Small Claims Court
In one sentence
A court that handles minor civil disputes involving small amounts of money, usually without lawyers.
Plain English
Small claims court is a simplified court system designed for people to resolve minor disputes without the expense and complexity of regular civil court. These courts typically handle cases involving amounts under $5,000 to $25,000, depending on the state. The process is informal, and people can represent themselves without hiring a lawyer. Small claims courts handle disputes like unpaid debts, security deposit disagreements, property damage claims, and contract breaches involving small amounts.
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Example
A tenant sues their landlord in small claims court for $1,200 to recover an unfairly withheld security deposit. The tenant presents evidence without a lawyer, and the judge rules in their favor within a few weeks.
Used in a sentence
“She filed a claim in small claims court to recover the $800 her neighbor owed for the damaged fence.”
How Small Claims Court differs by state
Small Claims Court can apply differently depending on the state. Click a state to see local specifics.
Alabama
Alabama small claims courts handle cases up to $6,000, and you cannot appeal a judgment you receive.
Alaska
Alaska small claims courts accept cases up to $10,000, and both parties may represent themselves or hire counsel.
Arizona
Arizona small claims courts handle disputes up to $3,500, and rules are deliberately simple to allow self-representation.
Arkansas
Arkansas small claims courts accept cases up to $5,000, and the court prioritizes quick resolution without formal procedures.
California
California small claims courts handle cases up to $10,000 ($5,000 for defendants under 18), with limited appeal rights for plaintiffs.
Colorado
Colorado small claims court handles disputes up to $7,500, with no attorney requirement or right to appeal.
Connecticut
Connecticut small claims court accepts cases up to $5,000 and allows self-representation without attorney involvement.
Delaware
Delaware small claims court handles disputes up to $15,000 and permits attorney representation at the parties' discretion.
Florida
Florida small claims court handles disputes up to $8,000 and prohibits attorney representation for most claimants.
Georgia
Georgia small claims court handles disputes up to $15,000 and allows attorney representation by agreement of both parties.
Hawaii
Hawaii small claims court handles disputes up to $5,000, with no attorney representation allowed for plaintiffs.
Idaho
Idaho small claims jurisdiction covers disputes up to $5,000, and parties generally cannot use attorneys in the proceedings.
Illinois
Illinois small claims court handles cases up to $10,000, with attorneys allowed only in limited circumstances.
Indiana
Indiana small claims court jurisdiction reaches $6,000, and attorneys are prohibited from representing parties in these cases.
Iowa
Iowa small claims court covers disputes up to $15,000, with attorney representation permitted but not required.
Kansas
Kansas small claims courts handle disputes up to $15,000, with simplified procedures and no lawyer requirement.
Kentucky
Kentucky's small claims limit is $5,000, and parties may represent themselves or appear by attorney in District Court.
Louisiana
Louisiana's City Courts handle small claims up to $5,000 with informal procedures and no attorney requirement.
Maine
Maine's small claims court handles claims up to $15,000 and emphasizes accessibility without formal legal procedures.
Maryland
Maryland's District Court handles small claims up to $10,000, with simplified rules and optional attorney representation.
Massachusetts
Massachusetts small claims court handles cases up to $7,500, with no attorney representation allowed for plaintiffs.
Michigan
Michigan small claims court jurisdiction caps at $6,000, and parties generally cannot have attorneys represent them.
Minnesota
Minnesota small claims court accepts cases up to $15,000, allowing attorney representation only by agreement of both parties.
Mississippi
Mississippi small claims court jurisdiction is $3,500, with no attorney representation permitted for either party.
Missouri
Missouri small claims court caps at $5,000, and attorneys cannot represent parties unless both sides consent.
Montana
Montana small claims court handles disputes up to $10,000 and allows parties to represent themselves or bring a lawyer.
Nebraska
Nebraska small claims court has a $3,600 limit and generally prohibits attorneys from representing parties in court.
Nevada
Nevada small claims court accepts claims up to $10,000 and allows self-representation or attorney representation at the parties' choice.
New Hampshire
New Hampshire small claims court has a $10,000 limit and permits attorneys, though most parties represent themselves.
New Jersey
New Jersey small claims court has a $3,000 limit and generally prohibits attorneys from representing parties in the proceeding.
New Mexico
Small claims court handles disputes up to $10,000, and parties may represent themselves or bring a lawyer.
New York
New York's small claims court handles claims up to $5,000 ($10,000 for certain cases), with limited attorney representation.
North Carolina
North Carolina small claims court handles disputes up to $10,000, and both parties may hire attorneys.
North Dakota
North Dakota small claims court handles disputes up to $15,000, with attorney representation permitted.
Ohio
Ohio small claims court handles disputes up to $6,000, and parties may represent themselves or use attorneys.
Oklahoma
Oklahoma small claims courts handle cases up to $10,000, and you can represent yourself or bring a lawyer.
Oregon
Oregon small claims courts accept cases up to $10,000 and strongly encourage self-representation without lawyers.
Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania's Magisterial District Courts handle claims up to $12,500 with informal procedures and no lawyer requirement.
Rhode Island
Rhode Island small claims courts accept cases up to $5,000 and prohibit lawyers from representing parties.
South Carolina
South Carolina small claims courts handle cases up to $7,500 and allow self-representation or attorney representation.
South Dakota
South Dakota small claims court handles cases up to $15,000, with simplified procedures and no lawyer requirement.
Tennessee
Tennessee small claims courts handle cases up to $25,000 and allow both parties to represent themselves or hire counsel.
Texas
Texas Justice Court handles small claims up to $20,000 with informal procedures and no appeal to a jury trial.
Utah
Utah small claims court jurisdiction caps at $15,000, with streamlined procedures designed for non-lawyers.
Vermont
Vermont small claims court handles cases up to $5,000 with informal procedures and no lawyer representation allowed.
Virginia
Virginia's General District Court handles small claims up to $25,000, with simplified procedures and no lawyer requirement.
Washington
Washington's small claims court accepts cases up to $10,000 and prohibits lawyers unless both parties consent.
West Virginia
West Virginia's Magistrate Court handles small claims up to $10,000 with informal procedures and no lawyer requirement.
Wisconsin
Wisconsin's small claims court accepts cases up to $10,000 and discourages lawyer participation through fee restrictions.
Wyoming
Wyoming's small claims court handles cases up to $7,500 and allows simplified procedures without mandatory lawyer participation.
District of Columbia
DC Small Claims Court handles cases up to $5,000 and allows parties to represent themselves or hire lawyers.
Related terms
Summons
A court order requiring someone to appear in court or respond to a lawsuit.
Subpoena
A court order requiring someone to testify in court or produce documents or evidence.
appeal as of right
An appeal that a defendant can file automatically without needing special permission from the court.
Contempt of Court
Willful disobedience or disrespect toward a court or judge that disrupts justice.
Voir Dire
The questioning process used to select impartial jurors for a trial.
This page is a plain-English reference and is not legal advice. Laws vary by jurisdiction and change over time. For specific situations consult a licensed attorney.