Maricopa County Small Claims Court
How to file a small claims case in Maricopa County, AZ. Courthouse locations, hours, fees, and filing options for the Phoenix area.
Small claims in Arizona — the numbers for Maricopa County courts
$5,000
maximum claim
$46
filing fee (published)
2–6 yrs
filing deadline by claim type
No
e-filing — file in person or by mail
Published court information — verify before acting. See the full Arizona small claims guide · The form that starts a case: every field explained.
Maricopa County has 11 independent courts
How to choose: By defendant's residence or where the cause of action arose
All Courts in Maricopa County
Arcadia-Biltmore Justice Court
620 W. Jackson Street, Suite 1046
Phoenix, AZ 85003
Desert Ridge Justice Court
18380 North 40th Street, Suite 130
Phoenix, AZ 85032
Dreamy Draw Justice Court
18380 North 40th Street, Suite 130
Phoenix, AZ 85032
El Centro Justice Court
620 W. Jackson Street, Suite 1045
Phoenix, AZ 85003
Encanto Justice Court
620 W. Jackson Street, Suite 1045
Phoenix, AZ 85003
Maryvale Justice Court
10420 W. Van Buren St., Ste. 102
Avondale, AZ 85323
McDowell Mountain Justice Court
18380 North 40th Street, Suite 130
Phoenix, AZ 85032
Moon Valley Justice Court
18380 North 40th Street, Suite 130
Phoenix, AZ 85032
North Valley Justice Court
14264 West Tierra Buena Lane
Surprise, AZ 85374
South Mountain Justice Court
620 W. Jackson Street, Suite 1044
Phoenix, AZ 85003
West McDowell Justice Court
620 W. Jackson Street, Suite 1038
Phoenix, AZ 85003
How to File in Maricopa County
File in person
Bring your completed forms to the courthouse clerk during business hours. Pay the filing fee by cash, check, or credit card.
File by mail
Most small claims courts accept filing by mail — check with this courthouse first. Typically you mail your completed forms with the filing fee (check or money order) plus a self-addressed stamped envelope for your returned copies.
Ready to take action in Maricopa County?
A demand letter often settles disputes before a case is ever filed — and it only takes a few minutes.
Read the demand letter guideSmall claims rules in Arizona
How much you can sue for
Individuals can sue for up to $5,000.
Arizona has one of the lowest limits in the country
Deadline to file (statute of limitations)
6 yrs written contract · 3 yrs oral contract · 2 yrs property damage · 2 yrs personal injury
Common questions
How much does it cost to file a small claims case in Maricopa County?
Filing fees in Arizona are set by the state and are $46. If you can't afford the fee, Arizona offers a fee waiver — ask the clerk how to apply. Fees change, so confirm the current amount with the court clerk before you file.
What's the most I can sue for in Maricopa County?
Small claims cases in Maricopa County are limited to $5,000. If your claim is worth more than that, you either have to bring it in a different court or give up the amount above the limit to stay in small claims. The clerk can confirm which court fits your claim.
Can I file online in Maricopa County?
No — the record shows no electronic filing for small claims in Maricopa County. You'll file in person or by mail. Check with the clerk before you make the trip, in case that's changed.
Do I have to have a lawyer to file in Maricopa County?
Small claims court is built for people representing themselves, and most filers do exactly that. Whether an attorney may appear varies by state — the state guide linked on this page covers the rule where you are, and the clerk can confirm it.
Answers reflect published court data. Court rules and fees change — the clerk is always the authoritative source.