Frequently Asked Questions

The following is a listing of frequently asked questions by the general public. This information is provided to assist you in your court-related business.

Please see our links entitled About The Court or Divisions for specific court divisions and phone numbers to further assist you.

Q: I've received a traffic ticket. What must I do?

A: Certain traffic violations are waiverable. A waiver is admitting your guilt by signing the statement on reverse side of ticket, submitting a check or money order for the amount due and forwarding to Lakewood Court. This may also be done in person at the Violations Bureau.

Please call the Clerk's Office for waiver eligibility and amount due or see the waiver schedule.

Q: I did not have proof of automobile insurance when stopped for traffic violation. What do I do?

A: Ohio law requires providing proof of insurance upon being stopped/cited for a traffic violation. Please produce your insurance card (not your policy) upon payment of violation in Court or a copy of same if mailing in your waiver. Your insurance coverage dates must include the date of violation.

Q: How do I file a Small Claims complaint and for what monetary limit?

A: You may file a Small Claims complaint in the Clerk's Office during normal office hours. See the Divisions page. The monetary limit is $3,000.

Forms may be downloaded via the Court Forms page. The filing fee is $36 for one defendant and $5 for each additional defendant. Also see the Fee Schedules pages.

Q: Can I file a Small Claims complaint through the mail?

A: Yes. The Small Claims complaint must be signed and notarized. It must be returned with the Request for Service form (see Court Forms) and with the proper filing fee.

Q: What is the territorial jurisdiction for filing a Small Claims complaint?

A: The defendant must reside in Lakewood or the action must have taken place in Lakewood.

Q: Where can I obtain legal forms?

A: See our Court Forms page or contact the following forms companies:

Ohio Legal Blank Co.
www.ohiolegalblank.com
9800 Detroit Avenue
Cleveland, Ohio 44102
(216) 281-7792

Michalske Printing
5808 Clark Avenue
Cleveland, Ohio 44102
(216) 631-0567

Q: What is the maximum monetary amount in a municipal court civil suit?

A: You may sue for up to $15,000.

Q: Can I continue my court date?

A: You may be eligible for a one-week continuance. Please see the Divisions page.

Q: Can I obtain public record information from the court?

A: Yes. Please go to the Divisions page and contact the appropriate division involved. There are fees associated with public record information.

Q: What are your office hours and how may I pay my costs?

A: See the Divisions and Fee Schedules pages. We accept cash, checks, credit cards and money orders.

Q: If I serve as a juror do I get paid?

A: Yes. Jurors receive $25 per day. See our Jury Duty Information page.