How Much Does It Cost to Sue Someone?
From $30 small claims to $100,000+ complex litigation. Get exact costs for your lawsuit type, calculate fees, and discover how to save thousands.
Complete Cost Breakdown by Court Type
| Court Type | Claim Amount | Filing Fee | Service Fee | Attorney Cost | Total Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Small Claims | Up to $10,000 | $30-$75 | $40-$75 | Not allowed | $70-$150 |
| Limited Civil | $10,001-$25,000 | $225-$370 | $40-$100 | $2,000-$10,000 | $265-$10,470 |
| Unlimited Civil | Over $25,000 | $435-$500 | $40-$100 | $10,000-$100,000+ | $10,475-$100,600+ |
| Federal Court | Various | $402 | $65-$100 | $15,000-$500,000+ | $15,467-$500,502+ |
Calculate Your Lawsuit Costs
Hidden Costs Most People Don't Expect
- • Discovery motions$500-$2,000
- • Depositions$500-$3,000
- • Court reporter$100-$500/hr
- • Document production$200-$1,000
- • Expert witnesses$500-$5,000
- • Witness subpoenas$40-$100 each
- • Expert reports$1,000-$10,000
- • Travel expenses$200-$2,000
- • Collection efforts$200-$1,000
- • Asset searches$100-$500
- • Garnishment filing$50-$200
- • Liens recording$25-$100
How to Reduce Lawsuit Costs
Stay under $10,000 to avoid attorney fees
Save thousands by representing yourself
Hire attorney for specific tasks only
Apply if you qualify as low-income
Attorney paid from winnings (personal injury)
$500-$2,000 total vs $10,000+ for trial
$1,000-$5,000 with binding decision
$29-$200 may resolve without court
Free if done directly
Many courts offer installment options
Cost-Related FAQs
Don't Let Costs Stop You From Getting Justice
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Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to sue someone?
The cost to sue someone ranges from $30-$500 in filing fees, plus $40-$100 for service of process. Small claims court costs $30-$75 total, while superior court cases with attorneys can cost $2,000-$100,000+ depending on complexity.
Can you sue someone without a lawyer?
Yes, you can sue without a lawyer (called pro se representation), especially in small claims court where lawyers often aren't allowed. This saves thousands in legal fees. For complex cases over $25,000, having a lawyer significantly improves your chances.
What are hidden costs of lawsuits?
Hidden lawsuit costs include: expert witness fees ($500-$5,000), deposition costs ($500-$2,000), court reporter fees ($100-$500/hour), document preparation ($200-$1,000), travel expenses, and lost wages from court appearances.