Yeah, I looked online and the court of common pleas was the only thing that came up so I went there and it was considered "arbritration" I was not informed of any alternatives and I later learned of the "magistrate" No one could tell me anything about the process OR the difference between the 2. The Alleghany County Court website is not user friendly nor are there any instructions on how to file a small claims. The folks in the filing office could not answer my basic questions and they NEVER answer the phone. The one time I was able to contact an employee, he was rude, condescending and unprofessional at best. He had the nerve to tell me that "I should have researched better" It should not be a hidden secret to the general public to file a claim and it was expected that I know all the legal terms and the process. The Sheriffs office was no better. They failed to inform me of many things like the 30 days to execute service etc I formed the impression that Pennsylvania gives preference to Attorneys to handle court matters. An explanation of the law in the ruling would have been nice. I can still appeal at the tune of another $100 or $200 plus additional sheriffs fees and travel expenses. I thought I had a solid case too and it doesnt make sense.