Kentucky Small Claims

In Kentucky, small claims courts are forums for resolving everyday civil disputes. These civil disputes include unpaid loans or bills, disagreements over security deposits, and minor property damage. In Kentucky, small claims are heard in the District Court’s Small Claims Division.

What Is a Small Claims Court in Kentucky?

The Small Claims Division of the District Court in every county in Kentucky resolves conflicts related to money or personal belongings worth $2,500 or less. This $2,500 cap does not account for interest or court fees. The rules governing small claims in Kentucky are outlined inKRS 24A.230.

The small claims process in this state is informal. Interested parties can either represent themselves or choose to hire a lawyer to manage their case.

In the Small Claims Division, those involved in the disagreement appear in court and present their versions of the events to the judge. The judge then makes a ruling based on the law that applies to the facts shared. There is no jury trial in the Small Claims Division.

Small Claims Court Limits in Kentucky

In Kentucky, the limit for small claims court is $2,500 or less. This amount does not include any interest or court fees. There is no jury in small claims court. However, if the plaintiff is claiming more than $2,500 in money or personal property, you can ask for a jury trial. You need to inform the Office of Circuit Court Clerk at least seven days before the hearing if you want a jury trial. They will then move your case from the Small Claims Division to the Civil Division of the District Court. Keep in mind that there will be an extra fee for this transfer. You might also need to hire a lawyer.

In Kentucky, a person cannot file more than 25 claims in a single calendar year. For businesses, the limit is also 25 claims per location that has been operating in trade or commerce for at least 6 months.

How to File a Small Claims Case in Kentucky

1) Confirm venue & start the case. You can file your small claims complaint with a court in the county where the person you are suing either lives or does business. If you are suing a corporation, you should file in the county where its office or place of business is located.

2) Use the official forms. You can download AOC-175 (Complaint) and other related forms, such as AOC-180 (Summons) and AOC-185 (Counterclaim), from the Kentucky Court of Justice forms library.

3) File & pay fees. You can do this in person at the Office of Circuit Court Clerk, which also serves the District Court. Alternatively, you can file online.Kentucky’s KYeCourts allows people who are representing themselves to file small-claims cases online after they create a user account. Local rules and practices determine the fees.

4) Serve the defendant properly. Ensure you serve the defendant correctly. Once the clerk gives you the summons, you can choose to send it by certified mail (with a return receipt) or have it delivered personally by a sheriff or authorized process server. This service must comply with Kentucky Civil Rules.The court will set a hearing date 20 to 40 days after the service is completed. Continuances will only be granted if they are necessary for fairness.

5) Prepare your proof. Always bring any contracts, invoices, photos, messages, estimates, and witnesses to the hearing. Small-claims hearings do not involve any pretrial discovery, so it is always best to organize your exhibits for a clear presentation.

Small Claims Courts in Major Kentucky Cities (examples)

• Louisville (Jefferson County – District Court).Louis D. Brandeis Hall of Justice, located at 600 W. Jefferson St., Louisville, KY 40202.The Jefferson District Civil/Small Claims office has information on hours and contacts for filings and dockets.
• Lexington (Fayette County – Small Claims Division).Robert F. Stephens District Courthouse, found at 150 N. Limestone, Suite D-112, Lexington, KY 40507.The county page verifies the small-claims limit and includes phone numbers and hours.
• Covington (Kenton County – Justice Center). Kenton County Justice Center, situated at 230 Madison Ave., Covington, KY 41011. The Clerk’s page offers contact details and hours for District Civil/Small Claims.Kentucky Court of Justice+1

What to Expect at a Small Claims Hearing in Kentucky

Once the service is valid, the court will schedule a hearing within 20 to 40 days. During this hearing, the judge will swear in the involved parties, listen to brief testimonies, and look over your exhibits. In small claims cases, there is no jury. If a defendant requests a jury promptly, the case will be moved to the regular docket. Many judges will make their decisions during the hearing or soon after. If either party is unhappy with the small-claims judgment, they can appeal to the Circuit Court within 10 days by filing a Notice of Appeal. A Statement of Appeal needs to be submitted within 30 days of that notice.

How to Search for Small Claims Records in Kentucky

Most small-claims case information is public unless sealed by law.

1. KYeCourts / CourtNet (official). You can use the online portals of the Kentucky Court of Justice to search for case information (guest access is available) and to check court dates. The availability of document images can vary. However, dockets and registers are usually accessible.
2. Request Court Records from the Clerk. The AOC advises the public to obtain copies or certified copies from the clerk of the court that handled the case, including records that are not available online.
3. County pages & dockets. Some clerks (like Jefferson County) provide direct links to KCOJ dockets and public-records resources.