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Created October 2026 · Reviewed and verified September 2026 Ohio Verified fee

Lorain County, Ohio Small Claims Filing Fee

The small claims filing fee in Lorain County is $75 to $112, depending on which court hears your case. From the court's own published fees. Verified September 2026.

LegalCostCalculator Editorial Team Data sourced from official government websites  ·  Created  ·  Reviewed and verified

Small Claims Filing Fee in Lorain County

Elyria Municipal Court
Covers: Elyria, North Ridgeville, Grafton, LaGrange, Elyria Township, Carlisle Township, Eaton Township, Columbia Township, Grafton Township, LaGrange Township
Amount you claim Filing fee
Up to $6,000$112

$10 each additional defendant; additional service requested is extra.

Source: Civil Division Court Fees (effective 3/1/2026, Appendix A). Verified September 2026. Court page: elyriamunicourt.org/documents.

Lorain Municipal Court
Covers: Lorain, Sheffield Lake, Sheffield Township
Amount you claim Filing fee
Up to $6,000$110

One defendant.

Source: Security Deposit & Small Claims Fee. Verified September 2026. Court page: cityoflorain.org/238/Security-Deposit-Small-Claims-Fee.

Oberlin Municipal Court
Covers: Oberlin, Amherst, Wellington, Kipton, Rochester, South Amherst, Amherst Township (outside Lorain), Henrietta Township, Russia Township, Camden Township, Pittsfield Township, Brighton Township, Wellington Township, Penfield Township, Rochester Township, Huntington Township
Amount you claim Filing fee
Up to $6,000$75

One defendant; $15 each additional defendant.

Source: Journal Entry: Civil and Small Claims court costs (August 1, 2024). Verified September 2026. Court page: oberlinmunicipalcourt.org/civil.

Vermilion Municipal Court
Covers: Vermilion, Brownhelm Township (outside Lorain)
Amount you claim Filing fee
Up to $6,000$95

$25 each additional defendant.

Source: Civil Division Schedule of Fees (effective 1/1/2024). Verified September 2026. Court page: vermilionmunicipalcourt.org.

Avon Lake Municipal Court
Covers: Avon Lake, Avon, Sheffield
Amount you claim Filing fee
Up to $6,000$89

$10 each additional defendant.

Source: Avon Lake Municipal Court Costs Schedule. Verified September 2026. Court page: avonlakecourt.com/costs.php.

Fees can change during the year and exclude any service-of-process charge unless the table says it is included. Confirm the current amount with the clerk before you file.

Court contact for Lorain County

The court's own page for small claims in Lorain County: https://codes.ohio.gov/ohio-revised-code/section-1901.02. We do not have its street address or phone number on file yet; the official page lists how to reach the clerk.

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How Lorain County compares in Ohio

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Frequently Asked Questions: Lorain County

How much does it cost to file small claims in Lorain County, Ohio?
Lorain County has more than one court that hears small claims, and each sets its own fee, from $75 to $112. See the table above for each court. This is the court's published fee, verified September 2026; fees change, so confirm with the clerk before you file.
Is the Lorain County fee the same as the rest of Ohio?
Not necessarily. In Ohio the small claims fee is set locally. Counties where we have verified the fee range from $35 to $151. Lorain County is 56 verified counties cheaper than it and 8 more expensive.
Can I get the Lorain County small claims fee waived?
Yes, if you cannot afford the fee. Ask the clerk for the fee waiver (in forma pauperis) application when you file. Eligibility is based on income or on receiving public benefits. See our Ohio fee waiver guide for the process.
Where do I file a small claims case in Lorain County?
File with the court that hears small claims for Lorain County. The court's own page is linked on this page. Ask which court covers the address of the person you are suing.
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