Arizona (AZ)
Small Claims Court in Arizona
Reviewed May 11, 2026
Suing for under $3,500 in Arizona? You do not need a lawyer. This page covers the rules, the filing fee, the forms, and what to bring on hearing day - written for people who have never been to court.
Arizona small claims at a glance
- Jurisdictional limit
- $3,500
- Filing fee
- $26-$32
- Court name
- Justice Court (Small Claims Division)
- Controlling statute
- A.R.S. § 22-501
- Attorneys permitted
- No
- Appeal window
- No appeals
Note: No appeals from small claims in Arizona.
The 5-step process in Arizona
- Send a demand letter. Many Arizona courts expect proof of a pre-suit demand attempt. See our demand letter guide for a template.
- File the complaint. Pay the $26-$32 filing fee at the justice court (small claims division). The clerk assigns a case number and a hearing date.
- Serve the defendant. Arizona typically requires sheriff service, process server, or certified mail with return receipt. Personal service by the plaintiff is usually not allowed.
- Prepare for the hearing. Bring three copies of every document, a one-page chronology, the demand letter with proof of service, and an itemized damages calculation. Note: attorneys are barred unless the other party agrees in writing.
- Collect after you win. A judgment is a piece of paper. Collection in Arizona happens via wage garnishment, bank levy, or property lien - a separate process that can take 3-12 months.
Attorneys in Arizona small claims
Attorneys are barred unless the other party agrees in writing.
Most small-claims plaintiffs represent themselves. The whole point of the system is that ordinary people can use it. If your claim is more complex than the justice court (small claims division)can handle, you can file in Arizona’s regular civil court instead - but you give up the speed and low cost.
Common questions about Arizona small claims
How much can I sue for in Arizona small claims court?
Arizona small claims court handles claims up to $3,500. If your claim is worth more, you can still use small claims by agreeing to drop the amount above the limit, or you can file in regular civil court instead.
How much does it cost to file a small claims case in Arizona?
The filing fee in Arizona is typically $26-$32, paid at the justice court (small claims division). If paying the fee would be a hardship, most courts let you ask for a fee waiver.
Can a lawyer represent me in Arizona small claims court?
Attorneys are barred unless the other party agrees in writing. Either way, most people handle small claims on their own — the process is designed to be used without a lawyer.
How long do I have to appeal a small claims decision in Arizona?
In most cases Arizona does not allow an appeal from a small claims judgment, so the decision is usually final. Because of that, it is worth preparing your evidence carefully before the hearing.
Do I need a lawyer to file a small claims case in Arizona?
No. Small claims court in Arizona is built for people representing themselves. You bring your documents, explain what happened in plain terms, and the judge decides. Organizing your evidence ahead of time is the most useful step you can take.