Updated May 2026 Arizona
Arizona Small Claims Court Limit (2026)
The maximum amount you can sue for in Arizona small claims court, plus filing fees, statutes of limitation, and court-specific tips.
LegalCostCalculator Editorial Team
Data sourced from official government websites · Last reviewed:
$3,500
Court Limit
6 yrs
Written Contract SOL
Statute of limitations
3 yrs
Oral Contract SOL
Statute of limitations
Small Claims Court Limit Calculator
Select your state to see the maximum amount you can sue for and applicable statutes of limitation.
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Court Limit
Written Contract SOL
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How to File → Arizona Small Claims Court: What You Need to Know
In Arizona, small claims cases are heard in the Justice Court. The maximum amount you can sue for is $3,500.
Tip
Arizona's $3,500 limit is one of the lowest in the US — consider Justice Court for larger amounts.Filing Fees in Arizona
Filing fees in Arizona range from $29 to $78 depending on your claim amount.
Statutes of Limitation in Arizona
You must file your claim within the applicable statute of limitations:
- Written contracts: 6 years
- Oral contracts: 3 years
- Property damage: 2 years
Arizona Justice Courts have a $3,500 limit. Fees are modest and are paid at filing.
Claim too high for small claims?
In most states you can voluntarily reduce (waive) the excess amount to bring your claim within the Arizona limit. It's often worth it to avoid the higher cost and complexity of regular civil court.Can't afford the filing fee?
Ask the court clerk for a fee waiver application (In Forma Pauperis). Most Arizona courts waive fees for filers whose income is below 125–200% of the federal poverty level.Source: Arizona official court website ↗
Frequently Asked Questions — Arizona Small Claims
What is the small claims court limit in Arizona?
The small claims court limit in Arizona is $3,500. This is the maximum dollar amount you can sue for in the Justice Court. Claims exceeding this limit must be filed in a higher civil court.
How much can I sue for in Arizona small claims court?
You can sue for up to $3,500 in Arizona small claims court. If your actual damages are higher, you can voluntarily reduce (waive) the excess to fit within the limit — often worth doing to avoid the cost and complexity of regular civil court.
What is the statute of limitations for small claims in Arizona?
In Arizona, the statute of limitations is 6 years for written contract claims and 3 years for oral contract claims. Always file before the deadline — courts dismiss time-barred claims regardless of merit.
How do I file a small claims case in Arizona?
To file in Arizona: (1) get a Plaintiff's Claim form from the Justice Court clerk or court website, (2) pay the filing fee ($29–$78), (3) serve the defendant, and (4) attend your hearing. See our Arizona how-to-file guide for full step-by-step instructions.
What is the Justice Court in Arizona?
Arizona's small claims court is called the Justice Court. It handles civil monetary disputes quickly and affordably, without the formality of regular civil court. Most parties represent themselves without an attorney.
Can I sue for more than $3,500 in Arizona small claims?
No — the $3,500 cap is absolute in Arizona. You can file in a higher civil court if your claim is larger, or voluntarily reduce your claim to fit within the limit and waive the excess. Splitting one claim into multiple small claims cases to circumvent the cap is not permitted.
Also See for Arizona
Arizona Filing Fees
Exact court fees to open your case
How to File in Arizona
Step-by-step Arizona filing guide
Arizona Fee Waiver
Waive filing fees if you can't afford them
Being Sued in Arizona?
Defendant rights and response guide
Collect a Judgment in Arizona
Enforce your judgment after winning
Arizona Divorce Fees
Court costs for filing divorce
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