Glossary / Small claims court

What is small claims court?

Small claims court is a simplified civil court for money disputes under a state limit, typically $5,000–$12,500, where lawyers are often not required.

Filing costs are usually under $100 and hearings are scheduled in weeks, not years. Most cases turn on documents: the contract, the invoice, the photos, the dated correspondence. A written demand letter sent first is expected by many judges and sometimes ends the dispute on its own.