Small Claims Court Limits by State
Check the small claims limit, filing fees, and attorney rules for your state.
Small Claims Court Calculator
Check your state's small claims limit, filing fees, and whether attorneys are allowed.
California Small Claims Info
How small claims limits work
Each state sets its own maximum dollar amount for small claims court. If your claim exceeds the limit, you have two options: file in a higher court (which is more complex and expensive) or voluntarily reduce your claim to the small claims limit to keep the case in small claims court. You cannot split a single claim into multiple small claims cases to get around the limit.
What types of cases can be filed in small claims court?
Small claims court handles money disputes only — you cannot get an injunction or force someone to do something. Common cases include: unpaid loans, security deposit disputes, property damage, breach of contract, unpaid wages, and defective goods or services. Personal injury cases can be filed in small claims court if the amount is within the limit, but they are complex and often better handled in regular court.