Civil Department
Notice
Court employees including the Judge are prohibited by law from giving legal advice, which includes selection and preparation of documents. If you have any questions regarding civil filings, you are advised to seek legal counsel of your choosing. The Court can not appoint an attorney to represent you in civil or small claims matters.
The Court has jurisdiction in civil cases for which the amount claimed does not exceed Fifteen Thousand Dollars ($15,000.00), exclusive of interest and costs.
Landlord/Tenant disputes and appeals to the Bureau of Motor Vehicles may also be filed in this division.
To file a civil case in the Bellevue Municipal Court, proper jurisdiction must be determined by answering yes to ONE of the following statements:
- A defendant resides in the City of Bellevue, Lyme or Sherman Townships in Huron Co., York Township in Sandusky Co OR Groton Township in Erie County.
- A defendant has his principal place of business in the City of Bellevue, Lyme or Sherman Townships in Huron Co., York Township in Sandusky Co OR Groton Township in Erie County.
- The action must have occurred in the City of Bellevue, Lyme or Sherman Townships in Huron Co., York Township in Sandusky Co OR Groton Township in Erie County.
- The property, which is the subject of a civil action, is located in: the City of Bellevue, Lyme or Sherman Townships in Huron Co., York Township in Sandusky Co OR Groton Township in Erie County.
Interest Rates On Judgment
EFFECTIVE January, 2024 please be advised that the Ohio Tax Commissioner has determined that pursuant to R.C. 5703.47, the interest rate for the calendar year is eight percent (8%).
Filing Fees
| Amended Complaint (Original + 2 Copies for Each Defendant) | $60.00 |
| Each Additional Defendant | $10.00 |
| Civil Complaint (Original + 2 Copies for Each Defendant) - Limit $15,000.00 | $105.00 |
| Each Additional Defendant | $10.00 |
| Civil Cross-Claim (Original + 2 Copies for Each Defendant) - Plaintiff Serves Defendant | $20.00 |
| Civil Counter-Claim (Original + 2 Copies for Each Defendant) - Court Provides Service | $35.00 |
| Transfer Civil TO Another Court | $80.00 |
| Transfer Civil INTO this Court FROM Another Court | $80.00 |
| Forcible Entry and Detainer (Evictions) - Original +3 Copies for Each Party | $140.00 |
| Writ of Restitution (Plaintiff Supplies Movers) | $30.00 |
| Landlord/Tenant (Legal Aid Fee Only) | $26.00 |
| Trusteeship | $55.00 |
| Writ of Execution | $150.00 |
| Bank Attachment/Proceedings in Aid/3rd Party Attachment (Original +3 Copies) Plus $1.00 Check Made Out to Garnishee/Bank) |
$50.00 |
| Garnishment Personal Earnings - Judgement UP TO $3,000.00 (Original + 4 Copies) | $100.00 |
| Garnishment Personal Earnings - Judgement OVER $3,000.00 (Original + 4 Copies) | $160.00 |
| Judgment Debtor's Exam (Original + 3 Copies) | |
| One Person | $40.00 |
| Two People | $60.00 |
| Debtor Disclosure Questionnaire | $20.00 |
| Replevin (Serial Numbers/Material Items, ex. TV) - Original +3 Copies | $100.00 |
| Cognovit Judgment/Note | $100.00 |
| Certificate of Judgment Lien (Issuing Certificate) | $20.00 |
| Filing Certificate of Judgement in Court | $40.00 |
| Authentication Certificate | $30.00 |
| Certified Copy of Judgment | $10.00 |
| Release of Certificate of Judgment (Plus Common Pleas Fee Where Filed) | $20.00 |
| Modify Judgment | $30.00 |
| Revive Judgment/Revivor | $60.00 |
| Revocation of Driver's License (BMV Petition) (Fee Includes State Legal Aid Fee of $26) | $95.00 |
| Substitution of Counsel (If it is a Different Firm) | $15.00 |
| Appeal (Original +5 Copies) | $25.00 Local Cost + $150.00 Payable to Court of Appeals |
| Jury Trial | $400.00 |
| Trial Fee Must Be Paid 2 Weeks Prior to Trial Date +$15.00 for Each Juror + Witness Fees + Postage | $15.00 |
| (Plus $15 for Each Juror + Witness Fees + Juror Notice Fees) | |
| Juror Notice Fees | $37.80 |
| Juror Fee (Per Day Whether They Serve or Not) | $15.00 |
| Witness Fees (Names Must Be Filed 7 Days Prior to Trial Date) | $6.00/Half Day $12.00 Full Day |
| Subpoena (Request Must Have Precipe Attached with Instructions/Bailiff Fee & Mileage May Apply | $10.00 Each |
| Bailiff & Sheriff Mileage | |
| (65.5 Cents Per Mile Plus $6.00 Sheriff Fee If Used Will Be Billed) | |
| Contempt | |
| One Person | $40.00 |
| Two People | $60.00 |
** The Clerk shall refuse to file or act on any matter requiring a deposit, of costs unless the requisit deposit for cost has been paid **