Lake County courts

Filing fees, clerk information, and official court links.

Reviewed Jul 30, 2026 · Official sources
Civil filing fee
$300
New civil suit · Court of Common Pleas
E-filing
Available
Through Lake County e-Services
Deadline: varies by court
Case records
Search online
Free public case search
Filing typeFee
Civil lawsuit$300
Small claimsVaries, see details
Divorce / family$306 to $326

Fees depend on case type and amount; confirm with the court before filing. At $300, the civil filing fee in Lake County is about the same as nearby counties (median $292 across 6 nearby counties).

Clerk & court records

Lake County Clerk of Courts (Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas)
Carl DiFranco
Call the clerk

Courthouses in Lake County

Family

Lake County Court of Common Pleas, Domestic Relations Division

Address
47 N. Park Place, Painesville, 44077

Need papers served or filed in Lake County? Nationwide Legal, our partner company, handles process service and court filing here.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • How much does it cost to file a civil case in Lake County?

    The civil filing fee in Lake County, Ohio is $300.00 (Common Pleas General Division civil, up to 3 defendants)

  • What is the small claims filing fee in Lake County?

    Small claims heard in municipal courts (e.g. Painesville Municipal), not Common Pleas.

  • How much does it cost to file for divorce or a family case in Lake County?

    $326.00 (divorce/dissolution with minor children); $306.00 (without children) - Domestic Relations.

  • Can I e-file court documents in Lake County?

    Yes. E-filing is available through Lake County e-Services.

  • Is there a free online case search for Lake County?

    Yes. You can look up cases online at phoenix.lakecountyohio.gov.

  • Where do I file court documents in Lake County?

    Filings go to the Lake County Clerk of Courts (Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas), located at 25 North Park Place, Painesville, OH 44077. You can reach the clerk at (440) 350-2657.

Lake County Court of Common Pleas, OH: (440) 350-2657, Hours & $300 Filing Fee | 1Court