Can I appeal a small claims decision?

It depends on your state. In some, the person who sued can’t appeal but the person sued can; in others, both can. Deadlines are short.

How do I collect after winning in small claims?

Ask the court about your options: a payment plan, wage garnishment, a bank levy or a lien. Many courts have self-help guides for collecting.

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Small claims court, start to finish

How small claims court works: demand letters, limits, filing, serving the other side, what to bring, and collecting after you win.

Quick answer

Small claims is a simpler court for smaller amounts, and most people go without a lawyer. Send a demand letter first. Check your state’s limit, file in the right court with the other side’s correct legal name, and pay the filing fee. Have them served, bring organized proof and copies, and tell a short, clear story. If you win and they don’t pay, ask the court about collection.

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Your checklist

Send a demand letter
Check your state’s limit
File in the right court
Have the other side served
Bring organized proof and copies
Ask how to collect if you win

Rather read it? Here’s the whole thing.

Try a demand letter first

Explain what happened, how much you’re owed and a deadline to pay. Many disputes end here, and judges like to see that you tried.

Check the limit

Each state sets the most you can ask for, from a few thousand dollars to around $20,000 or more. Some states don’t allow lawyers in small claims.

File

Usually in the county where the other person lives or where the problem happened. Use their correct legal name; for a business, look it up with your state. Expect a filing fee, often under $100, which you may get back if you win.

Serve the other side

They must officially receive the papers, by certified mail, a sheriff or a process server, depending on your court.

Prepare

Bring the contract, receipts, estimates, photos, texts and emails, and any witnesses, with copies for the judge and the other side. Keep your story short and clear.

After you win

If they don’t pay, the court can explain collection options, like wage garnishment or a bank levy.

Official sources, and where to look

National Center for State Courtsncsc.org
USA.gov: small claims courtusa.gov
Legal Services Corporation: free legal aidlsc.gov

To find your local office, search for:

[your county] small claims court forms
[your state] small claims limit

Pick sites that end in .gov. Official forms are almost always free.

Common questions

Do I need a lawyer for small claims court?

Usually not. It’s designed for people to represent themselves, and some states don’t allow lawyers at all. More ›

Can I sue a business in small claims?

Yes. Use the business’s correct legal name and serve its registered agent or owner as your court requires. More ›

How much can I sue for in small claims court?

It depends on your state, from a few thousand dollars to around $20,000 or more. Check your state court’s website. More ›

How much does it cost to file in small claims?

Filing fees vary by state and amount, often under $100, plus a fee to serve the papers. If you win, you can usually ask to be repaid these costs. More ›

How do I write a demand letter?

Keep it short: what happened, the amount you’re owed and why, and a deadline to pay. Send it in a way you can prove, and keep a copy. More ›

What happens if the other person doesn’t show up?

You may win by default, as long as they were properly served. Bring proof of service to court. More ›

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Get help with a small claims case

Court self-help centers are free.

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Not yet reviewed by an expert. Last checked 2026-10-29. This is general help, not legal, medical or professional advice. Rules are different in every state.