Small Claims

A small claims court is a specialized division within the U.S. judicial system designed to handle low-value civil disputes through a simplified, accessible process. Operating within district, county, justice, or municipal courts, they provide an accessible venue for individuals and businesses to handle everyday conflicts.

The advantages of a small claims court are significant: expedited timelines, lower filing fees, reduced procedural hurdles, and quicker judgments. Each state sets its own monetary jurisdiction limit.

Additionally, the threshold varies based on location, type of claim, or whether the party is an individual or a business. Small claims courts also have limits on the types of cases they can hear and generally cannot consider some matters or requests that require injunctive relief.

Small claims courts differ from general civil divisions in both structure and procedure. While civil courts allow full discovery, attorney representation, and expensive motion practice, small claims courts emphasize informality, limited evidence rules, and self-representation.

Many states restrict or prohibit attorneys' involvement to maintain fairness for self-represented parties. Furthermore, in small claims courts, when an appeal is allowed, it typically proceeds de novo in a higher court.

Types of Cases Heard in Small Claims Court

Small claims courts handle a targeted set of civil disputes that are monetary in nature and relatively straightforward.

• Common Civil Disputes: The most common cases for civil disputes held in small claims courts include unpaid loans or invoices, such as personal loans, unpaid rent, or outstanding service invoices. It includes property damage claims, such as vehicle repairs, damaged personal belongings, or contractor-related losses.

  Additionally, common civil disputes heard in small claims court include landlord-tenant conflicts that involve security deposits, minor habitability issues, or rent disputes.

• Excluded Cases: Small claims courts exclude entire categories of civil cases due to their complexity or legal sensitivity. These include family law issues, such as divorce, custody, and child support actions, as well as criminal matters, defamation claims, and bankruptcy filings. Additionally, it does not cover probate or estate disputes, and cases that seek injunctive relief instead of damages.

Specific categories by state show how these boundaries operate. California hears consumer, contract, and property-damage claims but routes evictions to separate courts. New York's small claims courts accept money-only cases, while housing disputes proceed through Housing Court.

Texas Justice Courts handle debt and property damage claims, with eviction cases processed separately. Florida limits small claims to monetary disputes and excludes most non-monetary remedies. Illinois allows small-money claims and limited replevin but bars equitable relief.

State-by-State Small Claims Court Limits

The Small Claims Hearing Process

The small claims hearing process is designed for self-representation, enabling parties to present their disputes efficiently without the need for an attorney.

Parties should arrive on time, check in with the clerk, and explain their case clearly to the judge. The plaintiff bears the burden of proof by providing clear evidence, while the defendant responds or asserts counterclaims.

Relevant evidence, such as contracts, receipts, photographs, correspondence, or estimates, should be organized and presented to support claims. Witnesses may be called to testify if needed. Proper court etiquette is essential: be punctual, address the judge respectfully, speak when prompted, and avoid arguing directly with the opposing party.

If a party fails to appear, the court may either dismiss the case or issue a default judgment, which is enforceable in the same manner as a contested case.

Judgments and Enforcement

After a small claims hearing, the court issues a judgment detailing the winning party, the amount owed, and any applicable costs or interest. This judgment is entered on the court docket, making it legally enforceable.

If the debtor fails to pay voluntarily, the creditor can enforce the judgment through wage garnishment, bank levies, judgment liens on property, or debtor examinations to locate assets. Limited post-judgment motions, such as requests to vacate or appeals for a trial de novo, are available but must be filed within strict deadlines and based on valid grounds.

Enforcement periods vary by state, typically ranging from five to twenty-five years, with the possibility of renewal. Once the debt is fully paid, the creditor files a Satisfaction of Judgment to officially close the case.

Small Claims Records and Dockets

Small claim records provide a complete account of a case and are maintained by the court clerk. They typically contain:

• The initial filings, such as complaints, statements of claim, and proof of service.

• Hearing transcripts or minute entries summarizing proceedings.

• Judgment and post-judgment orders, including Satisfaction of Judgment.

• Docket entries, with case numbers, parties involved, and chronological updates.

Public vs. Sealed Records

Most small claims records are considered public information, accessible to interested parties, researchers, and legal professionals under state open-records statutes. However, some files remain confidential or may be sealed to protect sensitive information, such as cases involving juveniles, confidential settlements, or protective orders. The courts limit access to protect parties while maintaining transparency of procedural and outcome-related information.

How to Access Small Claims Records

Small claims records can be accessed online through the state county court portals, where users can search by case number, party name, or filing date. Although rare, some federal small claims cases are available through PACER (Public Access to Court Electronic Records).

For offline access to small claims records, individuals may request certified copies from the county clerk's office in person or by mail. Access typically requires providing valid identification, case details, and paying the required fees. Certified records are typically required for enforcement, appeals, or legal verification.

Frequently Asked Questions About Small Claims

Here are questions commonly asked about small claims.