CaseReady walks you through small claims court the way a knowledgeable friend would — figure out if you have a case, write the letter that often settles it, and walk in prepared. Built for regular people, not lawyers.
Tell us what happened. We'll assess whether you have a viable small claims case and map out your next steps.
Check your state's small claims dollar limit, what it costs to file, and whether you can do it without a lawyer.
A clear, professional demand letter resolves many disputes before anyone files. Generate one to copy, print, and send.
Walk in ready. Get a plain-English script, an evidence checklist, the questions the judge will ask, and what to wear.
Got served? You have rights and options. Build your defense — and a counterclaim if you have one.
Straight answers to the questions everyone has before their first day in court.
To file a small claims case, you first identify the correct court — usually the county or district court where the defendant lives or where the dispute happened. You complete a short complaint form (often called a "statement of claim"), name the person or business you're suing, state how much you're owed, and pay a filing fee that's typically $30–$100. The court then issues a summons that must be formally delivered ("served") to the defendant. After service, the court sets a hearing date, and you show up with your evidence. CaseReady's Case Builder and Fee & Limit Lookup walk you through your state's exact process.
Every state caps how much you can sue for in small claims court. Limits range from about $2,500 in Kentucky to $20,000 in Texas and $25,000 in Tennessee and Delaware. Common limits include California ($12,500), New York ($10,000), Florida ($8,000), and Ohio ($6,000). If your claim is larger than your state's limit, you can either waive the excess to stay in small claims or file in a higher court. See the full 50-state table below.
In most states you do not need a lawyer for small claims court — the entire system is designed for people to represent themselves, and some states (like California) don't even allow attorneys at the hearing. That said, a lawyer can help if the dispute is complex, the dollar amount is near your state's upper limit, or the other side is a business with its own legal team. For straightforward cases — unpaid debts, security deposits, damaged property — most people handle it on their own with good preparation.
A demand letter is a clear, professional note that states what you're owed, why, and what will happen if it isn't paid by a deadline. A strong demand letter includes the date, both parties' names, a factual summary of what happened, the exact amount demanded, a firm but reasonable deadline (commonly 10–14 days), and a statement that you'll pursue legal action if it isn't resolved. Keep it calm and factual — no threats or insults. Send it by a method you can track. CaseReady's Demand Letter Generator builds one for you in seconds.
Bring anything that proves what was agreed and what went wrong: written contracts, invoices, receipts, bank or payment records, text messages and emails, photos or video, and the names of any witnesses. Organize it in the order you'll talk about it, bring at least three copies (one for the judge, one for the other side, one for you), and create a short timeline. Judges decide on the strength of evidence, not who talks loudest — so clear, organized documents win cases.
The maximum dollar amount you can sue for in small claims court in each U.S. state. Limits change periodically — confirm with your local court before filing.
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Figures are general guidance for 2026 and may not reflect the most recent legislative changes. Always verify with your state's official court website — the Fee & Limit Lookup tool links you straight there.