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AI-Powered AnalysisWe prepare your complete court filing package. You just describe what happened.
Start My Case — FreeGetSmallClaims is a document preparation service, not a law firm. This is not legal advice. Read full disclaimer
Describe your situation in plain English (or Hebrew). No legal jargon needed.
We identify the legal basis, calculate your optimal claim, and generate all required court documents.
Take your ready-to-file package to your local courthouse. We tell you exactly where and how.
💡 A lawyer would charge $500–$2,000 for the same work
Pay only when you're satisfied with your filing package
Professionally formatted Statement of Claim ready for your courthouse.
Relevant laws and precedents for your jurisdiction.
Step-by-step guide for YOUR specific courthouse.
Professional letter to send before filing — often resolves the case.
Checklist to organize and present your evidence effectively.
Templates for service of process and court correspondence.
No. Small claims court is specifically designed for self-representation. In fact, many states don't even allow lawyers in small claims proceedings. Our filing package gives you everything you need to present your case professionally and effectively.
It varies by state, typically between $3,500 and $25,000. California allows up to $12,500, Texas up to $20,000, and New York up to $10,000. We automatically check your state's limit and advise you accordingly.
Our analysis takes about 2 minutes. Once you have your filing package, actually filing at the courthouse typically takes 15–30 minutes. Most cases are scheduled for a hearing within 30–70 days.
Yes. We provide full Hebrew support for Israeli small claims courts (בית משפט לתביעות קטנות). All documents can be generated in Hebrew with Israeli legal citations and procedures.
Our documents are professionally formatted to court standards, which significantly improves the presentation of your case. While outcomes depend on the merits of each case, properly documented claims have a much higher success rate than handwritten or informal filings.
Yes. If you're not satisfied with your filing package, contact us within 7 days for a full refund. No questions asked.
These are illustrative examples, not actual user testimonials.
A tenant whose landlord withheld a $2,000 security deposit could use GetSmallClaims to generate a demand letter, statement of claim citing the state deposit statute, and filing instructions for their local small claims court.
A customer billed incorrectly by their telecom provider could use GetSmallClaims to prepare a consumer complaint filing, including evidence checklists for billing records and a demand letter requesting a refund.
A homeowner who paid a contractor for work that was never completed could use GetSmallClaims to prepare breach-of-contract documents, including a statement of claim and evidence checklist for contracts and payment receipts.
Small claims court is a special division of the judicial system designed to resolve monetary disputes involving relatively small amounts of money in a fast, simple, and affordable manner. In the United States, each state sets its own jurisdictional limit, ranging from $2,500 (Kentucky) to $25,000 (Delaware and Tennessee). These courts handle civil matters only — meaning financial disputes between individuals, businesses, or between a person and a business.
Small claims courts have jurisdiction over a wide variety of cases, including breach of contract, property damage, unpaid debts, security deposit disputes, defective products, and services not rendered as promised. Criminal matters, family law disputes, and cases seeking injunctive relief are generally outside small claims jurisdiction.
Who can file? Any adult (18 years or older) can file a small claims case. Small businesses, corporations, partnerships, and sole proprietors may also file. Some states allow authorized employees or officers to represent a business entity in court. Minors typically must have a parent or guardian file on their behalf.
Advantages over regular court:
⚠ Disclaimer: This is general legal information, not legal advice. It does not create an attorney-client relationship. Consult a licensed attorney for advice specific to your situation.
The following table shows claim limits, typical filing fee ranges, and statutes of limitations for the 20 most populous US states.
| State | Claim Limit | Filing Fee | Statute of Limitations (Contract) |
|---|---|---|---|
| California | $12,500 | $30 – $75 | 4 years (written) |
| Texas | $20,000 | $31 – $84 | 4 years |
| Florida | $8,000 | $55 – $300 | 5 years (written) |
| New York | $10,000 | $15 – $20 | 6 years |
| Pennsylvania | $12,000 | $40 – $100 | 4 years |
| Illinois | $10,000 | $20 – $75 | 5 years (written) |
| Ohio | $6,000 | $30 – $50 | 6 years (written) |
| Georgia | $15,000 | $45 – $75 | 6 years (written) |
| North Carolina | $10,000 | $30 – $96 | 3 years |
| Michigan | $6,500 | $30 – $70 | 6 years |
| New Jersey | $5,000 | $15 – $50 | 6 years |
| Virginia | $5,000 | $46 – $85 | 5 years (written) |
| Washington | $10,000 | $14 – $29 | 6 years (written) |
| Arizona | $3,500 | $10 – $65 | 6 years (written) |
| Massachusetts | $7,000 | $40 – $50 | 6 years |
| Tennessee | $25,000 | $50 – $60 | 6 years |
| Indiana | $8,000 | $27 – $77 | 6 years (written) |
| Missouri | $5,000 | $20 – $50 | 5 years (written) |
| Maryland | $5,000 | $34 – $50 | 3 years |
| Colorado | $7,500 | $31 – $55 | 6 years (written) |
Amounts current as of 2026. Filing fees may vary by county. Check with your local court for the most up-to-date figures.
