How to File Small Claims in Boone County
Boone County District Court handles small claims in Burlington, at the Justice Center on Rogers Lane. Filing is walk-in — no appointment needed. Here's the exact process:
Get the AOC-175 Form
Kentucky uses a statewide form: the AOC-175 Statement of Claim. Pick one up at the clerk's window or download from the Kentucky Court of Justice website. Fill it out before you go to save time. You'll need: your name and address, the defendant's full legal name and current address, the dollar amount, and a brief description of the dispute.
Go to the Clerk's Window
Head to the Boone County Justice Center at 6025 Rogers Lane, Burlington. The District Court clerk handles small claims — ask at the front if you're unsure which window. Arrive before 2:00 PM; the window gets congested after 3:00 PM and you may not complete filing same-day after 3:30.
Pay the Filing Fee
The filing fee is $60.50 for claims up to $2,500, covering one defendant. If you're naming multiple defendants, ask about additional service fees. Cash, check, money order, and credit/debit cards are accepted.
Service of the Defendant
After filing, the court sends a certified mail notice to the defendant at no extra charge. If certified mail is returned unclaimed or refused, you can pay for Sheriff's service (~$35 additional). The defendant must be properly served before a hearing date is assigned.
Get Your Hearing Date
Once service is confirmed, the clerk assigns your hearing date — typically 5–7 weeks out. Small claims hearings in Boone County are usually scheduled on Wednesday mornings. You receive written notice by mail. You cannot choose your specific hearing time.
Appear and Present Your Case
Bring all evidence organized chronologically: contracts, invoices, receipts, photos, printed text messages, estimates. Arrive 15 minutes early. The judge hears both sides briefly — know your amount, your evidence, and your ask before walking in. Boone County judges move fast through small claims dockets.
Boone County Small Claims Fees
| Item | Fee | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Filing fee (up to $2,500) | $60.50 | Paid at clerk window at time of filing |
| Certified mail service | Included | Court handles first attempt at no extra charge |
| Sheriff service (if certified mail fails) | ~$35 | Paid separately to Boone County Sheriff |
| Continuance request | No fee | Request in writing before hearing date |
| Post-judgment enforcement filings | Varies | Ask clerk after judgment is entered |
Fees verified 2025. Confirm with the clerk at (859) 334-2255 before filing.
Boone County — Local Notes You Won't Find Elsewhere
⏰ Arrive Before 2 PM
Boone County runs one of NKY's busiest small claims dockets. The clerk's window is consistently congested after 3 PM. Arrive in the morning if at all possible — ideally before noon for same-day, no-wait service.
📍 It's the Justice Center — Not the Admin Building
Small claims filing is at the Boone County Justice Center, 6025 Rogers Lane, Burlington. This is a modern building southwest of Burlington's center. Don't go to the older Boone County Administration Building — that's not where the District Court clerk is. GPS to "6025 Rogers Lane Burlington KY" specifically.
🏢 Verify the Defendant's Legal Name Before Filing
If you're suing a business, you need the registered legal name — not just the sign on the door. Look it up on the Kentucky Secretary of State website before filing. Filing under a trade name can complicate service and collection.
📬 Send a Demand Letter First
Not legally required in Kentucky, but highly recommended. A certified-mail demand letter showing you gave the defendant a fair chance to pay strengthens your case and sometimes resolves it without court. Bring the letter and the certified mail receipt on hearing day.
🔄 Wednesday Hearing Days
Boone County small claims hearings are typically held on Wednesday mornings. You don't choose your time — the court assigns it. If the assigned date creates a genuine hardship, request a continuance in writing through the clerk's office before the hearing date.
What to Bring on Hearing Day
- Photo ID
- Your copy of the filed AOC-175 and your case number
- All contracts, invoices, and written agreements
- Receipts and proof of payment
- Photographs of damage or disputed items (printed)
- Printed screenshots of relevant texts or emails
- Your demand letter and certified mail receipt
- Contractor estimates or repair quotes (if property damage claim)
- Witness contact info (witnesses may testify in person)
If You Win — Collecting Your Judgment
A judgment is a court order, not automatic payment. If the defendant doesn't pay voluntarily after judgment, your enforcement options in Boone County include:
- Wage garnishment: Requires knowing the defendant's employer. File a garnishment order with the court; it directs the employer to withhold wages.
- Bank levy: Requires knowing the defendant's bank. File a levy order against their account.
- Property lien: Place a lien on real property the defendant owns in Boone County — must be paid when the property is sold or refinanced.
- Judgment renewal: Kentucky judgments are valid for 5 years and can be renewed before they lapse.
Ask the clerk's office for the specific forms and fees for post-judgment enforcement after your judgment is entered.
Boone County Small Claims — FAQ
Can I file against someone who lives in another county?
Yes, with caveats. File in Boone County if that's where you live, where the defendant has a place of business, or where the dispute occurred. If the defendant is based in Kenton or Campbell County and the incident happened there, you may need to file in that county instead. Call the clerk at (859) 334-2255 and describe your situation — they'll tell you if Boone County is the right venue.
What if my claim is over $2,500?
You can reduce your claim to $2,500 (waiving the excess) and file in small claims, or file in Boone County Circuit Court with no dollar ceiling. Circuit Court involves more formal procedure and typically requires an attorney. If the defendant is in Ohio and your claim is $2,500–$6,000, Ohio's Municipal Court may let you sue for the full amount.
How do I look up Boone County court records?
Search Boone County District Court records at kcoj.kycourts.net — the Kentucky Court of Justice public case search. Search by name to see active cases and judgments.
Can I bring a lawyer?
Yes. Attorneys are permitted in Kentucky small claims, though they rarely appear. If the opposing party has one and you're concerned, you may request a short continuance to consult one before your hearing.
What if the defendant doesn't show up?
If properly served and absent, the judge typically enters a default judgment in your favor — but you still need to appear and present your evidence. Show up with your documentation even if you expect the defendant won't.
How do I appeal a Boone County small claims decision?
Either party can appeal to Boone County Circuit Court within 30 days. It's a new trial (de novo), not just a review. Circuit Court procedures are significantly more complex — consult an attorney before deciding to appeal.