§Learn About The Law

Small Claims

Small Claims Court

Small claims court is a simplified court designed for regular people to resolve smaller disputes without needing a lawyer. Here's how it works and how to give yourself the best shot.

What small claims is (and isn't)

Small claims court handles disputes over money — unpaid rent, security deposits, broken contracts, damaged property, unpaid invoices, minor car accident damages, and similar issues. Each state sets a dollar limit, commonly somewhere between $2,500 and $25,000 depending on where you live.

Small claims is not the place for divorce, custody, evictions, or claims much bigger than the local limit. In many states you cannot bring a lawyer with you, and if you can, you often don't need to.

Before you file: try to resolve it

Judges generally like to see that you tried to work things out first. Send a clear written demand — a short letter or email stating what happened, what you want, and a reasonable deadline to respond. Keep a copy. This "demand letter" alone often resolves the dispute and becomes useful evidence if it doesn't.

Filing your case

  1. Find the right court (usually where the defendant lives or where the issue happened).
  2. Fill out the court's small claims form — it will ask for the defendant's legal name and address, a brief description of the dispute, and the amount you're seeking.
  3. Pay the filing fee (often waived if you can't afford it).
  4. Arrange for the defendant to be served — formally notified — using the method your court allows.

Preparing for the hearing

  • Write a short, chronological story of what happened.
  • Bring organized copies of contracts, texts, emails, photos, receipts, and estimates — enough for you, the judge, and the other side.
  • Bring any witnesses who saw or heard something firsthand.
  • Practice explaining your case in two to three minutes.

At the hearing

You'll stand or sit at a podium, explain what happened, and answer the judge's questions. Then the other side speaks. Be respectful, stick to the facts, and don't interrupt. Most cases are decided within a few minutes; the judge may rule from the bench or send the decision in the mail.

Winning is only half the battle

A judgment is not a check. If the other side doesn't pay voluntarily, you may need to take additional steps to collect: wage garnishment, bank levies, or liens. Your court's website usually explains the local process.