Find your state's small claims filing limit, whether attorneys are allowed, and typical filing fees — all in one place.
Filing limits change. Always verify current limits with your state or county court's official website before filing. This data is current as of 2026 but laws and local rules may have changed. If your claim is near the limit, or involves a business or government entity, consult an attorney.
Select your state to instantly see the filing limit and key details.
⚠️ Verify current limits and procedures with your local court before filing. Limits may vary by county. Business claimants may have lower limits in some states.
⚠️ Estimate only — not legal advice. Results are for informational purposes only. Consult a licensed attorney before making any decisions.
Click any column header to sort. Use the search box to filter by state name.
| State ↕ | Limit ↕ | Attorneys | Filing Fee | Court |
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Contracts, invoices, receipts, text messages, photos, and any written agreements. The more evidence, the stronger your case.
Many courts look favorably on plaintiffs who attempted to resolve the issue before filing. A formal demand letter can also prompt the other party to settle.
Civil claims have time limits (statutes of limitations). Missing the deadline bars your claim permanently. Use our deadline estimator.
Complete a claim form (often called a "Statement of Claim") at the courthouse or online, pay the filing fee shown above, and identify the defendant with an accurate name and address.
The other party must be formally notified ("served") through a method your court allows — often certified mail, sheriff service, or a process server. This step is procedural but critical; a case can be dismissed if service isn't done correctly.
Both sides present their evidence and story to a judge (or sometimes a magistrate), usually in a single short hearing without a jury. Bring copies of everything — many courts expect one set for the judge, one for the other party, and one for yourself.
If you win, the court issues a judgment — but doesn't collect the money for you. You may need to pursue wage garnishment, bank levies, or a lien, depending on what your state and court allow.
No — small claims court is designed for people to represent themselves (pro se), and many states limit or even prohibit attorneys from appearing for either side at this level, as shown in the table above. That said, you can still consult an attorney beforehand to understand your case, even if they don't appear with you in court.
If the defendant was properly served and fails to appear, courts will typically enter a default judgment in the plaintiff's favor. You'll still generally need to prove your damages to the judge's satisfaction, so bring your documentation even if you expect the other side to be a no-show.
Winning a judgment doesn't automatically get you paid — courts generally don't collect the money for you. Common enforcement tools include wage garnishment, bank account levies, and property liens, but the exact process and what's available varies significantly by state. Some courts have a post-judgment debtor's examination process to help identify what the losing party actually has to collect against.
In most states, yes — either party can typically appeal a small claims judgment to a higher court, though the rules, deadlines, and whether the case gets a fresh trial (a trial de novo) versus a review of the record vary by state. Check your local court's rules for the specific appeal window, which is often short — sometimes as little as 10 to 30 days.
For a general legal reference on how small claims courts work, see Cornell Law School's Legal Information Institute entry on small claims court. The filing limits, fees, and court names in the table above are general estimates current as of 2026 — always confirm current figures and local procedure with your state or county court's official website before filing.
If your damages exceed the limit, you may need to file in a higher court. An attorney can advise on the best venue for your situation.
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