Frequently Asked Questions

A civil judgment refers to a noncriminal legal matter. It is a decision by a court, or other tribunal, that resolves a controversy between parties. Civil judgments are recorded in the County's official records.

A civil action is a non-criminal case in which one private individual or business sues another person or business.

County Civil Court has jurisdiction in cases greater than $5,000 and up to $15,000. Circuit Civil Court has jurisdiction in cases greater than $15,000.

You may complete and file an Application for Determination of Civil Indigent Status with the Clerk & Comptroller, Civil Department.  If found indigent, the filing fee will be waived.  If you are found not indigent, you may enter into a Payment Plan Contract.  The Payment Plan Contract allows you to pay the filing fee in smaller, monthly payments.  A service fee of $25 will be added upon the entrance of the Payment Plan Contract.

A Civil Complaint is a legal document that usually begins a civil lawsuit. It states the alleged facts and identifies the action the court is asked to take.

A civil Counterclaim is a claim made by the defendant in a civil lawsuit against the plaintiff. In essence, a counter lawsuit within a lawsuit. 

A subpoena is a command to a person to appear and testify in a specific proceeding.  A summons is a document signed by a deputy clerk ordering a person to appear before the court. 

A writ of garnishment is an order that allows a creditor to seize money owed to the judgment debtor by third parties

A Writ of Replevin is an order to recover personal property that has been wrongful taken or detained.