Small claims court provides an accessible, affordable way to resolve disputes without the complexity and expense of regular civil court. Designed for ordinary people to represent themselves, small claims courts handle cases involving limited amounts of money—typically disputes over unpaid debts, property damage, security deposits, and contract breaches. Understanding how small claims works helps you pursue justice for everyday legal problems.

Small claims court simplifies procedures, reduces costs, and allows you to present your case directly to a judge without needing a lawyer.

What Small Claims Court Handles

Small claims courts hear cases involving money damages up to state-set limits—ranging from ,500 to 5,000 depending on the state. Common cases include landlord-tenant disputes (security deposits, repairs), unpaid loans or debts, property damage (car accidents, damaged belongings), breach of contract, and defective products or poor services.

Small claims courts award money damages only—they generally can't order people to do or stop doing something. If you need injunctive relief rather than money, you may need regular civil court.

Some matters can't be handled in small claims: defamation, professional malpractice, and some landlord evictions typically require different courts.

Dollar Limits by State

Each state sets its own maximum for small claims cases. Limits range from around ,000 in some states to 5,000 in Tennessee and other states. Some states have different limits for different case types or court systems.

If your claim exceeds the limit, you can either waive the excess (sue for the maximum and give up the rest) or file in regular civil court with its added complexity and expense.

Check your state's current limit before filing—limits occasionally change.

Advantages of Small Claims Court

Cost is minimal. Filing fees typically range from 0 to 00 depending on the claim amount and jurisdiction. You don't need a lawyer—small claims is designed for self-representation.

Procedures are simplified. No complex rules of evidence, no formal discovery, no motions practice. You explain your case, show your evidence, and the judge decides.

Cases are heard quickly—often within a few weeks to a couple months of filing. Compare this to regular civil court where cases can take years.

Who Can Sue and Be Sued

Individuals can sue in small claims court. Businesses can typically sue, though some states limit this or have separate business small claims tracks. You can sue individuals, businesses, corporations, and sometimes government entities depending on your state's rules.

You must sue the right defendant—the person or entity legally responsible. For car accidents, sue the driver. For business disputes, determine whether to sue the owner, the LLC, or the corporation.

Geographic jurisdiction matters. Generally, you file where the defendant lives, where the business is located, or where the dispute occurred.

Limitations and Restrictions

Lawyers are restricted in small claims court in some states—parties must represent themselves. Other states allow lawyers but don't require them. Either way, hiring a lawyer often isn't cost-effective for small claims amounts.

Appeals are limited in most states. Small claims decisions may be final, or the losing party may have a right to appeal to regular court for a new trial.

Collecting judgments can be challenging. Winning your case doesn't guarantee getting paid—you may need additional steps to enforce the judgment.

Before Filing: Consider Alternatives

Before going to court, try resolving the dispute directly. Send a demand letter explaining your claim and giving the other party a chance to pay. Many disputes settle without court once the other party realizes you're serious.

Consider whether you can actually collect if you win. Suing someone with no money or assets means you'll have a judgment you can't collect.

Evaluate your evidence. Do you have documentation, witnesses, and proof supporting your claim? Weak evidence means uncertain outcomes.

Getting Legal Help

While you don't need a lawyer for small claims, legal advice before filing can help you understand whether you have a valid claim, whom to sue, and what evidence you need. Many attorneys offer brief consultations that can clarify your approach. Some communities have legal aid organizations providing small claims assistance. Self-help resources at court clerks' offices explain local procedures.