Tulsa County Eviction Court: A Landlord's Guide
Where Tulsa County evictions are filed and heard, what the docket is like, and what to expect from filing day to the sheriff's lockout — from a team that works these cases every week.
Where evictions happen in Tulsa County
Residential evictions for Tulsa, Broken Arrow, Owasso, Bixby, Jenks, Sand Springs, Glenpool, Collinsville, and the rest of the county are filed as forcible entry and detainer (FED) actions in the Tulsa County District Court. Filing happens through the court clerk's Small Claims Department at the Tulsa County Courthouse, 500 S. Denver Ave. Cases seeking $10,000 or less run on the small claims docket (12 O.S. § 1148.14).
One local wrinkle: in recent years Tulsa County's eviction docket has been heard away from the main courthouse, at the Family Center for Juvenile Justice, 500 W. Archer St. Your summons states where your case will be called — check it (or ask us) rather than assuming the downtown courthouse.
Our office is one block south of the courthouse at 624 S. Denver Ave. We work this docket every week, which is exactly the point of hiring a local eviction service instead of doing courthouse runs yourself.
Filing your case
You (or we) file the FED petition with the Tulsa County court clerk and pay the filing fee — $58 for a case seeking $5,000 or less, $161 above that, plus the process service fee of about $50. The tenant must then be served at least 3 days before trial — by a sheriff's deputy or licensed process server, or by posting and mailing if diligent personal service fails. Defective service is one of the most common reasons Tulsa eviction cases get continued or dismissed, which is why we route every case through professional process servers.
What hearing day looks like
Eviction dockets are called in batches, so expect a courtroom with many landlords and tenants on the same morning. When your case is called, one of three things happens:
- The tenant doesn't appear — a common outcome in nonpayment cases. The judge reviews your paperwork and enters a default judgment for possession if everything is in order.
- The tenant appears and doesn't contest — judgment is entered, sometimes with an agreed move-out date.
- The tenant contests — the judge hears both sides. Your lease, rent ledger, notice, and proof of service decide the case.
With our full service, a licensed Oklahoma attorney stands up when your case is called. We only need you if there is a dispute (to be called as a witness).
After judgment: the writ and the sheriff
Some tenants move out once judgment is entered. If your tenant stays put, you can request the court issue a writ and the Tulsa County Sheriff's Office execute it: the tenant is notified that the deputy will return in 48 hours to restore possession to you (12 O.S. § 1148.10A).
Why local matters
- We know this docket. Same courthouse, same clerks, same judges, every week.
- One block away. Filings happen often same or next-day, not when the mail arrives.
- Flat pricing. Full service is usually under $200 including attorney and court costs; each case is unique - contact us for more details.
Outside Tulsa County? The process is similar statewide — start with our Oklahoma eviction guide and free notices, and file in the district court of the county where your property sits. Contact us to see if we can help in the county you need assistance in.
Court procedures, locations, and fees can change; confirm current details with the Tulsa County Court Clerk's Small Claims Department (918-596-5466). Statutes cited: 12 O.S. §§ 1148.1–1148.16; fees per 28 O.S. §§ 152, 152.1. This page is general information, not legal advice.