SMALL CLAIMS COMPLAINT FOR MONETARY DAMAGES
(Ohio Rev. Code Chapter 1925 – Small Claims Division)
[// GUIDANCE: This template is drafted to comply with Ohio Rev. Code § 1925.02 (monetary jurisdiction up to $6,000, exclusive of interest and costs) and related provisions of Chapter 1925. Confirm the current statutory limit and local small-claims rules for the court in which you will file. Replace every bracketed item before filing.]
TABLE OF CONTENTS
- Document Header (Caption)
- Definitions
- Jurisdiction & Venue Allegations
- Parties
- Factual Allegations
- Claim for Relief & Damages Statement
- Prayer for Judgment
- Notice of Appeal Rights
- Verification / Affidavit
- Signature & Service Information
1. DOCUMENT HEADER (CAPTION)
IN THE [_] COURT
SMALL CLAIMS DIVISION
[_] COUNTY, OHIO
PLAINTIFF:
[PLAINTIFF NAME]
[Street Address]
[City, State ZIP]
v. Case No. ___
DEFENDANT:
[DEFENDANT NAME]
[Street Address]
[City, State ZIP]
2. DEFINITIONS
For purposes of this Complaint:
a. “Claim Amount” means the sum of $[__], exclusive of interest, court costs, and allowable statutory fees, and in no event exceeding the jurisdictional limit prescribed by Ohio Rev. Code § 1925.02(A)(1).
b. “Court” means the Small Claims Division of the [_] Court, [_] County, Ohio.
c. “Transaction Date” means [DATE], the date on which Defendant’s monetary obligation to Plaintiff arose.
3. JURISDICTION & VENUE ALLEGATIONS
3.1 Pursuant to Ohio Rev. Code § 1925.02, this Court has subject-matter jurisdiction over this action because Plaintiff seeks to recover money only, and the Claim Amount does not exceed six thousand dollars ($6,000), exclusive of interest and costs.
3.2 Venue is proper in this Court under Ohio Civ. R. 3(B) because:
(a) Defendant resides in [_] County, Ohio; or
(b) The cause of action arose in [_] County, Ohio.
[Select as appropriate.]
4. PARTIES
4.1 Plaintiff. [PLAINTIFF NAME] is an individual resident of [County, State], of the full age of majority, with an address stated in the caption.
4.2 Defendant. [DEFENDANT NAME] is an individual / entity with a principal residence / place of business at the address stated in the caption.
5. FACTUAL ALLEGATIONS
5.1 On the Transaction Date, Plaintiff and Defendant entered into the following transaction: [BRIEF DESCRIPTION – e.g., “a written agreement for the repair of Plaintiff’s vehicle,” “sale of goods,” “personal loan,” etc.].
5.2 Defendant agreed to pay Plaintiff $[______] on or before [DATE].
5.3 Despite demand, Defendant has failed and refused to pay the Claim Amount.
5.4 As a direct and proximate result of Defendant’s failure to pay, Plaintiff has been damaged in the Claim Amount, plus statutory interest from [DATE INTEREST BEGINS], costs, and any other relief the Court deems just.
6. CLAIM FOR RELIEF & DAMAGES STATEMENT
COUNT I – MONEY DUE AND OWING
6.1 Plaintiff realleges and incorporates Paragraphs 1 through 5 as though fully restated herein.
6.2 Defendant is indebted to Plaintiff in the Claim Amount, which is due and payable.
6.3 Plaintiff demands judgment against Defendant for:
a. The Claim Amount of $[__];
b. Pre-judgment and post-judgment interest at the statutory rate; and
c. Court costs and such other relief as the Court deems appropriate.
7. PRAYER FOR JUDGMENT
WHEREFORE, Plaintiff respectfully requests that judgment be entered in favor of Plaintiff and against Defendant as follows:
- Monetary damages in the Claim Amount of $[__];
- Pre-judgment interest from [DATE] and post-judgment interest as allowed by law;
- Court costs and service fees; and
- Such other and further relief as the Court finds just and proper.
8. NOTICE OF APPEAL RIGHTS
[// GUIDANCE: Ohio Rev. Code § 1925.16 permits any aggrieved party to appeal a small-claims judgment within thirty (30) days of its entry, in the same manner as appeals in other civil cases. Consider adding local-rule references, if any.]
9. VERIFICATION / AFFIDAVIT
STATE OF OHIO )
) SS:
COUNTY OF [_] )
I, [PLAINTIFF NAME], being first duly sworn, depose and state that I am the Plaintiff in the foregoing action; that I have read the foregoing Small Claims Complaint; and that the facts stated therein are true and correct to the best of my knowledge, information, and belief.
[PLAINTIFF NAME], Affiant
Subscribed and sworn before me on this ___ day of _, 20.
Notary Public
My Commission Expires: ____
10. SIGNATURE & SERVICE INFORMATION
Respectfully submitted,
[PLAINTIFF NAME]
[Street Address]
[City, State ZIP]
[Telephone]
[Email] (optional)
[// GUIDANCE: Many Ohio small-claims divisions will mail service on the Defendant by certified mail upon filing. Confirm local practice. If personal or alternative service is required, add a service instruction sheet.]
OPTIONAL ATTACHMENTS
• Exhibit A – Copy of Contract / Invoice / Promissory Note
• Exhibit B – Demand Letter & Proof of Mailing
• Exhibit C – Account Statement or Ledger
[// GUIDANCE: Attach only those exhibits necessary to establish liability and the Claim Amount. Excessive documentation can delay docketing.]
FINAL COMPLIANCE CHECKLIST
☐ Claim Amount ≤ $6,000 (exclusive of interest & costs)
☐ Cause of action is for money only (no equitable relief)
☐ Proper venue & jurisdiction pled
☐ Verification notarized
☐ Exhibits labeled and referenced
☐ Filing fee confirmed with clerk
☐ Service instructions provided per local rule
End of Template