Small Claims Calculator
Last reviewed · Now covers all 50 states and DC with official limits and fee tiers
Estimate your total cost to file a small claims case. See filing fees, service of process costs, and your state's dollar limit. Covers all 50 states with current data.
Small claims court limits range from $2,500 to $25,000 depending on the state. Filing fees are $10 to $300. Service of process costs $10 to $150. Total out-of-pocket cost to file is typically $50 to $450. Most cases resolve in 30 to 90 days. No lawyer is required in most states.
Estimates are for educational purposes only. Actual filing fees vary by county and are subject to change. Some courts offer fee waivers for low-income filers. This is not legal advice. Contact your local court clerk for exact fees.
This is an estimate built from the rule, schedule or survey named on this page, not legal advice and not a quote. Figures change when a legislature or a court changes them. Check the statute or the court’s own fee schedule, or ask a lawyer in your state, before you rely on a number here.
Understanding Small Claims Court Costs
Small claims court is designed to resolve civil disputes quickly and affordably without attorneys. The total cost to file typically ranges from $50 to $450, depending on your state, claim amount, and service method. This makes small claims court one of the most cost-effective ways to resolve disputes over unpaid debts, security deposits, property damage, and breach of contract.
Your main costs are the filing fee ($10 to $300) and service of process ($10 to $150). Filing fees are usually scaled based on the claim amount. In most states, the winning party can recover the filing fee as part of the judgment. Service of process (officially notifying the defendant) can be done by certified mail (cheapest), sheriff, or private process server.
Sources: State Court Filing Fee Schedules, National Center for State Courts, Nolo Legal Encyclopedia. Updated 2026.
State Limits and Attorney Rules
Small claims dollar limits vary significantly by state. The lowest limit is Kentucky at $2,500, followed by Mississippi at $3,500. The highest are Tennessee and Delaware at $25,000, followed by Texas, Minnesota, Utah and West Virginia at $20,000. Georgia allows $15,000 and moves to $25,000 for cases filed from January 2027. California sets the individual limit at $12,500 but restricts businesses to $6,250 per claim. Most states cluster between $5,000 and $10,000.
Attorney rules also vary. Several states, including California, Michigan, Nebraska, Kansas, Virginia and Washington, keep attorneys out of the small claims hearing, keeping the process accessible for self-represented parties. Most other states allow but do not require attorneys. If you do hire an attorney for a small claims case, expect to pay $500 to $2,000 for a simple matter, which may not be cost-effective for smaller claims.
Winning and Collecting Your Judgment
Plaintiffs win a large share of small claims cases, many of them by default when the defendant does not appear. For contested cases, success depends heavily on evidence. Bring written contracts, receipts, photographs, text messages, emails, and any other documentation that supports your claim. Organize your evidence chronologically.
Winning a judgment and collecting the money are two separate challenges. Courts do not collect for you. Options include wage garnishment (filing fee $25 to $75), bank account levy, property lien, or hiring a collection agency (which typically takes 25% to 50% of the amount). Judgments are valid for 10 to 20 years in most states and can be renewed, so you have time to collect even if the debtor currently lacks assets.
Small claims court rules, filing fees, and dollar limits vary by state and county. Some courts offer fee waivers for low-income filers. Contact your local court clerk for exact fees and current rules applicable to your situation.
Sources: State Civil Procedure Codes, National Center for State Courts, Administrative Office of US Courts. Updated 2026.
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Small Claims Limits and Fees in Every State
This is the table the calculator runs on. The limit is the most a small claims court will hear in that state, the fee is what the court charges to file, and the last column says whether a lawyer may appear with you at the hearing. Each state name links to that state’s own court or statute page.
