You can file a small claims case in about 30 minutes. Get the right form from your local courthouse (or file online in some states), pay the filing fee ($15 to $75 depending on your state), and have the other party served. Most cases go to a hearing within 30 to 70 days. No lawyer needed. Step 1: Send a Demand Letter First. Before you file, send a demand letter. Many courts actually require it. More importantly, 70% of disputes settle at this stage. You might never need court at all. A demand letter puts the other party on notice: pay what you owe, or face legal action. It creates a paper trail that helps your case if you do end up in court. Step 2: Figure Out Where to File. You file in the county where the defendant lives or where the problem happened. Every state calls it something slightly different. California: Small Claims Division of Superior Court. Texas: Justice Court. New York: Small Claims Part of Civil Court. Florida: County Court, Small Claims Division. Missouri: Associate Circuit Court. Step 3: Fill Out the Forms. Every state has its own form. California: SC-100 (Plaintiff's Claim). New York: Small Claims Application. Texas: Petition for Small Claims. Florida: Statement of Claim. You need the defendant's full legal name and address. For businesses, use their registered legal name. Step 4: Pay the Filing Fee and File. Filing fees range from $15 to $100 depending on your state and claim amount. Claims under $1,500: typically $30 to $50. Claims $1,500 to $5,000: typically $50 to $75. Claims over $5,000: typically $75 to $100. Most courts offer fee waivers for low income filers. Step 5: Serve the Defendant. The defendant must be officially notified about your case. Common methods: Certified mail ($10 to $15), Sheriff or marshal service ($25 to $75), Professional process server ($50 to $150), Personal service by any adult not involved in the case. The defendant usually has 10 to 30 days to respond after being served. Small Claims Court Limits by State: Alabama $6,000. Alaska $10,000. Arizona $3,500. Arkansas $5,000. California $12,500 individuals, $6,250 businesses. Colorado $7,500. Connecticut $5,000. Delaware $25,000. Florida $8,000. Georgia $15,000. Hawaii $5,000. Idaho $5,000. Illinois $10,000. Indiana $8,000. Iowa $6,500. Kansas $4,000. Kentucky $2,500. Louisiana $5,000. Maine $6,000. Maryland $5,000. Massachusetts $7,000. Michigan $6,500. Minnesota $15,000. Mississippi $3,500. Missouri $5,000. Montana $7,000. Nebraska $3,900. Nevada $10,000. New Hampshire $10,000. New Jersey $5,000. New Mexico $10,000. New York $10,000. North Carolina $10,000. North Dakota $15,000. Ohio $6,000. Oklahoma $10,000. Oregon $10,000. Pennsylvania $12,000. Rhode Island $5,000. South Carolina $7,500. South Dakota $12,000. Tennessee $25,000. Texas $20,000. Utah $11,000. Vermont $5,000. Virginia $5,000. Washington $10,000. West Virginia $10,000. Wisconsin $10,000. Wyoming $6,000. What Can You Sue For in Small Claims? Security deposits your landlord won't return. Unpaid invoices or freelance work. Property damage. Defective products or services. Broken contracts. Loan repayment. Moving company damage. Wedding vendor no-shows. Bad auto repairs. HOA disputes. You cannot use small claims for divorce, custody, name changes, restraining orders, or criminal matters. What Happens at Your Hearing: Small claims hearings are informal. No jury. A judge listens to both sides and makes a decision, often the same day. Bring everything: receipts, photos, contracts, text messages, emails, estimates. The judge has 15 to 30 minutes for your case. If the defendant doesn't show up, you win by default judgment. Most hearings take 15 to 45 minutes. FAQ: How much does it cost to file small claims? Filing fees range from $15 to $100 depending on your state. Most states charge $30 to $75. Do I need a lawyer for small claims court? No. Small claims court is designed for regular people without lawyers. In California, lawyers aren't even allowed. How long does a small claims case take? From filing to hearing, expect 30 to 70 days. What if the person doesn't pay after I win? You can garnish wages, place liens on property, or levy bank accounts. Should I send a demand letter before filing? Yes. Many courts require it. A demand letter settles 70% of disputes without court. Can I file small claims court online? Some states allow online filing including California and Texas. PettyLawsuit handles demand letters, phone follow-ups, and court filing for all 50 states. Most disputes settle before you ever see a courtroom. 2,500+ people have used it. Start for $29.