Small Claims

Small claims court is a special court where disputes are resolved quickly and inexpensively. The rules are simple and informal. The person who sues is the plaintiff. The person who is sued is the defendant. In small claims court, you may ask a lawyer for advice before you go to court, but you cannot have a lawyer in court. Your claim cannot be for more than $5,000 - or $10,000 if you are a natural person (not a business or public entity)(*see below). If you have a claim for more than this amount, you may sue in the civil division of the trial court or you may sue in the small claims court and give up your right to the amount over $5,000 or $10,000 if you are a natural person.

You cannot, however, file more than two cases in small claims court for more than $2,500 each during a calendar year.