Small claims court is the fast, low-cost, lawyer-optional way to resolve disputes over money. Tell us your state and how much you're owed, and we'll show you whether your dispute fits within your state's small claims limit, which court handles it, and what filing typically costs — with a link to the official self-help resources for your state.
Small claims court handles money disputes up to a dollar limit set by each state — unpaid debts, a withheld security deposit, a botched repair, or damage someone won't pay for. The rules are simplified, filing fees are low, and in most states you present your own case without a lawyer. It is built for ordinary people to use directly.
Once you file, the court schedules a hearing and the other side is formally served. You bring your evidence — contracts, photos, messages, receipts — and explain what happened to a judge. Winning a judgment is a separate step from collecting it, so it helps to know whether the other side has the means to pay before you invest the time.
Disclaimer: NotALawyer.com provides general legal information, not legal advice, and is not a law firm. Using a tool does not create an attorney–client relationship. Laws change and vary by situation — verify anything important with the official source or a licensed attorney in your state.