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 self-represented claimants. Court limits, fees, service rules, and local forms can change, so verify the local court source before filing.
Alabama
ReviewLimit: $6,000 - Fee: $55
Alaska
ReviewLimit: $10,000 - Fee: $75
Arizona
ReviewLimit: $3,500 - Fee: $35
Arkansas
ReviewLimit: $5,000 - Fee: $30
California
VariesLimit: Up to $12,500 - Fee: $30-$75
Local rules vary
Colorado
ReviewLimit: $7,500 - Fee: $31
Connecticut
ReviewLimit: $5,000 - Fee: $35
Delaware
ReviewLimit: $25,000 - Fee: $45
District of Columbia
ReviewLimit: $10,000 - Fee: $15
Florida
ReviewLimit: $8,000 - Fee: Varies by claim and county
Local rules vary
Georgia
ReviewLimit: $15,000 - Fee: $45
Hawaii
ReviewLimit: $5,000 - Fee: $35
Idaho
ReviewLimit: $5,000 - Fee: $75
Illinois
ReviewLimit: $10,000 - Fee: $80
Indiana
ReviewLimit: $8,000 - Fee: $35
Iowa
ReviewLimit: $6,500 - Fee: $95
Kansas
ReviewLimit: $4,000 - Fee: $47
Kentucky
ReviewLimit: $2,500 - Fee: $25
Louisiana
ReviewLimit: $5,000 - Fee: $50
Maine
ReviewLimit: $6,000 - Fee: $50
Maryland
ReviewLimit: $5,000 - Fee: $34
Massachusetts
ReviewLimit: $7,000 - Fee: $40
Michigan
ReviewLimit: $6,500 - Fee: $30
Minnesota
ReviewLimit: $15,000 - Fee: $75
Mississippi
ReviewLimit: $3,500 - Fee: $40
Missouri
ReviewLimit: $5,000 - Fee: $50
Montana
ReviewLimit: $7,000 - Fee: $30
Nebraska
VerifiedLimit: $7,500 - Fee: $28
Local rules vary
Nevada
ReviewLimit: $10,000 - Fee: $55
New Hampshire
ReviewLimit: $10,000 - Fee: $53
New Jersey
ReviewLimit: $5,000 - Fee: $30
New Mexico
ReviewLimit: $10,000 - Fee: $35
New York
VariesLimit: Varies by court - Fee: $15-$20
Local rules vary
North Carolina
VariesLimit: Up to $10,000 - Fee: $96 + service
Local rules vary
North Dakota
ReviewLimit: $15,000 - Fee: $10
Ohio
ReviewLimit: $6,000 - Fee: $40
Oklahoma
ReviewLimit: $10,000 - Fee: $58
Oregon
ReviewLimit: $10,000 - Fee: $55
Pennsylvania
ReviewLimit: $12,000 - Fee: $55
Rhode Island
ReviewLimit: $5,000 - Fee: $30
South Carolina
ReviewLimit: $7,500 - Fee: $40
South Dakota
ReviewLimit: $12,000 - Fee: $40
Tennessee
ReviewLimit: $25,000 - Fee: $60
Texas
VerifiedLimit: $20,000 - Fee: $54 + service
Utah
ReviewLimit: $11,000 - Fee: $60
Vermont
ReviewLimit: $5,000 - Fee: $75
Virginia
ReviewLimit: $5,000 - Fee: $50
Washington
ReviewLimit: $10,000 - Fee: $35
West Virginia
ReviewLimit: $10,000 - Fee: $30
Wisconsin
ReviewLimit: $10,000 - Fee: $55
Wyoming
ReviewLimit: $6,000 - Fee: $20