Small Claims Court Guides
Your state has its own rules, limits, and ways to make a simple thing annoyingly complicated. Find the relevant details, get organized, and make your move.
Quick Answer
Every state runs small claims differently. These free guides cover dollar limits, filing steps, and court rules for all 50 states, plus playbooks for common disputes. Read them free, or pay $29 and PettyLawsuit prepares and mails your demand letter.
Start with the problem
Pick your particular mess.
Choose the guide closest to what happened. Each one explains the evidence to keep, the steps before court, and when small claims may fit.
The main event
Choose your state. Know your limit.
Every state has different filing limits and procedures. Select yours to get the lay of the land before you start knocking.
Alabama
Limit: $6,000
002Alaska
Limit: $10,000
003Arizona
Limit: $5,000
004Arkansas
Limit: $5,000
005California
Limit: $12,500
006Colorado
Limit: $7,500
007Connecticut
Limit: $5,000
008Delaware
Limit: $25,000
009Florida
Limit: $8,000
010Georgia
Limit: $15,000
011Hawaii
Limit: $5,000
012Idaho
Limit: $15,000
013Illinois
Limit: $10,000
014Indiana
Limit: $10,000
015Iowa
Limit: $6,500
016Kansas
Limit: $10,000
017Kentucky
Limit: $2,500
018Louisiana
Limit: $5,000
019Maine
Limit: $10,000
020Maryland
Limit: $5,000
021Massachusetts
Limit: $7,000
022Michigan
Limit: $7,000
023Minnesota
Limit: $20,000
024Mississippi
Limit: $3,500
025Missouri
Limit: $5,000
026Montana
Limit: $7,000
027Nebraska
Limit: $7,500
028Nevada
Limit: $10,000
029New Hampshire
Limit: $10,000
030New Jersey
Limit: $5,000
031New Mexico
Limit: $10,000
032New York
Limit: $5,000
033North Carolina
Limit: $10,000
034North Dakota
Limit: $15,000
035Ohio
Limit: $6,000
036Oklahoma
Limit: $10,000
037Oregon
Limit: $10,000
038Pennsylvania
Limit: $12,000
039Rhode Island
Limit: $5,000
040South Carolina
Limit: $7,500
041South Dakota
Limit: $12,000
042Tennessee
Limit: $25,000
043Texas
Limit: $20,000
044Utah
Limit: $20,000
045Vermont
Limit: $10,000
046Virginia
Limit: $5,000
047Washington
Limit: $10,000
048West Virginia
Limit: $20,000
049Wisconsin
Limit: $10,000
050Wyoming
Limit: $6,000
How it works
A little homework. A lot less guessing.
Use the guides in four practical steps, then decide whether you want to take the next step yourself or let us get the letter moving.
1
Tell Your Story
Name the loss, the other party, and the result you want.
2
Read the Right Guide
Start with your state and the guide closest to your dispute.
3
Verify the Rules
Check limits, venue, forms, fees, and service with the court.
4
Organize the Next Step
Build a timeline, preserve proof, and decide whether to proceed.
Ready when you are
Enough reading. Send the message.
Petty can help organize your facts and prepare a clear starting point. It does not file a case, provide legal representation, or guarantee an outcome.
What's Included
- Organize your timeline, claim details, and supporting evidence
- Prepare a clear demand using the facts you provide
- Look up available business and registered-agent information
- Review the information needed for current court forms
- Understand the next steps while official court rules control
Local starting points
Popular City Guides
Quick links to demand letter guides by city.
No fine print
Questions & Answers
The useful answers, always visible.
Which state's laws apply to my case?
Venue depends on the claim and local rules. Common possibilities include where the defendant lives or does business or where the events occurred. Confirm the correct court with an official court source.
Do I need a lawyer?
Small claims courts are generally designed for self-represented people, but lawyer rules vary by state and case. Check the court's current rules or speak with a licensed lawyer if you need legal advice.
What if my claim exceeds the limit?
Depending on local law, you may be able to waive the excess and stay in small claims or use a different court. Reducing a claim can give up rights, so review the court's rules and consider legal advice.
How long does it take?
Timing varies by court, service requirements, hearing availability, and the other party's response. Check the court's current calendar and instructions for the best estimate.
The homework
Why Understanding Small Claims Procedures Matters
Navigating the legal system without proper knowledge is one of the most common reasons people lose small claims cases or never file at all. Each state has its own set of rules governing filing deadlines, monetary limits, acceptable evidence, and service of process requirements. Understanding these procedures before you begin can mean the difference between recovering what you are owed and walking away empty-handed. Our state-by-state guides break down every critical detail so you can approach your case with confidence, whether you are dealing with an unpaid invoice, a security deposit dispute, or property damage.
Small claims court was specifically designed for everyday people to resolve disputes without hiring expensive attorneys. However, the simplified process does not mean preparation is unnecessary. Judges expect you to present organized evidence, follow proper filing procedures, and serve the defendant correctly. Failing to meet any of these requirements can result in delays, dismissals, or unfavorable rulings. By reviewing the guides relevant to your state and situation, you equip yourself with the procedural knowledge that many self-represented litigants overlook.
Whether this is your first time considering legal action or you have been through the process before, current rules and fee structures matter. Court procedures and filing fees change, so use these guides as a starting point and verify the final requirements with the relevant court.
Get the facts straight
Choosing the Right Court and Preparing Your Case
One of the most overlooked steps in the small claims process is selecting the correct court. In most states, you must file your claim in the county where the defendant lives, works, or where the incident occurred. Filing in the wrong jurisdiction can result in your case being dismissed, forcing you to start over and pay new filing fees. If you are suing a business, you generally file in the county where the business has its principal office or a physical location. For online transactions, some states allow you to file in your own county if the business operates there or directed its services toward your area. Researching venue rules before you begin saves considerable time and frustration.
Good preparation can make a claim easier to understand. Start by gathering the records related to your dispute, such as contracts, receipts, invoices, photographs, messages, and written correspondence. Arrange the material in chronological order, create a short evidence index, and practice explaining the key facts clearly. Follow the court's rules on what evidence to submit and how to present it.
A written demand may help clarify the dispute and may be required for some claims. Check the rules that apply before filing. A useful demand usually states what happened, what you are requesting, the records that support the request, and a reasonable response date. Keep a copy and use a delivery method that fits the applicable notice rules.
You have the guide. Make your move.
Give us the story. We turn it into a demand letter, find the right address, and send it certified. $29, one time.