value and less than $15,000 are heard in the Civil Court.

Individuals and businesses - such as corporations, limited liability companies, and partnerships - can sue and be sued in Small Claims Court. 

Small Claims cases have no juries. Cases are usually heard by magistrates instead of judges.  Procedures in small claims court are less strict than they are in other types of court, but the basic rules of procedure and evidence apply.