Small Claims Map · 50 states + DC
Small claims court
Someone owes you money and won't pay: sue without a lawyer for limits, fees, forms and a demand letter.
What it is
Small claims court is a simpler court for smaller money disputes: an unpaid bill or loan, a security deposit, a bad repair, damage to your car. You file a short form, pay a fee and tell the judge what happened, usually without a lawyer. Every state sets its own limit, fee and deadlines.
Who it helps
- People owed money by a person or a business
- Tenants who didn't get a deposit back
- Customers of a contractor or repair shop
- Small businesses with unpaid invoices
Go straight to your state's guide
Opens Small Claims Map, part of RobinClaim. Or see every topic for your state:
Across the country
$25,000highest limit: Delaware and Tennessee
$2,500lowest limit: Kentucky
$10,000median limit across the 51 guides
12states where lawyers usually can't represent you: Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado and 8 more
$5lowest starting filing fee
Figures from Small Claims Map's state data, checked Oct 2026.
Guides and comparison tables
All of Small Claims Map: every state, tools and guides.
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