Civil District Department
Civil District Department
Office of Circuit Court Clerk
Louis D. Brandeis Hall of Justice
Room 3012
600 W. Jefferson St.
Louisville, Ky. 40202
Phone 502-595-4475
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m.- 4:30 p.m.
The Civil District/Small Claims Department handles the intake and processing of civil cases. Note: Civil Cases usually require an attorney. This department processes civil complaints for damages up to $5000, forcible entry/detainer (eviction) petitions and post- judgment remedies such as garnishments and executions.
This department also processes administrative board appeals, juvenile permissions to marry, petitions to enforce or prevent cremation, student hardship driver’s license cases and petitions for damages pertaining to childhood sexual abuse/assault.
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Costs and Fees |
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Appeals
Appeal to Circuit Court - $70
Appeal to Circuit Court/Forcible Detainer - $70
Certifications
Act of Congress - $5
Certifications - $5
Civil - $45.50
Petitions
Civil District (under $500) - $43
Civil District (over $500) $73
Attorney Tax Fee - $2.50
Third Party Complaint - $30
Executions - $20
Copies
Per CDs - $10
Per Page - 25 cents
Evictions/Forcible
Forcible Detainer - $43
Attorney Tax Fee - $2.50 per case
Warrant of Possessions - $40
Garnishments
Garnishment - $10
Garnishment Mailed Certified Fee - $5.79
Jury
Jury Fee - $30
Service
Attorney Fee by Sheriff - $40.00
Attorney Fee Certified Mail (additional mailing costs may apply) - $10.09 per defendant
Secretary of State - $14.50
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Acceptable Forms of Payment: District Civil |
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Paying in Person
Cash, certified checks, cashier’s checks, money orders and checks (in most circumstances) are accepted. American Express, Discover and MasterCard credit cards and most debit cards are also accepted. Visa credit and debit cards are not accepted at the counter of any Kentucky Office of the Circuit Court Clerk due to Visa’s convenience fee policy.
Paying by Mail
Certified checks, cashier’s checks, money orders, personal checks and business checks (in most circumstances) are accepted. Cash is accepted but not recommended. Credit and debit cards are not accepted.
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Docket and Motion Hour |
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Eviction
| Division 1 |
Courtroom 307 |
Monday and Wednesday, 9 a.m. |
| Division 2 |
Courtroom 307 |
Tuesday and Thursday, 9 a.m. |
| Division 2 |
Courtroom 307 |
Friday, 10 a.m. | Civil Motion Hour
| Division 1 |
Courtroom 308 |
Friday, 10:30 a.m. |
| Division 2 |
Courtroom 307 |
Friday, 11 a.m. | Division 3 - Cases are addressed according to the first letter of the attorney’s last name. A-M are heard in Division 1 and N-Z are heard in Division 2. Civil Trials
| Division 1 |
Courtroom 307 |
Monday and Wednesday, 10 a.m. |
| Division 2 |
Courtroom 307 |
Tuesday and Thursday, 10 a.m. | Trial dates for Division 1 are given by motion on Tuesday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Trial dates for Division 2 trial are given by motion on Monday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
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Forms |
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Frequently Asked Questions |
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Q: How long does someone have to file an appeal of an eviction?
A: An appeal must be filed within seven days.
Q: After a judgment is entered against a defendant, how long does he or she have to move out of the property?
A: The defendant has seven days to vacate the premises.
Q: Who do I call if I need an attorney and cannot afford one?
A: Contact the Legal Aid Society at 502-584-1254.
Q: When does someone get his or her proceeds from a garnishment?
A: Funds are held for 15 days from the check date by state statute.
Q: Does someone need an attorney to file a civil suit?
A: An attorney is not needed to file suit.
Q: What is the cut-off time for filing a motion for a Friday docket?
A: Wednesday at noon.
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Legal Glossary |
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Act of Congress. Certification that transfers a judgment to another state.
Agreed Judgment. A judgment filed in court by both parties then signed by the judge for judgment in the case.
Bailiff Affidavit. Special bailiffs are used to serve papers.
Civil Docket Sheet. Master court calendar of proceedings in court.
Default Judgment. When a defendant has been served a civil summons then does not reply in writing within 20 days, a motion for a default judgment can be filed against the person and the judgment can be entered.
Defendant. Person being sued.
Discharge of Debtor. An order from a bankruptcy judge that forgives remaining debts which cannot be paid.
Discovery. Obtaining the information needed to collect one’s judgment, usually completed by a subpoena.
Foreign Judgment. Form used to transfer judgments into our state.
Forthwith Order of Arrest. An order signed by a judge to have the sheriff arrest a defendant who fails to show up in court for a discovery hearing after being served a subpoena.
Judgment. Final decision of the court.
Judgment Lien. Claim or charge against properties or funds for payment of a debt or an amount for services rendered
Master Calendar. Copy of all the cases that were on the docket for a specific day that displays what occurred in each case for that day.
Notice of Appeal. An appeal filed that requests a case to be heard by a higher court.
Notice Motion Order. Form used to put a case back on the judge’s docket when there is a dispute.
Plaintiff. Person filing the complaint.
Process Agent. Process agents are listed with the Secretary of State’s Office. When suing a corporation, you must find out from the Secretary of State’s Office who the agent is so that he or she can serve as the agent for the company.
Return of Service. A certified-mail receipt or service of summons from the sheriff that confirms a defendant has been served.
Subpoena. A writ issued under authority of a court to compel the appearance of a witness or a defendant.
Summons. Requires the appearance of said defendant in an action. The purpose of a summons is to notify the defendant that he or she has been sued.
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