How to File in Small Claims Court
Free state-by-state guides with filing fees, dollar limits, required forms, and step-by-step instructions.
Why Small Claims Court?
Small claims court is designed for regular people - no lawyer needed. It is the fastest, cheapest way to recover money someone owes you. Most cases are resolved in 30-60 days.
Alabama
Limit: $6,000 · Fee: $55
Alaska
Limit: $10,000 · Fee: $75
Arizona
Limit: $3,500 · Fee: $35
Arkansas
Limit: $5,000 · Fee: $30
California
Limit: $12,500 · Fee: $75
Colorado
Limit: $7,500 · Fee: $31
Connecticut
Limit: $5,000 · Fee: $35
Delaware
Limit: $25,000 · Fee: $45
District of Columbia
Limit: $10,000 · Fee: $15
Florida
Limit: $8,000 · Fee: $55
Georgia
Limit: $15,000 · Fee: $45
Hawaii
Limit: $5,000 · Fee: $35
Idaho
Limit: $5,000 · Fee: $75
Illinois
Limit: $10,000 · Fee: $80
Indiana
Limit: $8,000 · Fee: $35
Iowa
Limit: $6,500 · Fee: $95
Kansas
Limit: $4,000 · Fee: $47
Kentucky
Limit: $2,500 · Fee: $25
Louisiana
Limit: $5,000 · Fee: $50
Maine
Limit: $6,000 · Fee: $50
Maryland
Limit: $5,000 · Fee: $34
Massachusetts
Limit: $7,000 · Fee: $40
Michigan
Limit: $6,500 · Fee: $30
Minnesota
Limit: $15,000 · Fee: $75
Mississippi
Limit: $3,500 · Fee: $40
Missouri
Limit: $5,000 · Fee: $50
Montana
Limit: $7,000 · Fee: $30
Nebraska
Limit: $3,600 · Fee: $28
Nevada
Limit: $10,000 · Fee: $55
New Hampshire
Limit: $10,000 · Fee: $53
New Jersey
Limit: $5,000 · Fee: $30
New Mexico
Limit: $10,000 · Fee: $35
New York
Limit: $10,000 · Fee: $20
North Carolina
Limit: $10,000 · Fee: $96
North Dakota
Limit: $15,000 · Fee: $10
Ohio
Limit: $6,000 · Fee: $40
Oklahoma
Limit: $10,000 · Fee: $58
Oregon
Limit: $10,000 · Fee: $55
Pennsylvania
Limit: $12,000 · Fee: $55
Rhode Island
Limit: $5,000 · Fee: $30
South Carolina
Limit: $7,500 · Fee: $40
South Dakota
Limit: $12,000 · Fee: $40
Tennessee
Limit: $25,000 · Fee: $60
Texas
Limit: $20,000 · Fee: $54
Utah
Limit: $11,000 · Fee: $60
Vermont
Limit: $5,000 · Fee: $75
Virginia
Limit: $5,000 · Fee: $50
Washington
Limit: $10,000 · Fee: $35
West Virginia
Limit: $10,000 · Fee: $30
Wisconsin
Limit: $10,000 · Fee: $55
Wyoming
Limit: $6,000 · Fee: $20