Small Claims Court by County
County-specific small claims guides for major US metros. Each page covers the exact courthouse address, filing fee, claim limit, service rules, and step-by-step instructions — sourced from official .gov court websites.
Jump to a State
California
California statewide guideFlorida
Florida statewide guideIllinois
Illinois statewide guideNew Jersey
New Jersey statewide guideNew York
New York statewide guideTexas
Texas statewide guideWhy County Guides Matter for Small Claims
Fees Vary Within States
Even within the same state, counties can charge dramatically different filing fees. Cook County, IL charges $287 to $379 while neighboring DuPage County charges $130 to $300. Within New York, NYC and Nassau County both charge $15 to $20, while Los Angeles charges $30 to $75.
File in the Correct County
Small claims cases must be filed in the county where the defendant lives, works, or where the dispute occurred. Filing in the wrong county results in dismissal or transfer — always confirm jurisdiction before filing.
Court-Specific Rules
Some counties have unique rules: Florida requires mandatory pre-trial mediation, Texas has 16 JP precincts within Harris County, and NYC Small Claims Court holds evening sessions and handles service for you.
Growing Coverage
We're continuously adding county guides for high-population metros. Filing fees come from official court fee schedules or statutes and are updated when they change.