2026 Guide All 50 States 25 Dispute Types
Small Claims Court — State & Dispute Guides
Guides tailored to your state's exact limit, filing fee, and court name — for every type of defendant from landlords to Amazon.
Small claims court rules vary significantly by state — limits range from $2,500 in Kentucky to $25,000 in Delaware and Tennessee, filing fees vary from under $30 to over $200, and the court is called something different in almost every state. On top of that, who you're suing matters just as much as where: suing a landlord requires move-in photos and a demand letter; suing an airline requires booking confirmations and DOT complaint records. These guides combine both dimensions — your state's rules and your specific dispute type — so you walk into the courtroom fully prepared.
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State-specific rules
Every guide uses your state's actual limit, filing fee, court name, and statute of limitations.
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Dispute-specific evidence
Tailored evidence checklists and tips for each type of defendant — not generic advice.
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Winning strategies
Plaintiff success rates and the specific tactics that matter most for your type of case.
Browse by Dispute Type
Landlord
Security deposits, unpaid repairs & habitability disputes
Contractor
Incomplete work, shoddy repairs & contractor fraud
Employer
Unpaid wages, last paycheck & withheld commissions
Amazon
Damaged goods, undelivered orders & third-party seller disputes
Car Dealer
Undisclosed damage, deposit disputes & lemon car issues
Insurance Company
Claim denials, underpayment & bad faith delays
Neighbor
Property damage, fence disputes & nuisance claims
Mechanic / Auto Shop
Overcharges, unauthorized repairs & damage while in their care
Roommate
Unpaid rent, stolen deposits & property damage
Airline
Canceled flights, baggage loss & denied boarding compensation
Airbnb / VRBO
Host disputes, property damage & refund denials
Moving Company
Damaged belongings, inflated bills & hostage loads
Online Seller (eBay, Facebook, Craigslist)
Misrepresented items, non-delivery & fraud
Dog Owner
Bite injuries, property damage & vet bills
Friend or Family Member
Unpaid loans, bounced checks & personal money disputes
Uber or Lyft
Accidents, overcharges & property damage
Hotel
Injury, overcharges & accommodation disputes
Store / Retailer
Return disputes, defective products & overcharges
Car Accident (Other Driver)
Vehicle damage, injuries & uninsured drivers
Cell Phone Company
Overcharges, broken contracts & deposit disputes
Gym / Fitness Club
Membership cancellation disputes & unauthorized charges
Wedding Vendor
Deposit disputes, no-shows & broken vendor contracts
Doctor / Medical Provider
Billing errors, overcharges & surprise bills
Property Manager
Mismanagement, fee disputes & unauthorized charges
Internet / Cable Provider
Overcharges, broken speed promises & equipment deposits
Browse by State
Alabama
$6,000 Small Claims Court
25 guides →
Alaska
$10,000 District Court
25 guides →
Arizona
$3,500 Justice Court
25 guides →
Arkansas
$5,000 Small Claims Division
25 guides →
California
$12,500 Small Claims Court
25 guides →
Colorado
$7,500 County Court
25 guides →
Connecticut
$5,000 Small Claims Court
25 guides →
Delaware
$25,000 Justice of the Peace Court
25 guides →
Florida
$8,000 County Court
25 guides →
Georgia
$15,000 Magistrate Court
25 guides →
Hawaii
$5,000 Small Claims Division
25 guides →
Idaho
$5,000 Small Claims Department
25 guides →
Illinois
$10,000 Small Claims Court
25 guides →
Indiana
$10,000 Small Claims Court
25 guides →
Iowa
$6,500 Small Claims Court
25 guides →
Kansas
$4,000 Small Claims Court
25 guides →
Kentucky
$2,500 Small Claims Court
25 guides →
Louisiana
$5,000 City Court / Justice of the Peace
25 guides →
Maine
$6,000 District Court
25 guides →
Maryland
$5,000 District Court
25 guides →
Massachusetts
$7,000 Small Claims Session
25 guides →
Michigan
$6,500 Small Claims Division
25 guides →
Minnesota
$15,000 Conciliation Court
25 guides →
Mississippi
$3,500 Justice Court
25 guides →
Missouri
$5,000 Small Claims Court
25 guides →
Montana
$7,000 Justice Court
25 guides →
Nebraska
$3,600 County Court
25 guides →
Nevada
$10,000 Justice Court
25 guides →
New Hampshire
$10,000 District Court
25 guides →
New Jersey
$5,000 Special Civil Part
25 guides →
New Mexico
$10,000 Magistrate Court
25 guides →
New York
$10,000 Small Claims Court
25 guides →
North Carolina
$10,000 Magistrate Court
25 guides →
North Dakota
$15,000 Small Claims Court
25 guides →
Ohio
$6,000 Small Claims Division
25 guides →
Oklahoma
$10,000 Small Claims Court
25 guides →
Oregon
$10,000 Small Claims Department
25 guides →
Pennsylvania
$12,000 Magisterial District Court
25 guides →
Rhode Island
$2,500 Small Claims Court
25 guides →
South Carolina
$7,500 Magistrate Court
25 guides →
South Dakota
$12,000 Small Claims Court
25 guides →
Tennessee
$25,000 General Sessions Court
25 guides →
Texas
$20,000 Justice Court
25 guides →
Utah
$11,000 Small Claims Court
25 guides →
Vermont
$5,000 Small Claims Court
25 guides →
Virginia
$5,000 General District Court
25 guides →
Washington
$10,000 Small Claims Department
25 guides →
West Virginia
$10,000 Magistrate Court
25 guides →
Wisconsin
$10,000 Small Claims Court
25 guides →
Wyoming
$6,000 Circuit Court
25 guides →
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the maximum I can sue for in small claims court?
The small claims limit varies by state — from $2,500 in Kentucky to $25,000 in Delaware and Tennessee. Most states fall in the $5,000–$10,000 range. Select your state above to see the exact limit. If your claim exceeds the limit, you can voluntarily reduce it to qualify for small claims, or file in regular civil court for the full amount.
Do I need a lawyer for small claims court?
No — small claims court is designed for self-representation. In many states, attorney representation is actually restricted or prohibited to keep proceedings simple and fast. You present your case directly to a judge with your evidence: receipts, contracts, photos, texts. Most hearings take 15–30 minutes.
How long does a small claims case take?
Most small claims cases are heard within 30–70 days of filing. The hearing itself is usually 15–30 minutes. If both sides are prepared and facts are straightforward, judgment is often entered the same day. Contested cases or those requiring a continuance may take 2–4 months total from filing to judgment.
What happens if I win but the defendant doesn't pay?
Winning a judgment is step one — collecting is step two. If the defendant does not pay voluntarily (usually 30 days), you can: garnish their wages (available in most states), levy their bank account, or record a judgment lien on their real property. These enforcement steps require additional court filings. Your judgment also earns post-judgment interest while unpaid. See our judgment collection guides by state.
Can I sue a business in small claims court?
Yes — you can sue businesses, landlords, contractors, and employers in small claims court. To sue a business, find its full legal name and registered agent address from the Secretary of State's database. File in the county where the business operates or where the dispute occurred. Serve the business through its registered agent. The business may send a representative (not necessarily a lawyer) to the hearing.