A landlord kept your deposit, a contractor walked off the job, a dry cleaner ruined your coat. In Alaska you can sue for up to $10,000 in the District Court (Small Claims), without hiring a lawyer. Check your case below, then follow six steps.
Answer a few questions. The result updates as you type.
Alaska doesn't require a demand letter before filing, but asking in writing first can help. A short, dated demand letter is the best proof. Use the generator below and keep a copy.
File at the District Court nearest where the defendant lives or works, where the injury or damage happened, or where a business does business.
Small Claims Complaint. Usually about 4 to 12 weeks after the defendant answers. The court mails the trial notice at least 15 days ahead.
$50 for claims of $2,500 or less and $100 for larger claims. Serving the papers (certified mail or a process server) costs extra. If you can't afford it, ask for a fee waiver: Exemption from the Payment of Fees (form TF-920).
You arrange service: send it by certified mail, restricted delivery, return receipt, or hire a process server (a state trooper serves where no server is available). Then file an Affidavit of Service (form SC-4). Serve within 120 days of filing. The defendant then has 20 days to answer (40 days if served outside the U.S.).
Bring receipts, photos, texts, the contract and your demand letter, with three copies of each. The court doesn't collect for you. If they don't pay, ask for a Writ of Execution to take money from wages, a bank account, or the debtor's Permanent Fund Dividend.
Want every detail? The full filing guide walks you through all 7 stages, from finding the defendant's legal name to collecting your money, with a checklist.
Open the filing guideFill in the details, then download the letter as a PDF or Word file, or copy the text. Send it by certified mail or email so you can prove the date.
Miss this date and the court will dismiss your case, however strong it is. Some deadlines start later if the harm was discovered later.
| Type of claim | Deadline |
|---|---|
| Broken written contract (lease, invoice, signed agreement) | 3 years |
| Broken verbal agreement | 3 years |
| Damaged property | 2 years |
| Personal injury | 2 years |
| Fraud | 2 years |
| Libel or slander | 2 years |
| Claims against a government agency | You can't sue the State of Alaska or the U.S. government in small claims court. |
Yes, but most people don't use one. Only a lawyer can represent someone else; a power of attorney isn't enough. A company can act through an officer, managing member or an employee it authorizes in writing.
You can sue for up to $10,000 plus interest and court costs. Businesses have the same limit. If your claim is bigger, you must give up the extra. Small claims can't handle evictions, land title disputes, or claims against the State of Alaska or the U.S. government. Otherwise, you can give up the amount above the limit, or file a regular civil case where the rules are stricter.
Either side can appeal to the Superior Court within 30 days of the date the judgment is given or mailed, using form AP-100. The Superior Court reviews the record; it doesn't hold a new trial. An appeal doesn't stop collection.
Ask for one with form TF-985 (Notice of Need for Interpreter), or contact the court's interpreter services office.