About SmallClaims.com

Our mission

Every year, millions of people go to small claims court without a lawyer. But the process trips people up before they ever reach a judge — which court to file in, which forms to use, the deadlines, and rules that change county by county. People with legitimate disputes give up because the process is confusing, not because they're wrong.

SmallClaims.com exists to change that. We make the small claims process clearer and more accessible to everyone — regardless of whether you can afford a lawyer or have any legal experience — by giving you accurate, plain-English information about your court, your filing limits, and your options.

We believe that if someone owes you money, you shouldn't need a law degree to get it back.

What we do

Free state-by-state guides

Comprehensive, up-to-date guides for all 50 states covering filing limits, fees, statutes of limitations, court procedures, and more. Our automated monitoring system tracks legislative changes so our information stays current.

Demand letter guidance

Write a professional demand letter with our free guide. Many disputes are resolved with a demand letter alone — without ever stepping foot in a courtroom.

Filing information

Our state guides and court finder tell you which court to file in, where it is, the filing fees, and the deadlines — the information you need to complete and file the correct forms yourself.

Court preparation guidance

State-specific guides on what to bring, how to organize your evidence, and what to expect at your hearing, so you can walk into court prepared.

What we are — and what we are not

What we are

✓ A self-help legal information service
✓ An educational resource for small claims court
✓ A resource that helps you understand and prepare for your case
✓ Available 24/7 in all 50 states

What we are NOT

✗ Not a law firm
✗ Not a lawyer or legal advisor
✗ We do not provide legal advice
✗ We do not evaluate the merits of your case
✗ We do not predict case outcomes

Data accuracy

Legal information changes. State legislatures update filing limits, courts revise their forms, and fees change. We take accuracy seriously:

Automated monitoring: Our system monitors legislative databases and court websites daily for changes that affect small claims rules.
Verification dates: Every state guide page shows when the data was last verified.
Official sources: All data is sourced from official state court websites and legislative databases.
Human review: Significant changes are reviewed by our team before publication.

Despite our best efforts, we always recommend confirming current rules with your local court clerk before filing.