A landlord kept your deposit, a contractor walked off the job, a dry cleaner ruined your coat. In Arkansas you can sue for up to $5,000 in the District 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.
Arkansas doesn't require a demand letter, but the Attorney General suggests trying to settle with the other side first. A short, dated demand letter is the best proof. Use the generator below and keep a copy.
File in the county where a defendant lives, where the contract was made or to be performed, or where the injury or damage happened.
Small claims complaint and summons from your district court clerk. The clerk sets a trial date after the defendant answers; timing depends on the court.
About $65 in most district courts, with small local add-ons in some (for example $67.50). Service is paid separately: the sheriff charges about $50, or you can use certified mail or a process server. If you can't afford it, ask for a fee waiver: Petition to proceed in forma pauperis (ask the clerk for the form).
Serve by the sheriff, a private process server, or certified mail with restricted delivery. You pay the server directly, not the court. Serve within 120 days of filing. The defendant then has 30 days to file a written answer.
Bring receipts, photos, texts, the contract and your demand letter, with three copies of each. The court doesn't collect for you. Ten days after judgment you can garnish wages (up to 25% of net pay) or a bank account, or ask for a writ of execution on property.
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. Slander (spoken defamation) has only 1 year. For an injured minor, the clock starts at age 18.
| Type of claim | Deadline |
|---|---|
| Broken written contract (lease, invoice, signed agreement) | 5 years |
| Broken verbal agreement | 3 years |
| Damaged property | 3 years |
| Personal injury | 3 years |
| Fraud | 3 years |
| Libel or slander | 3 years |
| Claims against a government agency | Money claims against the State of Arkansas go to the Arkansas State Claims Commission, not to small claims court. |
No. Only the plaintiff and defendant take part. If either side hires a lawyer, the case is moved to the regular civil docket. A small, closely held corporation can appear through its officers.
You can sue for up to $5,000 in money or property. If the defendant counterclaims for more than $5,000, the case can move to Circuit Court. 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 within 30 days after the judgment is entered on the docket. The case is heard again in the county's Circuit Court, with a new filing fee, and a bond may be needed if money was awarded.
Ask the clerk as early as possible if you or a witness needs an interpreter.