2026 Guide All 50 States 25 Dispute Types
Small Claims Court — State & Dispute Guides
Guides tailored to your state's exact limit, filing fee, and court name — for every type of defendant from landlords to Amazon.
Small claims court rules vary significantly by state — limits range from $2,500 in Kentucky to $25,000 in Delaware and Tennessee, filing fees vary from under $30 to over $200, and the court is called something different in almost every state. On top of that, who you're suing matters just as much as where: suing a landlord requires move-in photos and a demand letter; suing an airline requires booking confirmations and DOT complaint records. These guides combine both dimensions — your state's rules and your specific dispute type — so you walk into the courtroom fully prepared.
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State-specific rules
Every guide uses your state's actual limit, filing fee, court name, and statute of limitations.
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Dispute-specific evidence
Tailored evidence checklists and tips for each type of defendant — not generic advice.
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Winning strategies
Plaintiff success rates and the specific tactics that matter most for your type of case.
Browse by Dispute Type
Landlord
Security deposits, unpaid repairs & habitability disputes
Contractor
Incomplete work, shoddy repairs & contractor fraud
Employer
Unpaid wages, last paycheck & withheld commissions
Amazon
Damaged goods, undelivered orders & third-party seller disputes
Car Dealer
Undisclosed damage, deposit disputes & lemon car issues
Insurance Company
Claim denials, underpayment & bad faith delays
Neighbor
Property damage, fence disputes & nuisance claims
Mechanic / Auto Shop
Overcharges, unauthorized repairs & damage while in their care
Roommate
Unpaid rent, stolen deposits & property damage
Airline
Canceled flights, baggage loss & denied boarding compensation
Airbnb / VRBO
Host disputes, property damage & refund denials
Moving Company
Damaged belongings, inflated bills & hostage loads
Online Seller (eBay, Facebook, Craigslist)
Misrepresented items, non-delivery & fraud
Dog Owner
Bite injuries, property damage & vet bills
Friend or Family Member
Unpaid personal loans & money owed
Uber or Lyft
Accidents, overcharges & property damage
Hotel
Injury, overcharges & accommodation disputes
Store / Retailer
Return disputes, defective products & overcharges
Car Accident (Other Driver)
Vehicle damage, injuries & uninsured drivers
Cell Phone Company
Overcharges, broken contracts & deposit disputes
Gym / Fitness Club
Membership cancellation disputes & unauthorized charges
Wedding Vendor
Deposit disputes, no-shows & broken vendor contracts
Doctor / Medical Provider
Billing errors, overcharges & surprise bills
Property Manager
Mismanagement, fee disputes & unauthorized charges
Internet / Cable Provider
Overcharges, broken speed promises & equipment deposits
Browse by State
Alabama
$6,000 Small Claims Court
25 guides →
Alaska
$10,000 District Court
25 guides →
Arizona
$3,500 Justice Court
25 guides →
Arkansas
$5,000 Small Claims Division
25 guides →
California
$12,500 Small Claims Court
25 guides →
Colorado
$7,500 County Court
25 guides →
Connecticut
$5,000 Small Claims Court
25 guides →
Delaware
$25,000 Justice of the Peace Court
25 guides →
Florida
$8,000 County Court
25 guides →
Georgia
$15,000 Magistrate Court
25 guides →
Hawaii
$5,000 Small Claims Division
25 guides →
Idaho
$5,000 Small Claims Department
25 guides →
Illinois
$10,000 Small Claims Court
25 guides →
Indiana
$10,000 Small Claims Court
25 guides →
Iowa
$6,500 Small Claims Court
25 guides →
Kansas
$4,000 Small Claims Court
25 guides →
Kentucky
$2,500 Small Claims Court
25 guides →
Louisiana
$5,000 City Court / Justice of the Peace
25 guides →
Maine
$6,000 District Court
25 guides →
Maryland
$5,000 District Court
25 guides →
Massachusetts
$7,000 Small Claims Session
25 guides →
Michigan
$6,500 Small Claims Division
25 guides →
Minnesota
$15,000 Conciliation Court
25 guides →
Mississippi
$3,500 Justice Court
25 guides →
Missouri
$5,000 Small Claims Court
25 guides →
Montana
$7,000 Justice Court
25 guides →
Nebraska
$3,600 County Court
25 guides →
Nevada
$10,000 Justice Court
25 guides →
New Hampshire
$10,000 District Court
25 guides →
New Jersey
$5,000 Special Civil Part
25 guides →
New Mexico
$10,000 Magistrate Court
25 guides →
New York
$10,000 Small Claims Court
25 guides →
North Carolina
$10,000 Magistrate Court
25 guides →
North Dakota
$15,000 Small Claims Court
25 guides →
Ohio
$6,000 Small Claims Division
25 guides →
Oklahoma
$10,000 Small Claims Court
25 guides →
Oregon
$10,000 Small Claims Department
25 guides →
Pennsylvania
$12,000 Magisterial District Court
25 guides →
Rhode Island
$2,500 Small Claims Court
25 guides →
South Carolina
$7,500 Magistrate Court
25 guides →
South Dakota
$12,000 Small Claims Court
25 guides →
Tennessee
$25,000 General Sessions Court
25 guides →
Texas
$20,000 Justice Court
25 guides →
Utah
$11,000 Small Claims Court
25 guides →
Vermont
$5,000 Small Claims Court
25 guides →
Virginia
$5,000 General District Court
25 guides →
Washington
$10,000 Small Claims Department
25 guides →
West Virginia
$10,000 Magistrate Court
25 guides →
Wisconsin
$10,000 Small Claims Court
25 guides →
Wyoming
$6,000 Circuit Court
25 guides →
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the maximum I can sue for in small claims court?
What is the maximum I can sue for in small claims court is an important aspect of small claims court. Requirements and limits vary by state. Our state-by-state data above covers the key figures you need, sourced from official government websites.
Do I need a lawyer for small claims court?
Eligibility requirements for small claims court depend on your state's specific rules. Our calculator provides the key thresholds and requirements by state. For legal advice on your specific situation, consult a licensed attorney.
How long does a small claims case take?
Time limits for small claims court cases vary significantly by state and claim type. Select your state in the calculator above to see the applicable deadlines. Always verify current limits with a legal professional.
What happens if I win but the defendant doesn't pay?
small claims court rules vary by state. See our complete state-by-state breakdown above for the most current information, sourced directly from official court and government websites.
Can I sue a business in small claims court?
Eligibility requirements for small claims court depend on your state's specific rules. Our calculator provides the key thresholds and requirements by state. For legal advice on your specific situation, consult a licensed attorney.