Debt Collection & Repossession
Legal Information > Hearing and Appeal Procedure
This section of PALawHelp.org has information and resources about Debt Collection & Repossession issues in Pennsylvania.
Debt Collection Practices
There are state and federal laws to protect people from debt collectors who use unfair, abusive, or deceptive practices. These laws do not excuse you from paying your debts, but they do protect you from improper collection practices. Continue Reading Full Resource. . .
Repossessions
When you owe money to a bank, finance company, or seller (the creditor), often the creditor has a security interest in some of your property. This property is called collateral. The security interest gives the creditor the right to take back (repossess) that property if you ever fail to make a payment .Continue Reading Full Resource. . .
Click on a resource category listed below to see information related to that category.
Appealing the Magisterial District Justice Judgment
Information from Neighborhood Legal Services Association on appealing a Magisterial District Justice judgment, including how to appeal a judgment for possession.
Bringing Suit Before a Magisterial District Judge
You may file a suit with a magisterial district judge (MDJ), formerly called a district justice, if you have a complaint against a person or business and wish to recover an amount of money totaling $12,000 or less. This is called a civil lawsuit. The $12,000 limit does not include the court costs involved in the suit, or any interest that may be due on your claim. If you are successful, you are entitled to be reimbursed for court costs. This consumer information pamphlet from the Pennsylvania Bar Association explains the process. [PDF] (09/2020)
How to Sue At the Office of the Magisterial District Judge
In Pennsylvania, people can bring lawsuits against individuals or businesses by filing a complaint at the office of a Magisterial District Justice. The advantage of filing with a Magisterial District Justice is that the system can work well without attorneys. The Magisterial District Justice can hear cases in which there is $12,000.00 or less at issue. This provides information from MidPenn Legal Services on how to file suit on small claims in your local Office of the Magisterial District Justice, formerly known as the District Justice, Justice of the Peace, or Magisterial District Judge. (July 2012)
Magisterial District Courts
Information from the Pennsylvania Legal Aid Network on the operation of Magisterial District Courts in Pennsylvania.
Magisterial District Judge Court - Filing Suit
This information from Northwestern Legal Services provides instructions on how to file a lawsuit in Magisterial District Judge Court. Revised: November 2018.
The District Justice Hearing: North Penn Legal Services Landlord - Tenant Video Workshop
This video workshop from North Penn Legal Services features a typical hearing before a magisterial district Judge in a landlord-tenant case, followed by a panel discussion featuring several judges describing some best practices for you to use at your hearing, as well as some things to avoid. The process in the video is typical of any civil case brought before a magisterial district judge in Pennsylvania.
Appealing the Magisterial District Justice Judgment
Information from Neighborhood Legal Services Association on appealing a Magisterial District Justice judgment, including how to appeal a judgment for possession.
How to Sue At the Office of the Magisterial District Judge
In Pennsylvania, people can bring lawsuits against individuals or businesses by filing a complaint at the office of a Magisterial District Justice. The advantage of filing with a Magisterial District Justice is that the system can work well without attorneys. The Magisterial District Justice can hear cases in which there is $12,000.00 or less at issue. This provides information from MidPenn Legal Services on how to file suit on small claims in your local Office of the Magisterial District Justice, formerly known as the District Justice, Justice of the Peace, or Magisterial District Judge. (July 2012)
Magisterial District Courts
Information from the Pennsylvania Legal Aid Network on the operation of Magisterial District Courts in Pennsylvania.
Magisterial District Judge Court - Filing Suit
This information from Northwestern Legal Services provides instructions on how to file a lawsuit in Magisterial District Judge Court. Revised: November 2018.
The District Justice Hearing: North Penn Legal Services Landlord - Tenant Video Workshop
This video workshop from North Penn Legal Services features a typical hearing before a magisterial district Judge in a landlord-tenant case, followed by a panel discussion featuring several judges describing some best practices for you to use at your hearing, as well as some things to avoid. The process in the video is typical of any civil case brought before a magisterial district judge in Pennsylvania.
Bringing Suit Before a Magisterial District Judge
You may file a suit with a magisterial district judge (MDJ), formerly called a district justice, if you have a complaint against a person or business and wish to recover an amount of money totaling $12,000 or less. This is called a civil lawsuit. The $12,000 limit does not include the court costs involved in the suit, or any interest that may be due on your claim. If you are successful, you are entitled to be reimbursed for court costs. This consumer information pamphlet from the Pennsylvania Bar Association explains the process. [PDF] (09/2020)