small-claims-court

A collection of 152 posts

small-claims-court

Legal Options for Unpaid Debts From Family Members (and Friends)

Yes, you have legal options for unpaid debts from family members. A loan is a loan, even between relatives. Your main paths are a written repayment agreement, a formal demand letter, and small claims court. Verbal loan agreements count in every state. You don't need a lawyer for

small-claims-court

How to Challenge Tolls in Small Claims Court (2026 Guide)

You can challenge tolls in small claims court, but court is step three, not step one. Start by disputing the charge with the toll agency in writing. If they refuse to fix a clear error, send a demand letter. Did you pay tolls or fees you never owed? And no

small-claims-court

Can You Sue Someone for Emotional Distress? Yes, But Read This First

Yes, you can sue someone for emotional distress. Every state allows it in some form. But these cases are hard to win. Very hard. You need proof the conduct was extreme. You also need proof your pain was severe. Think therapy records, a diagnosis, and witnesses. A rude neighbor will

demand-letters

How Long After a Demand Letter Can I Expect a Settlement?

Most everyday money disputes settle within 2 to 6 weeks after a demand letter goes out. Some people get paid in days. Others need a follow-up call, a Final Notice, or a small claims filing before the check shows up. The deadline in your letter sets the pace, and

tenant-rights

A Portland Renter Refused a $287 Repair Bill. His Landlord Retaliated. He Won $32,000.

A Portland renter named Spring refused to pay a $287 repair bill. His landlord sent it to him for a burnt-out socket in his unit. Spring said that was the landlord's job, not his. He wrote back to say so. Four days after that letter, his rent

small-claims-court

Can You Sue an Airbnb Host? Vacation Rental Disputes in Small Claims Court

Yes, you can sue an Airbnb host in small claims court. Many people search "sue Airbnb host small claims" every summer when disputes peak. The same process works for VRBO and other vacation rental platforms. If your host gave you a fake listing, kept your deposit, or canceled

legal-services

Best LegalZoom Alternatives in 2026 (Compared by What You Actually Need)

The best LegalZoom alternative depends on what you came for. Want to form an LLC? Northwest Registered Agent charges $39 plus state fees. Need legal papers plus a lawyer to ask questions? Rocket Lawyer is the closest match. Need a will? FreeWill costs nothing. And if someone owes you money,

small-claims-court

How to File Small Claims in Wyoming: Complete 2026 Guide

To file small claims in Wyoming, fill out a Small Claims Affidavit and Summons at the Circuit Court in the county where the defendant is located, pay the $10 filing fee, and have the papers served on the defendant 3 to 12 days before your hearing. Wyoming small claims court

small-claims-court

How to File Small Claims in Vermont: Complete 2026 Guide

To file small claims in Vermont, fill out a Small Claims Complaint (form 100-00257). File it with the Civil Division of the Superior Court in your county or the defendant's county. Pay the filing fee: $65 for claims of $1,000 or less, $90 for anything more.

small-claims-court

How to File Small Claims in South Dakota: Complete 2026 Guide

To file small claims court in South Dakota, fill out a statement of claim (form UJS-008) and a case filing statement (form UJS-232). File them with the clerk of courts in the county where the defendant lives or where the loss happened. Pay a filing fee between $24.

small-claims-court

How to File Small Claims in Rhode Island: Complete 2026 Guide

To file a small claims case in Rhode Island, fill out a Small Claims Notice of Suit form and file it with the District Court division for your area. Pay the $75.75 filing fee. Then have a sheriff or licensed constable serve the papers on the person you'

small-claims-court

How to File Small Claims in North Dakota: Complete 2026 Guide

To file a small claims case in North Dakota, fill out a Claim Affidavit (Form 2) and an Affidavit of Identification (Form 8). File both with the clerk of district court in the county where the person you're suing lives. Pay the $20 filing fee. Then have the

