How it works
Getting what you're owed, step by step
SmallClaims.com guides you through the entire small claims process. Here's what happens at each stage — what we handle and what you need to do.
Demand
Send a formal demand letter asking for what you're owed. This resolves most disputes.
File
If they don't pay, file your case in small claims court with the right forms.
Collect
Go to court, present your case, get a judgment, and collect your money.
Send a demand letter
A demand letter is a formal written request for payment. It shows you're serious and creates a paper trail for court. Many disputes — possibly most — are resolved at this stage.
What we do
- ✓Write a professional demand letter using our free step-by-step guide
- ✓Include correct payment instructions and deadline
- ✓Show you how to format it professionally to print and send
- ✓Walk you through what to include and how to word it
What you do
- ➜Answer questions about your dispute (takes about 5 minutes)
- ➜Review the letter and make sure all facts are correct
- ➜Print the letter and send it via USPS Certified Mail
- ➜Keep your certified mail receipt — it's evidence for court
Cost: Our demand letter guide is completely free. We recommend sending it via USPS Certified Mail ($5–8 at the post office) for proof of delivery.
File your case
If the demand letter doesn't resolve it, the next step is filing in small claims court. This means submitting paperwork to the court and officially notifying the other party.
Don't worry — small claims court is designed for regular people, not lawyers. The process is simpler than you think.
What we do
- ✓Tell you exactly which court to file in based on your situation
- ✓Provide your courthouse address, phone, and hours
- ✓Show you the filing fees and deadlines for your state
- ✓Walk you through the process with step-by-step guides
What you do
- ➜Fill out the court forms (your state's forms are on our state guide page)
- ➜File in person, by mail, or online (if your court offers e-filing)
- ➜Pay the filing fee (typically $30–100 depending on your claim amount)
- ➜Serve the defendant — formally notify them of the lawsuit
Cost: Court filing fees vary by state and claim amount ($30–200 typically). Service of process costs $40–150. If you can't afford fees, most courts offer fee waivers.
Go to court & collect
Small claims hearings are usually informal and quick — typically 15–30 minutes. You tell the judge what happened, show your evidence, and the judge makes a decision.
What we do
- ✓Provide a court prep checklist specific to your state
- ✓Guide you on what evidence to bring and how to present it
- ✓Explain what to expect at the hearing
- ✓Help with post-judgment collection if they still won't pay
What you do
- ➜Show up on your court date (on time, dressed appropriately)
- ➜Bring all your evidence — photos, receipts, contracts, the demand letter
- ➜Tell the judge your side clearly and calmly
- ➜If you win and they don't pay, use collection tools to enforce the judgment
Tips for success
How to strengthen your case
Document everything
Save all texts, emails, receipts, photos, and contracts related to your dispute. The more evidence you have, the stronger your case.
Send it certified
Always send your demand letter via USPS Certified Mail. The signed receipt proves they received it — judges expect to see this.
Know your deadline
Every state has a statute of limitations — a deadline to file. Miss it and your case is dismissed regardless of the merits. Check your state's deadline on our state guide.
Stay organized
Create a folder (physical or digital) for your case. Include your demand letter, certified mail receipt, evidence, court forms, and any responses.
Be professional
In your letter and in court, stick to facts. Don't be emotional or make accusations you can't prove. Judges respect clear, calm presentation.
File in the right court
You generally file where the defendant lives or does business, or where the dispute happened. Filing in the wrong court means starting over. Use our court finder to locate the right courthouse.
Common questions
Do I need a lawyer?
In most cases, no. Small claims court is specifically designed for people to represent themselves. In some states, lawyers aren't even allowed. Our state guides tell you the rules for your state.
How long does the whole process take?
The demand letter takes about 5 minutes to create. If you need to file, most courts schedule hearings within 30–90 days. The entire process from demand letter to judgment is typically 2–4 months.
How much can I sue for?
Every state has a different limit — ranging from $2,500 to $25,000. Check your state’s limit on our state info page. If your claim exceeds the limit, you can reduce it to fit or file in a higher court.
What if I win but they still don’t pay?
A court judgment gives you legal tools to collect: wage garnishment, bank levies, property liens, and more. These vary by state. Our collection guides walk you through the options.
Is SmallClaims.com a law firm?
No. We are a self-help legal information service. We provide general information and guides to help you navigate small claims court on your own, but we do not provide legal advice, evaluate the merits of your case, or predict outcomes. For legal advice, consult a licensed attorney.
Resources
Guides for every type of case
We have step-by-step guides for 25 common dispute types. Each one walks you through the specifics of your situation.
Ready to get started?
Most disputes start with a demand letter — it often resolves the issue without ever going to court. Our free guide shows you how to write one.