A landlord kept your deposit, a contractor walked off the job, a dry cleaner ruined your coat. In Arizona you can sue for up to $5,000 in the Justice Court, Small Claims Division, without hiring a lawyer. Check your case below, then follow six steps.
Answer a few questions. The result updates as you type.
Arizona doesn't require a demand letter, but courts urge you to try settling before you sue. A short, dated demand letter is the best proof. Use the generator below and keep a copy.
The Justice Court precinct where the defendant lives or does business, or where the problem happened. Maricopa County has 26 precincts; use the county's precinct map.
Small Claims Complaint (statewide form; some courts use their own packet). The defendant has 20 days to answer, then the hearing is set within 60 days, so expect about 2 to 3 months.
Fees differ by county. Maricopa County: $58 to file and $46 for the defendant to answer. Pima County: $60 to file and $38 to answer. Service by a constable or process server costs extra. If you can't afford it, ask for a fee waiver: Fee waiver or deferral application, from the clerk.
Serve each defendant with the complaint and summons by certified or registered mail with a return receipt, or through a constable, sheriff or private process server. Serve a company through its statutory agent. File proof of service within 45 days of filing, or the case can be dismissed.
Bring receipts, photos, texts, the contract and your demand letter, with three copies of each. If they don't pay, use a judgment debtor exam, wage or bank garnishment, or a writ of execution. Judgments last 10 years; file a satisfaction of judgment within 30 days once you're paid.
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 claims have shorter limits, and libel and slander can't be brought in small claims at all.
| Type of claim | Deadline |
|---|---|
| Broken written contract (lease, invoice, signed agreement) | 6 years |
| Broken verbal agreement | 3 years |
| Damaged property | 2 years |
| Personal injury | 2 years |
| Fraud | 3 years |
| Libel or slander | 1 year |
| Claims against a government agency | You can't sue a government body in small claims. For claims against a public entity, a notice of claim must generally be filed within 180 days. |
Lawyers can't take part unless all parties agree in writing before the hearing. You can hire a lawyer to collect after you win.
Small claims covers disputes of $5,000 or less, not counting interest and costs (raised from $3,500 in 2025). From $5,000 to $10,000, use the regular Justice Court civil division. You can drop the amount over $5,000 to stay in small claims, but you can't split one claim. Otherwise, you can give up the amount above the limit, or file a regular civil case where the rules are stricter.
There's no appeal from a small claims decision. To keep the right to appeal, either side must transfer the case to the Justice Court civil division at least 10 days before the hearing.
Interpreters and accommodations are available; request them at least 15 days before your court date.