How to Take Someone to Small Claims Court: Complete 2026 Guide

You Don't Need a Lawyer to Take Someone to Small Claims Court

Someone owes you money and won't pay. A landlord pocketed your security deposit. A contractor left the job half-finished. A company ghosted your refund request. You've been polite about it. You've sent emails. Nothing changed.

Here's what most people don't realize: small claims court was built for exactly this situation. No lawyer required. No legal degree needed. Just you, your evidence, and a judge who's going to listen.

This guide walks you through every step of taking someone to small claims court in 2026. From figuring out whether you even have a case to collecting the money after you win.

Step 1: Decide If Small Claims Court Is Right for Your Case

Small claims court handles disputes involving money. The amount you can sue for depends on your state:

• California: Up to $12,500 (individuals)
• Texas: Up to $20,000
• New York: Up to $10,000
• Florida: Up to $8,000
• Illinois: Up to $10,000

Most states fall between $5,000 and $25,000. If your claim is under the limit, small claims is almost always the right move. Filing fees run $30 to $100, the process is straightforward, and you handle the whole thing yourself.

One thing to know: small claims court only awards money. If you want someone to do something specific (like finish a construction project), you'd need a different type of court. But if the goal is getting paid, you're in the right place.

Common Cases That End Up in Small Claims Court

• Security deposit disputes with landlords
• Unpaid wages or freelance payments
• Property damage (car accidents, neighbor disputes)
• Defective products or botched services
• Car repair rip-offs
• Contractor or home repair failures
• Personal loans that were never repaid
• Wedding vendor disasters
• Moving companies that broke your stuff
• Gym memberships and subscriptions that won't cancel

Step 2: Check the Statute of Limitations

You can't wait forever to file. Every state has a deadline called the "statute of limitations" that limits how long you have to bring a case after the incident.

These time limits vary by state and by the type of dispute:

• Written contracts: Usually 4 to 6 years
• Oral agreements: Typically 2 to 4 years
• Property damage: Often 2 to 3 years
• Personal injury: Usually 2 years

If you miss the deadline, the court will dismiss your case regardless of how strong it is. Don't sit on it. The sooner you act, the better your position.

Step 3: Send a Demand Letter First

Before you file, send a formal demand letter. Some states actually require this step before you can bring a case.

A demand letter is simple. It says: "You owe me $X. Pay by this date, or I'm taking you to court."

Why bother? Because about 70% of demand letters resolve the dispute without anyone stepping inside a courtroom. The other side often doesn't take you seriously until they see something formal and written. Once they do, paying up suddenly looks a lot better than showing up before a judge.

Your demand letter should cover:

• What happened (stick to facts)
• The exact amount owed
• A deadline to pay (10 to 30 days is standard)
• A clear statement that you'll file in small claims court if they don't pay

Keep a copy. Judges love seeing that you tried to handle things before filing. It makes you look reasonable.

PettyLawsuit generates a professionally formatted demand letter based on your situation. It sends instantly when you're ready. No waiting for a lawyer to draft something at $200 an hour.

Step 4: Figure Out Where to File

You generally file in the county where:

• The person or business you're suing is located, OR
• The problem happened (where the contract was signed, where the damage occurred)

If you're suing a business, file where their office or store is located. For online businesses, check where they're registered or incorporated.

Look up your local courthouse online. Most courts post their small claims procedures and forms on their website. More and more courts now accept online filings, which saves you a trip.

Step 5: Fill Out the Paperwork

Every state uses its own forms. You'll typically fill out a "Statement of Claim" or "Plaintiff's Claim" that covers:

• Your name and contact info (you're the "plaintiff")
• The name and address of the person or company you're suing (the "defendant")
• The dollar amount you're claiming
• A brief description of what happened

Don't overthink the description. Keep it factual and short. "My landlord withheld my $1,500 security deposit and did not provide an itemized list of deductions within the 21-day period required by California Civil Code 1950.5" works perfectly fine. No legal jargon necessary.

If you're not sure about the defendant's full legal name (especially for businesses), search your state's business registration database. Getting the name wrong can create complications.

Step 6: File Your Case and Pay the Filing Fee

Submit your forms to the courthouse clerk. You can do this in person or online (if your court allows it). You'll pay a filing fee that varies by state and claim amount:

• Claims under $1,500: Usually $30 to $50
• Claims $1,500 to $5,000: Usually $50 to $75
• Claims over $5,000: Usually $75 to $100+

Good news: most states let you add the filing fee to the amount you're suing for. Win the case, and you get that money back too.

If the filing fee is a hardship, many courts offer fee waivers. Ask the clerk for a fee waiver form.

Step 7: Serve the Other Party

After you file, the person you're suing has to be officially notified. This is called "service of process" and it's not optional. Skip this step and your case gets thrown out.