| State | Claim limit | Filing fee | Lawyer at the hearing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $6,000 | $35 to $198 | Yes |
| Alaska | $10,000 | $50 to $100 | Yes |
| Arizona | $5,000 | $58 to $60 | restricted |
| Arkansas | $5,000 | $30 to $65 | No |
| California | $12,500 (business $6,250) | $30 to $75 | No |
| Colorado | $7,500 | $31 to $55 | restricted |
| Connecticut | $5,000 | $95 | Yes |
| Delaware | $25,000 | $35 to $45 | Yes |
| District of Columbia | $10,000 | varies | Yes |
| Florida | $8,000 | $55 to $300 | Yes |
| Georgia | $15,000 | $48 to $65 | Yes |
| Hawaii | $5,000 | $35 to $35 | Yes |
| Idaho | $5,000 | varies | No |
| Illinois | $10,000 | varies | restricted |
| Indiana | $10,000 | varies | Yes |
| Iowa | $6,500 | $95 | Yes |
| Kansas | $10,000 | $35 to $55 | No |
| Kentucky | $2,500 | $25 to $60 | Yes |
| Louisiana | $5,000 | $35 | Yes |
| Maine | $10,000 | varies | Yes |
| Maryland | $5,000 | $44 | Yes |
| Massachusetts | $7,000 | $40 to $150 | Yes |
| Michigan | $7,000 | $30 to $70 | No |
| Minnesota | $20,000 | $70 to $80 | Yes |
| Mississippi | $3,500 | varies | Yes |
| Missouri | $5,000 | $35 to $45 | Yes |
| Montana | $7,000 | $30 to $30 | restricted |
| Nebraska | $7,500 | $58 to $58 | No |
| Nevada | $10,000 | $66 to $196 | Yes |
| New Hampshire | $10,000 | $125 to $180 | Yes |
| New Jersey | $5,000 | $50 to $50 | Yes |
| New Mexico | $10,000 | $52 to $77 | Yes |
| New York | $10,000 | $15 to $20 | Yes |
| North Carolina | $10,000 | $96 | Yes |
| North Dakota | $15,000 | $20 | Yes |
| Ohio | $6,000 | varies | Yes |
| Oklahoma | $10,000 | $42 to $85 | Yes |
| Oregon | $10,000 | $170 | restricted |
| Pennsylvania | $12,000 | $50 to $150 | Yes |
| Rhode Island | $5,000 | varies | Yes |
| South Carolina | $7,500 | $80 | Yes |
| South Dakota | $12,000 | varies | Yes |
| Tennessee | $25,000 | varies | Yes |
| Texas | $20,000 | $46 to $60 | Yes |
| Utah | $20,000 | $60 to $185 | Yes |
| Vermont | $10,000 | $60 to $90 | Yes |
| Virginia | $5,000 | varies | No |
| Washington | $10,000 (business $5,000) | $35 to $50 | No |
| West Virginia | $20,000 | $30 to $50 | Yes |
| Wisconsin | $10,000 | $94.5 | Yes |
| Wyoming | $6,000 | $10 | Yes |
51 jurisdictions, the 50 states and the District of Columbia. Fees are the court’s own charge and exclude service on the other party. Four state pages refuse automated checks, so their names are not linked.
How much can I sue for in small claims court?
Dollar limits range from $2,500 (Kentucky) to $25,000 (Tennessee, Delaware). Texas allows $20,000. California allows $12,500 for individuals, $6,250 for businesses. Most states set the limit between $5,000 and $10,000. Check your state's specific limit before filing.
How much does it cost to file a small claims case?
Filing fees range from $10 to $300 depending on the state and claim amount. Most states charge $30 to $100 for mid-sized claims. The winning party can typically recover the filing fee as part of the judgment. Some courts offer fee waivers for low-income filers.
How long does a small claims case take?
Most cases resolve in 30 to 90 days from filing to judgment. Hearings are scheduled 30 to 60 days after filing and last 15 to 30 minutes. Judges often rule the same day or within 2 to 3 weeks. Collecting on a judgment can take additional months.
Do I need a lawyer for small claims court?
In most states, no. Many people represent themselves. California, Michigan, Nebraska, Kansas and several other states keep attorneys out of the hearing. In states that allow lawyers, having one adds $500 to $2,000 in fees, which may exceed the claim value for smaller disputes.
What types of cases go to small claims court?
Common cases include unpaid debts and loans, security deposit disputes, property damage, breach of contract, unpaid invoices, auto accident damage, and defective products. Small claims courts cannot handle evictions, divorce, guardianship, or name changes.
What is the success rate in small claims court?
Plaintiffs win a large share of cases, many by default when the defendant does not appear. For contested cases, having written documentation (contracts, receipts, photos, texts) significantly increases your chances of winning.
Can I appeal a small claims court decision?
Appeal rights vary by state. Some allow a completely new trial (trial de novo). Others limit appeals to legal errors only. Appeal windows are 10 to 30 days. Filing an appeal costs $75 to $250. In some states, only the defendant can appeal.
How do I collect a small claims judgment?
Courts do not collect for you. Options include wage garnishment ($25 to $75 filing fee), bank account levy, property lien, or a collection agency (25% to 50% fee). Judgments are valid 10 to 20 years in most states and can be renewed.
What is service of process in small claims?
Service of process means officially notifying the defendant. Methods include certified mail ($10 to $20), sheriff service ($40 to $100), or private process server ($40 to $150). Proper service is required before the court can hear your case.
Can a business file in small claims court?
Yes, in most states. Some states set lower limits for businesses (California limits businesses to $6,250 vs. $12,500 for individuals). The business owner or an authorized employee usually must appear in court. Sole proprietors file under their own name.