Updated May 2026 Mississippi
Mississippi Small Claims Court Limit (2026)
The maximum amount you can sue for in Mississippi 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
3 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
Oral Contract SOL
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How to File → Mississippi Small Claims Court: What You Need to Know
In Mississippi, small claims cases are heard in the Justice Court. The maximum amount you can sue for is $3,500.
Tip
Mississippi has a $3,500 cap — one of the lower limits among US states.Filing Fees in Mississippi
Filing fees in Mississippi range from $35 to $60 depending on your claim amount.
Statutes of Limitation in Mississippi
You must file your claim within the applicable statute of limitations:
- Written contracts: 3 years
- Oral contracts: 3 years
- Property damage: 3 years
Mississippi Justice Court handles small claims up to $3,500. Fees are among the lowest in the country.
Claim too high for small claims?
In most states you can voluntarily reduce (waive) the excess amount to bring your claim within the Mississippi 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 Mississippi courts waive fees for filers whose income is below 125–200% of the federal poverty level.Frequently Asked Questions — Mississippi Small Claims
What is the small claims court limit in Mississippi?
The small claims court limit in Mississippi 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 Mississippi small claims court?
You can sue for up to $3,500 in Mississippi 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 Mississippi?
In Mississippi, the statute of limitations is 3 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 Mississippi?
To file in Mississippi: (1) get a Plaintiff's Claim form from the Justice Court clerk or court website, (2) pay the filing fee ($35–$60), (3) serve the defendant, and (4) attend your hearing. See our Mississippi how-to-file guide for full step-by-step instructions.
What is the Justice Court in Mississippi?
Mississippi'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 Mississippi small claims?
No — the $3,500 cap is absolute in Mississippi. 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 Mississippi
Mississippi Filing Fees
Exact court fees to open your case
How to File in Mississippi
Step-by-step Mississippi filing guide
Mississippi Fee Waiver
Waive filing fees if you can't afford them
Being Sued in Mississippi?
Defendant rights and response guide
Collect a Judgment in Mississippi
Enforce your judgment after winning
Mississippi Divorce Fees
Court costs for filing divorce
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