Small Claims Court Guide by State
Small claims court is the fastest and least expensive way to resolve disputes under a certain dollar amount. Every state has different rules about how much you can sue for, whether you can bring a lawyer, and how to file. Find your state below.
Key Takeaways
- Small claims limits range from $2,500 (Kentucky) to $25,000 (Tennessee).
- Most states do not require a lawyer — some states don't allow them.
- Filing fees are typically $15 to $100 depending on the state and claim amount.
- Cases are usually resolved within 30 to 90 days of filing.
Small Claims Court by State
Click any state to see the full guide including dollar limits, filing procedures, fees, and tips.
| State | Maximum Claim | Lawyers Allowed? | Filing Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $6,000 | Yes | $50 to $300, depending on the amount of the claim |
| Alaska | $10,000 | Yes | $75 to $150 |
| Arizona | $3,500 | No | $20 to $70 |
| Arkansas | $5,000 | Yes | $30 to $65 |
| California | $12,500 | No | $30 to $75, depending on the amount of the claim |
| Colorado | $7,500 | Limited | $31 to $55 |
| Connecticut | $5,000 | Yes | $35 to $95 |
| Delaware | $25,000 | Yes | $35 to $50 |
| District of Columbia | $10,000 | Yes | $5 to $45 |
| Florida | $8,000 | Yes | $55 to $300 |
| Georgia | $15,000 | Yes | $45 to $75 |
| Hawaii | $5,000 | No | $35 |
| Idaho | $5,000 | No | $75 or less |
| Illinois | $10,000 | Yes | $40 to $200, depending on county and claim amount |
| Indiana | $8,000 | Yes | $35 to $80 |
| Iowa | $6,500 | Yes | $40 to $95 |
| Kansas | $4,000 | No | $55 to $75 |
| Kentucky | $2,500 | Yes | $20 to $50 |
| Louisiana | $5,000 | Yes | $35 to $100 |
| Maine | $6,000 | Yes | $50 to $100 |
| Maryland | $5,000 | Yes | $34 to $44 |
| Massachusetts | $7,000 | Yes | $40 to $150 |
| Michigan | $6,500 | No | $30 to $70 |
| Minnesota | $15,000 | Limited | $55 to $80 |
| Mississippi | $3,500 | Yes | $40 to $65 |
| Missouri | $5,000 | Yes | $25 to $50 |
| Montana | $7,000 | No | $30 to $50 |
| Nebraska | $3,600 | No | $26 to $51 |
| Nevada | $10,000 | Yes | $50 to $100 |
| New Hampshire | $10,000 | Yes | $50 to $125 |
| New Jersey | $5,000 | Yes | $15 to $50 |
| New Mexico | $10,000 | Yes | $25 to $55 |
| New York | $10,000 | Yes | $15 to $20 |
| North Carolina | $10,000 | Yes | $96 |
| North Dakota | $15,000 | No | $10 to $50 |
| Ohio | $6,000 | Yes | $30 to $55 |
| Oklahoma | $10,000 | Yes | $40 to $100 |
| Oregon | $10,000 | No | $35 to $55 |
| Pennsylvania | $12,000 | Yes | $50 to $125 |
| Rhode Island | $5,000 | Yes | $30 to $50 |
| South Carolina | $7,500 | Yes | $25 to $80 |
| South Dakota | $12,000 | No | $30 to $50 |
| Tennessee | $25,000 | Yes | $25 to $70 |
| Texas | $20,000 | Yes | $35 to $100, depending on the county and amount |
| Utah | $11,000 | Yes | $60 to $185 |
| Vermont | $5,000 | Yes | $75 |
| Virginia | $5,000 | Yes | $46 to $80 |
| Washington | $10,000 | No | $35 to $50 |
| West Virginia | $10,000 | Yes | $30 to $75 |
| Wisconsin | $10,000 | Yes | $50 to $95 |
| Wyoming | $6,000 | Yes | $20 to $50 |
All States
We are expanding coverage to all 50 states. Completed guides are linked below; remaining states are in progress.
J-M
N-R
Frequently Asked Questions
-
What is small claims court?
Small claims court is a special court designed to resolve disputes quickly and inexpensively, without the need for lawyers. Cases typically involve amounts under $10,000 to $25,000 depending on the state.
-
Do I need a lawyer for small claims court?
In most states, lawyers are allowed but not required. A few states, like California, do not allow attorneys to represent parties in small claims court. Check your state's rules.
-
What types of cases can I file?
Common cases include unpaid debts, property damage, security deposit disputes, breach of contract, defective products, and auto accident claims under the dollar limit.
-
How do I collect if I win?
Winning a judgment doesn't guarantee payment. If the losing party doesn't pay voluntarily, you may need to pursue wage garnishment, bank levies, or property liens through the court.