Short answer. In Alabama, small claims (Small Claims Division of the District Court) cover claims up to $6,000. Where to file: The small claims division of the district court in the county where the person or business you are suing lives or has an office (Lawrence County), or the county where the transaction took place (Russell County). The fee to start a case is $56 to $248, depending on the claim.
Can I file my claim in Alabama small claims?
Enter an amount to compare it with the Alabama limit of $6,000.
Alabama small claims at a glance
- Limit
- $6,000. The maximum you may sue for, or be sued for, in small claims is $6,000 (county circuit clerk pages on alacourt.gov).
- Court
- Small Claims Division of the District Court
- Who can file
- An individual who has reached age 19, a partnership or a corporation (Lawrence County page). A partnership or corporation without an attorney is represented by a partner, officer or full-time employee.
- Lawyers
- Allowed
- Where to file
- The small claims division of the district court in the county where the person or business you are suing lives or has an office (Lawrence County), or the county where the transaction took place (Russell County).
- Serving the other side
- The sheriff serves the statement of claim, or it is sent by certified mail (restricted delivery for individuals). The defendant has 14 days to answer.
- Appeal
- Notice of appeal with the small claims clerk within 14 calendar days after the judgment. The appeal goes to circuit court, where the simplified small claims procedures don't apply.
Alabama filing fees
| Fee | Amount | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Russell County: claim up to $1,500, one defendant | $85 | |
| Russell County: $1,500.01 to $3,000 | $159 | |
| Russell County: $3,000.01 to $6,000 | $248 | |
| Lawrence County: claim up to $1,500, one defendant | $56 | |
| Lawrence County: $1,500.01 to $3,000 | $130 | |
| Lawrence County: $3,000.01 to $6,000 | $219 | |
| each additional defendant | $15 | both county pages |
Two circuit clerk pages list different amounts for the same claim sizes, so fees differ by county. Service by sheriff or certified mail is extra. Filing fees are non-refundable. Check your county's circuit clerk page on alacourt.gov.
Not confirmed for Alabama: online filing. The official Alabama page we checked didn't state this, so we left it out. Ask the clerk or see the official page.
Filing a small claim in Alabama, step by step
- Check that your claim fitsUse the checker above: the Alabama limit is $6,000, and the official wording is in the summary. Count only what you can show with papers or photos.
- Pick the right courtThe small claims division of the district court in the county where the person or business you are suing lives or has an office (Lawrence County), or the county where the transaction took place (Russell County).
- Fill out the claim and pay the feeThe filing fee in Alabama is $56 to $248, depending on the claim. Two circuit clerk pages list different amounts for the same claim sizes, so fees differ by county. Service by sheriff or certified mail is extra. Filing fees are non-refundable. Check your county's circuit clerk page on alacourt.gov.
- Have the other side servedThe sheriff serves the statement of claim, or it is sent by certified mail (restricted delivery for individuals). The defendant has 14 days to answer.
- Get ready for the hearingLawyers: allowed. Bring the contract, receipts, photos, messages and a short timeline, with copies for the judge and the other side.
- After the decisionNotice of appeal with the small claims clerk within 14 calendar days after the judgment. The appeal goes to circuit court, where the simplified small claims procedures don't apply.
Official Alabama links
Last checked November 2026.
General information checked against the official Alabama pages above, not legal advice. MCC Solutions isn't a law firm and isn't affiliated with any court. Rules and fees change: the official page and the clerk have the final word. The checker runs in your browser, and nothing you enter is sent or saved.
Alabama small claims questions
What is the small claims limit in Alabama?
$6,000. The maximum you may sue for, or be sued for, in small claims is $6,000 (county circuit clerk pages on alacourt.gov).
How much does it cost to file a small claim in Alabama?
Russell County: claim up to $1,500, one defendant: $85; Russell County: $1,500.01 to $3,000: $159; Russell County: $3,000.01 to $6,000: $248; Lawrence County: claim up to $1,500, one defendant: $56; Lawrence County: $1,500.01 to $3,000: $130; Lawrence County: $3,000.01 to $6,000: $219; each additional defendant: $15 (both county pages). Two circuit clerk pages list different amounts for the same claim sizes, so fees differ by county. Service by sheriff or certified mail is extra. Filing fees are non-refundable. Check your county's circuit clerk page on alacourt.gov.
Can a lawyer represent me in Alabama small claims?
Allowed in Alabama, per the official page. An individual who has reached age 19, a partnership or a corporation (Lawrence County page). A partnership or corporation without an attorney is represented by a partner, officer or full-time employee.
Where do I file a small claim in Alabama?
The small claims division of the district court in the county where the person or business you are suing lives or has an office (Lawrence County), or the county where the transaction took place (Russell County).
Can I appeal a small claims decision in Alabama?
Notice of appeal with the small claims clerk within 14 calendar days after the judgment. The appeal goes to circuit court, where the simplified small claims procedures don't apply.
How is the other side served in a Alabama small claims case?
The sheriff serves the statement of claim, or it is sent by certified mail (restricted delivery for individuals). The defendant has 14 days to answer.
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