Your options:

• Certified mail: The court or you send the papers via certified mail with a return receipt. Cheapest option, usually under $10.
• Process server: A professional delivers the papers in person. Costs $25 to $75 but is more reliable.
• Sheriff's office: Some counties will serve papers for a small fee ($25 to $50).

You cannot serve the papers yourself. That's the one rule everyone needs to know. And keep the proof of service. You'll need to show it to the court.

Step 8: Prepare Your Evidence

This is where cases are won or lost. Don't wing it. Gather everything:

• Photos and videos: Damage, condition of property, defective products, the state of the work
• Documents: Contracts, leases, receipts, invoices, estimates
• Written communication: Texts, emails, DMs, letters. Screenshot everything.
• Your demand letter: Plus any response (or lack of one)
• Financial records: Bank statements, canceled checks, payment receipts
• Witnesses: Anyone who saw what happened or can back up your claim

Organize it all chronologically. Make at least three copies of every document: one for you, one for the judge, one for the other side.

Write out a short timeline of events. When you're standing in front of a judge with nerves kicking in, you'll be glad you have notes to glance at.

Step 9: Show Up and Present Your Case

Small claims court is nothing like TV courtrooms. There's no jury. No dramatic cross-examinations. It's you, the judge, and the other party in a relatively informal setting.

What to expect:

• Get there early. Check in with the clerk. Find your courtroom.
• Dress neatly. Business casual is fine. You don't need a suit, but don't show up in gym clothes.
• When the judge calls your case, step forward and address them as "Your Honor."
• Tell your story clearly. What happened, when, and exactly how much you're owed. Stick to facts.
• Show your evidence. Hand documents to the clerk, who will pass them to the judge.
• Listen to the other side. Stay calm. Even if they say things that aren't true, don't interrupt. The judge will give you a chance to respond.

Most hearings take 15 to 30 minutes. The judge might rule on the spot or mail you the decision within a few days or weeks.

Step 10: Collect Your Judgment

Winning the case means the judge orders the other party to pay you. But here's the frustrating reality: the court doesn't collect the money for you. You have to do that yourself.

If they don't pay voluntarily (and many don't), you have enforcement options:

• Wage garnishment: The court orders their employer to deduct money from their paycheck
• Bank levy: The court takes money directly from their bank account
• Property lien: You place a lien on their property (house, car), which means they can't sell it until you're paid

Most states give you 5 to 10 years to collect on a judgment, so even if they can't pay right now, you can come back later.

What If You Lose?

It happens. And the consequences are limited. You don't owe the other side's legal fees (they probably don't have any). You'll lose the filing fee you paid. But that's about it.

Appeal options vary by state. In California, plaintiffs generally can't appeal a small claims decision. Defendants usually can. In other states, either side might be able to request a new trial.

The real risk of losing is small compared to the reward of winning. If you have a solid case with decent evidence, the odds are in your favor.

How Long Does the Whole Process Take?

From demand letter to court date, expect about 30 to 70 days. Here's a rough timeline:

• Demand letter period: 10 to 30 days (waiting for them to respond)
• Filing and getting a court date: 1 to 3 weeks
• Serving the defendant: 1 to 2 weeks
• Court date: Usually 30 to 45 days after filing

Some busy courts (looking at you, New York City) can take longer. But most cases wrap up within 2 to 3 months start to finish.

How Much Does It Cost?

The total out-of-pocket cost is usually between $50 and $200. Compare that to a lawyer charging $200 to $400 per hour.

• Filing fee: $30 to $100
• Serving papers: $0 to $75
• Your time: A few hours of prep plus a morning in court

If you win, you can typically get filing and service costs reimbursed as part of the judgment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I sue someone in another state?

It gets complicated. Generally, you need to file in the state where the other person lives or where the dispute happened. If a company does business in your state, you might be able to file locally. Check with your court clerk.

What if the other person doesn't show up?

You'll likely win by default. The judge will hear your side and, if your evidence supports your claim, enter a default judgment in your favor.

Do I need a lawyer for small claims court?

No. Small claims court is specifically designed for people to represent themselves. In fact, some states (like California) don't allow lawyers in small claims court at all.

Can a business sue in small claims court?

Yes. Businesses can file small claims cases, though some states set lower dollar limits for business plaintiffs. California caps business claims at $6,250, for example.

What if they file a counterclaim against me?

The other party can file a counterclaim (sue you back) as part of the same case. The judge will hear both sides and decide. This is why solid evidence matters for both your claim and any defense you might need.

Ready to Take Action?

Most disputes don't even make it to court. A clear, professionally written demand letter shows the other party you're serious, and that's often enough to get results.

PettyLawsuit helps you create and send a demand letter in minutes. It sends instantly when you hit send. Over 2,500 people have used PettyLawsuit to stand up for themselves.

If someone owes you money, stop waiting. Start your case at pettylawsuit.com.