Among the most common small claims cases. Tenants sue landlords who wrongfully withheld all or part of a security deposit. Most states require landlords to return the deposit within 14-30 days and provide an itemized list of deductions. Failure to comply may entitle the tenant to double or triple damages under state law.
Personal loans, payments for goods or services already delivered, bounced checks, and other unpaid obligations. Key evidence includes loan agreements, bank transfer records, text messages acknowledging the debt, and any written promises to pay.
When one party fails to fulfill obligations under a contract. Common examples include contractors who did not finish work, vendors who failed to deliver goods, or anyone who broke a written or verbal agreement. Bring the contract and documentation of how the breach caused you financial harm.
Damage caused to your property by another person — car scratches, damage by a neighbor, pet damage, and more. Document the damage thoroughly with photographs, video, and repair estimates from qualified professionals. Keep all receipts for repairs already made.
Products that do not work as advertised, broke prematurely, or caused damage. Save purchase receipts, warranty documentation, correspondence with the seller, and the product itself if possible. Many states have consumer protection laws that may allow additional statutory damages.
You paid for a service that was never performed, completed very late, or did not meet agreed-upon standards. Common with contractors, tradespeople, and service providers. Document the agreement, payment, the expected deliverables, and what was actually received (or not received).
After you file your claim and pay the filing fee, the court schedules a hearing date — typically 30-70 days out. You must legally serve the defendant with a copy of the claim (by personal delivery, certified mail, or sometimes through the court clerk). The defendant usually has 10-30 days to file a response or counterclaim.
Small claims hearings are less formal than regular court proceedings. The judge will hear both sides, review evidence, and may ask clarifying questions. Each party gets an opportunity to present their version of events. Hearings typically last 15-30 minutes. Arrive early, dress appropriately (business casual at minimum), and speak respectfully and factually. Focus on facts and financial harm, not emotions.
If you win and the court rules in your favor, the defendant is legally obligated to pay. If they refuse, enforcement tools are available: wage garnishment, bank account levy, property liens, or requesting a debtor's examination. The court can assist with enforcement. Note that collecting a judgment sometimes requires additional steps and patience — winning the case and collecting the money are two separate processes.
No. Small claims court is specifically designed for self-representation. Many states, such as California, actually prohibit attorneys from appearing on behalf of parties in small claims hearings. In states that do allow attorneys, hiring one is rarely necessary or cost-effective given the relatively small amounts at stake. Our filing package prepares all the documents you need to present your case professionally and effectively.
Our document preparation takes about 2 minutes. Filing at the courthouse typically takes 15-30 minutes. The court schedules a hearing date usually within 30-70 days of filing. Some judges issue a decision the same day as the hearing; others issue a written decision within a few days. In total, from filing to decision, expect approximately 6-10 weeks in most jurisdictions.
Winning a judgment does not guarantee immediate payment. If the defendant does not pay voluntarily, you have several enforcement options available. These include: wage garnishment (having the money deducted from the defendant's paycheck), bank account levy (seizing funds from their bank account), placing a lien on their property, or requesting a debtor's examination where the court orders them to disclose their assets. Many states also add post-judgment interest to the amount owed until it is collected.
Generally, yes, but the rules vary by state. In some states, only the defendant (the losing party) has the right to appeal. In others, either party can appeal. Appeals are typically heard in a higher court (such as a district or superior court) and may involve a completely new trial (trial de novo). The deadline to file an appeal ranges from 10 to 30 days after the judgment, depending on the state. An appeal may require hiring an attorney and paying additional court fees.
Strong evidence is the key to winning your case. The most effective types of evidence include: written contracts or agreements, receipts and proof of payment, photographs and videos documenting the issue, screenshots of text messages and emails, professional damage estimates or repair invoices, police reports (where applicable), and witness testimony (either in person or via written declarations). The more documentation you have, the stronger your case will be. Organize your evidence chronologically and bring three copies of everything.
The defendant has the right to file a counterclaim against you in the same proceeding. If they do, both claims will be heard at the same hearing. The judge will listen to both sides and make a decision on each claim. Prepare a response to the defendant's allegations and gather evidence that contradicts their claims. A counterclaim does not mean your original case is weakened — it simply means there are two disputes to resolve.
⚠ Disclaimer: This is general legal information only and does not constitute legal advice. Laws vary by state and jurisdiction. For advice specific to your situation, consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction.
This tool provides general legal information for educational purposes only. It is not legal advice and does not create an attorney-client relationship. Laws vary by jurisdiction. Consult a licensed attorney for your specific situation.
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