Arizona Small Claims Court Forms: Complete Filing Guide
Access all required Arizona small claims court forms with step-by-step instructions. From Form JP-1 to summons and service documents, we guide you through completing each form correctly.
Essential Arizona Small Claims Forms
Form JP-1: Plaintiff's Statement
Primary form to initiate your small claims case. Required for all claims.
Summons Form
Official notice to defendant about the lawsuit and court date.
Service Affidavit
Proof that defendant was properly served with court papers.
Witness Subpoena
To compel witness attendance at hearing if needed.
Motion to Continue
Request to reschedule hearing date if necessary.
Garnishment Forms
Post-judgment forms to collect money owed.
How to Complete Form JP-1: Plaintiff's Statement
What is Form JP-1?
Form JP-1 is the official Plaintiff's Statement used to initiate a small claims case in Arizona Justice Courts. It provides the court with basic information about your claim and the parties involved.
Before You Start
- Have defendant's current address
- Calculate exact amount owed (max $5,000)
- Gather supporting documentation
- Know the date(s) of incident
Common Form Mistakes to Avoid
❌ Mistakes That Delay Filing
- • Using nicknames instead of legal names
- • Claiming more than $5,000
- • Providing P.O. Box for defendant's address
- • Vague claim descriptions
- • Missing signature or date
- • Incorrect court location
✓ Best Practices
- • Type or print clearly in black ink
- • Double-check all calculations
- • Include specific dates and amounts
- • Keep copies of everything
- • File in correct Justice Court precinct
- • Attach evidence list (not the actual evidence)
Additional Forms You May Need
Summons and Notice of Claim
The court will prepare this form after you file. It notifies the defendant of the lawsuit and includes the hearing date, time, and location.
Certificate of Service
Documents how and when the defendant was served. Must be filed with the court before the hearing to prove proper service.
Service options:
- • Certified mail (most common)
- • Sheriff or constable service
- • Private process server
- • Personal service by non-party over 18
Subpoena for Witnesses
If you need witnesses to testify, use this form to legally require their attendance. Must be served like the original summons.
Pre-Filing Checklist
Documents to Prepare
- Completed Form JP-1
- Copies of all evidence
- Filing fee ($35-75)
- Defendant's current address
Information to Verify
- Correct court jurisdiction
- Claim within $5,000 limit
- Within statute of limitations
- Defendant's legal name
Where to Get Arizona Court Forms
Option 1: Court Clerk's Office
Visit your local Justice Court to get forms in person. Staff can answer basic questions but cannot provide legal advice.
Find Your CourtOption 2: Arizona Courts Website
Download PDF forms from the official Arizona Judicial Branch website. Free but requires manual completion.
Visit AZCourts.govOption 3: PettyLawsuit Platform
Our platform auto-fills forms based on your answers, validates for errors, and provides filing instructions.
Sample Completed Form JP-1
JUSTICE COURT, PRECINCT _____
COUNTY OF MARICOPA, STATE OF ARIZONA
PLAINTIFF: John Smith
123 Main Street
Phoenix, AZ 85001
(602) 555-0123
DEFENDANT: ABC Construction LLC
456 Industrial Blvd
Scottsdale, AZ 85251
AMOUNT CLAIMED: $3,250.00
PLUS COSTS: Yes
BASIS OF CLAIM:
On March 15, 2024, defendant agreed to install kitchen cabinets at my residence for $3,250. I paid in full on March 16, 2024 (check #1234). Defendant started work on March 20 but never completed the installation. Despite repeated requests, defendant has not finished the work or refunded my payment.
I declare under penalty of perjury that the foregoing is true and correct.
Date: November 21, 2025
Signature: _____________________
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Frequently asked questions
What forms do I need for Arizona small claims court?
The main form is the Plaintiff's Statement (Form JP-1). You'll also need a summons form and may need additional forms for service of process, witness subpoenas, or garnishment if you win.
Where can I get Arizona small claims court forms?
Forms are available at your local Justice Court, on the Arizona Courts website, or through our platform which helps you complete them correctly.
How do I fill out Form JP-1 in Arizona?
Form JP-1 requires: your name and address, defendant's name and address, amount claimed (up to $5,000), brief description of why money is owed, and signature under penalty of perjury.