small-claims-court

How to File Small Claims in Montana: Complete 2026 Guide

To file a small claims case in Montana, go to the Justice Court in the county where the person you're suing lives. Fill out a Complaint form and pay the filing fee (about $30 in most counties). Then have the sheriff or a process server hand the papers

small-claims-court

How to File Small Claims in Delaware: Complete 2026 Guide

To file a small claims case in Delaware, go to one of the state's civil Justice of the Peace Courts, fill out a Complaint (Civil Form 1), and pay the filing fee. Fees run $35 to $45 for most money claims, based on how much you're

small-claims-court

How to File Small Claims in Alaska: Complete 2026 Guide

To file a small claims case in Alaska, go to your local District Court, fill out form SC-1 (Statement of Claim and Notice), and pay the filing fee. It costs $50 for claims of $2,500 or less and $100 for claims between $2,501 and $10,000. Your

small-claims-court

How to File Small Claims in New Hampshire: Complete 2026 Guide

To file small claims in New Hampshire, go to TurboCourt online, fill out the complaint, pay $90 to $145, and wait for your hearing date. New Hampshire handles claims up to $10,000. Claims over $5,000 go through mediation first. The whole process takes about 30 to 90 days.

small-claims-court

How to File Small Claims in Maine: Complete 2026 Guide

To file small claims in Maine, fill out a Statement of Claim (Form SC-001), serve the other party by certified mail, then file with your local District Court within 20 days. The filing fee is $50 for claims up to $4,500 or $120 for claims up to $10,

small-claims-court

How to File Small Claims in Hawaii: Complete 2026 Guide

To file small claims in Hawaii, go to your local District Court. Fill out a Statement of Claim form. Pay the $35 filing fee. Then have the other side served. Your case gets set within 30 days. Hawaii caps most claims at $5,000. But security deposit cases have no

small-claims-court

How to File Small Claims in Nevada: Complete 2026 Guide

To file small claims in Nevada, go to the justice court in your township. Fill out an Affidavit of Complaint. Pay between $66 and $196 based on your claim size. Then have the other side served. Nevada caps small claims at $10,000 (NRS 73.010). But here is the

small-claims-court

How to File Small Claims in Kansas: Complete 2026 Guide

To file small claims in Kansas, go to the Clerk of the District Court in the county where the defendant lives or where the dispute happened. Fill out a Petition form, pay the filing fee ($47.50 to $67.50), and have the defendant served. Kansas small claims handles disputes

small-claims-court

How to File Small Claims in Mississippi: Complete 2026 Guide

To file small claims in Mississippi, go to your county's Justice Court. Fill out a sworn statement of claim. Pay the filing fee ($40 to $100 depending on your county). The constable will serve the defendant. Mississippi's limit is $3,500. That's one of

small-claims-court

How to File Small Claims in Nebraska: Complete 2026 Guide

How to File Small Claims in Nebraska To file small claims in Nebraska, fill out form CC 4:1 at your county court, pay $58, and have the other side served by certified mail or sheriff. The limit is $7,500 as of July 2025. Cases go to county court.

small-claims-court

How to File Small Claims in New Mexico: Complete 2026 Guide

To file small claims in New Mexico, go to your local Magistrate Court. Fill out a complaint form. Pay $77 to $87. Then have the other side served. The court handles claims up to $10,000. Most cases wrap up in 30 to 60 days. New Mexico runs two small

small-claims-court

How to File Small Claims in West Virginia: Complete 2026 Guide

To file a small claims case in West Virginia, go to the Magistrate Court clerk's office in the county where the issue happened. Fill out a Civil Complaint form. Pay $30 to $50. The court sends your papers to the other side by certified mail. From filing to

small-claims-court

How to File Small Claims in Idaho: Complete 2026 Guide

To file small claims in Idaho, go to the Magistrate Court in the county where the other person lives or where the problem happened. Fill out a Small Claims Form (CAO SC 1-2), pay $69, and have the papers sent to the other side. Idaho caps small claims at