.jpg){kind=link}
Arizona’s small claims court is a division of the justice court, the local court run by a justice of the peace in each precinct. It handles disputes up to $5,000 [1], and it’s built for people without lawyers: there are no attorneys and no appeal [3][4].
At a glance
- Small claims limit
- $5,000, not counting interest and costs [1]
- Regular justice court limit
- $10,000 [2]
- Lawyers
- Not allowed unless both sides agree in writing [3]
- Appeal
- None; the decision is final [4]
- Filing fee (Maricopa County)
- $58 to file, $46 to answer [6]
| Small claims division | Justice court civil | |
|---|---|---|
| Most you can sue for | $5,000 | $10,000 |
| Lawyers | Only if both sides agree in writing | Allowed |
| Appeal | No | Yes |
| Maricopa County filing fee | $58 | $114 |
What small claims can and can’t hear
Small claims covers money disputes of $5,000 or less, not counting interest and costs [1]. In Maricopa County, the courts list unpaid debts, personal injury, property damage and breach of contract as typical cases [6]. You can also ask to undo or cancel a contract worth $5,000 or less [1].
Some cases can’t go to small claims at all [1]:
- Libel or slander
- Evictions (forcible or special detainer cases)
- Asking the court to force someone to perform a contract
- Injunctions, class actions and cases that seek prejudgment remedies
- Traffic and criminal matters
- Claims against the state, a city or county, or their officers
If your claim is bigger than $5,000 but no more than $10,000, it belongs in the regular civil side of justice court [2].
The no-lawyer, no-appeal rules
An attorney can’t appear or take part in filing or defending a small claims case [3]. The exception: both sides can agree in writing, before the hearing, to let attorneys in. Attorneys who are parties can represent themselves, and you can hire a lawyer after the judgment to help collect [3].
There’s no appeal in small claims. The ruling of the hearing officer or justice of the peace is final and binds both sides [4].
How to file
- Pick the right court. Maricopa County has 26 justice court precincts. File in the precinct where the transaction or dispute happened, which is typically the defendant’s address [6].
- Fill out the complaint. Use the court’s small claims complaint form. State who you’re suing, how much, and why. Use the exact legal name of a business.
- Pay the filing fee. In Maricopa County it’s $58 for the complaint and summons [6].
- Serve the defendant. The other side must be formally given the papers before the hearing.
- Get ready for the hearing. Bring receipts, contracts, photos, texts and any witnesses. A hearing officer or a judge decides the case [6].
If you’re the one being sued, filing an answer in Maricopa County costs $46 [6]. If the case was filed in the wrong precinct, you can ask for a change of venue, but you must do it before you file your answer [6].
| Item | Fee |
|---|---|
| Small claims complaint and summons | $58 |
| Small claims answer | $46 |
| Judgment debtor's exam | $33 |
| Writ of execution (includes minimum mileage) | $123 |
| Writ of garnishment (includes minimum mileage) | $107 |
After you win
Winning a judgment doesn’t mean you get paid right away. If the other side doesn’t pay, you can ask the court for tools to collect, such as a judgment debtor’s exam , a writ of garnishment against wages or a bank account, or a writ of execution against property. Each has its own fee [6].
Where to get help
- Your local justice court clerk: can explain forms and fees, but can’t give legal advice.
- Maricopa County Justice Courts (justicecourts.maricopa.gov): small claims forms and the Arizona Rules of Small Claims Procedure [6].
Sources
- A.R.S. 22-503: Small claims division jurisdiction
- A.R.S. 22-201: Justice court civil jurisdiction
- A.R.S. 22-512: Attorneys in small claims
- A.R.S. 22-519: No appeal in small claims
- A.R.S. 22-504: Objection and transfer to justice court
- Maricopa County Justice Courts: Small Claims
- Maricopa County Justice Courts: Justice Court Fees
Common questions
What is the small claims limit in Arizona?
$5,000, not counting interest and court costs. Claims above that, up to $10,000, can be filed in the regular civil side of justice court.
Can I bring a lawyer to small claims court in Arizona?
Not usually. Attorneys can't take part unless both sides agree in writing before the hearing. An attorney who is a party can represent themselves.
Can I appeal a small claims decision in Arizona?
No. The decision is final and binding on both sides. If you want the right to appeal, you can ask to move the case to regular justice court, but you must object at least 10 days before the hearing.