Get what you're owed. The small claims process, made simple.
Self-help legal information service · Not a law firm · Not legal advice
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What happened?
Pick your situation for a step-by-step guide with your state's exact numbers.
Security deposit not returned
Your landlord won't return your deposit — most states set strict deadlines and penalties.
Read guide →Unpaid invoice or loan
Someone owes you money and won't pay — a client, a friend, a customer.
Read guide →Car accident damage
Someone damaged your car and won't pay for the repairs.
Read guide →Contractor dispute
Poor work, unfinished job, or a contractor who disappeared with your deposit.
Read guide →Defective product or service
Something you paid for doesn't work and the seller won't make it right.
Read guide →Broken agreement
Someone broke a written or verbal agreement with you.
Read guide →Free · most disputes end here
Most disputes end with a good letter.
Before court, send a clear demand letter. Our free step-by-step guide shows you how to write one in your own words — what to include, how to send it, and what usually happens next.
Free tools
Know your numbers before you start
Quick answers from published court data — you make the decisions.
Case Evaluator
Answer a few questions to find the guide that matches your situation.
Try it →Filing Deadline Lookup
Your state's published statute-of-limitations table for each claim type.
Look up yours →Cost Calculator
Published filing fees and service costs for your state and claim amount.
Estimate costs →Simple process
How it works
Three steps to getting what you're owed.
Send a demand letter
A clear letter often resolves a dispute before court. Our free guide shows you how to write one that gets read.
Know your options
Use our state guides and courthouse directory to understand your filing options, fees, and deadlines.
File and present your case
Follow our step-by-step case guides to file your claim, organize your evidence, and show up prepared.
51
State guides
3,159
Courthouse pages
32
Step-by-step guides
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50-state coverage
Find your state
Every state has different rules, limits, and fees. Select yours to get started.
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