1. I received a small claims complaint; how do I pay it?

This is a legal matter so it is important to contact the Legal Department at 1-800-860-7482 ext. 5005 or locally at 440-526-0900 ext. 5005 before sending in your payment. All legal payments must be sent to: PO Box 470537, Broadview Heights, Ohio 470537-0537 Attention Legal Department. The court costs must be added to the balance due. Payment in full must be received prior to your hearing date in order for the case to be dismissed.

  1. If I pay the balance in full do I need to attend the hearing?

No, the case will be dismissed.

  1. Why do I have to pay court costs?

The court costs were paid by the city when they filed the small claims against you. They are the filing fee or the cost to file the claim. The court costs must be collected from you regardless if you attend the hearing or not.  

  1. I received a small claims complaint and I know I owe the money; what are my options?

You can make the payment in full (balance due plus court costs) before the hearing and the case will be dismissed. If you cannot pay in full, you can set up a payment plan.  If you set up a payment plan a judgment will still be requested.

  1. What is a judgment?

A judgment is a final determination by the court that the money requested in the claim is valid debt. The judgment gives the city the right to garnish wages, attach bank accounts or file liens against your property if you refuse to pay the debt.  

  1. I cannot pay the small claims balance in full, how do I set up a payment plan?

Contact the Legal Department at 1-800-860-7482 ext. 5005 or locally at 440-526-0900 ext. 5005 to discuss your payment options. You can also attend the hearing were a RITA representative will be available to set up payment arrangements.  

  1. If I do not attend the hearing, will a warrant for my arrest be issued?

No, the small claims action is a civil matter. You cannot be arrested.

  1. What happens once I pay the judgment in full?

The city will file a satisfaction with the court. The satisfaction is the document that indicates to the court that the debt has been paid in full.

  1. Will the filing of the small claims or the judgment be on my credit record?

RITA is not affiliated with any of the credit bureaus and we do not report any information to them.  The small claims action is a matter of public record. The information can be acquired by the credit bureaus and may appear on your credit report.  

  1. Do I have to attend the hearing?

RITA cannot advise you on this matter.  The hearing is your day in court.  If you are in disagreement with the claim it is important to attend the hearing and present your evidence to the court.