Recent News

February 2, 2007

Franklin County Municipal Court announces new check and account resolution service

The Franklin County Municipal Court Small Claims Division announces its Check and Account Resolution Service (CARS). Effective Feb. 1, CARS will provide facilitated meetings to resolve disputes that involve dishonored checks, accounts and “payday” loans. This service is the result of a successful six-month pilot project and offers several attractive features for potential plaintiffs.

Sessions may be scheduled at 4:00 p.m., instead of 6:00 p.m. Notices will be customized so that the responding party receives detailed information about how to contact the business directly to resolve the matter. Streamlined sessions will allow parties to spend less time in the Small Claims Division. CARS will allow each business to draft an agreement that provides detailed and specific instructions to the other party about performance of the agreement. Participants in CARS will be able to avoid the higher small claims or general division filing fees and costs associated with collecting through the municipal court.

The court is confident that CARS will better serve the businesses and individuals who have used our mediation program. There will be a fee of $15 for each potential defendant scheduled for CARS. The fee will cover up to five checks, accounts or loans involving the same individual or business. Accounting procedures are established through the clerk of court and fees must be paid before notices are sent.

Information packets are available from the Small Claims Division. Patricia Benchia is coordinating this program. Please call 614/645.8576 or email smallClaims@fcmcclerk.com to request an information packet.