Small claims court: what makes it different

Small claims court handles disputes below a dollar limit set by your state (commonly $2,500–$25,000 depending on the state). It's intentionally informal: procedures are simplified, and many states don't allow attorneys at all in small claims hearings.

You'll usually file a simple form describing what happened and how much money you're seeking, pay a modest filing fee (which can often be waived — see the fee waiver guide), and have the other side served.

Bring your evidence: receipts, photos, contracts, text messages, and a short written timeline of events. Judges in small claims court expect a clear, concise explanation, not formal legal arguments.

Judgments in small claims court are usually final or have very limited appeal rights, so prepare your evidence and explanation carefully the first time.