Short answer. In Arizona, small claims (Small claims division of the justice court) cover claims up to $3,500. Where to file: The justice court precinct where the defendant resides (A.R.S. The fee to start a case is $30, depending on the claim.
Can I file my claim in Arizona small claims?
Enter an amount to compare it with the Arizona limit of $3,500.
Arizona small claims at a glance
- Limit
- $3,500. Not more than $3,500, not counting interest and costs. Counterclaims are capped at $3,500 too.
- Court
- Small claims division of the justice court
- Lawyers
- Not allowed
- Where to file
- The justice court precinct where the defendant resides (A.R.S. 22-202), with exceptions when the defendant lives out of state or the residence is unknown.
- Appeal
- No appeal. The decision is final and binding on both parties; the only motions allowed are a change of venue and a motion to vacate a judgment.
Arizona filing fees
| Fee | Amount | Note |
|---|---|---|
| small claims filing | $30 | base statewide fee effective December 28, 2024 |
| small claims answer | $18 |
Base fees set under A.R.S. 22-281; the Supreme Court page says to check with the specific justice court for additional local fees.
Not confirmed for Arizona: who can file, how the other side is served, online filing. The official Arizona page we checked didn't state these, so we left them out. Ask the clerk or see the official page.
Filing a small claim in Arizona, step by step
- Check that your claim fitsUse the checker above: the Arizona limit is $3,500, and the official wording is in the summary. Count only what you can show with papers or photos.
- Pick the right courtThe justice court precinct where the defendant resides (A.R.S. 22-202), with exceptions when the defendant lives out of state or the residence is unknown.
- Fill out the claim and pay the feeThe filing fee in Arizona is $30, depending on the claim. Base fees set under A.R.S. 22-281; the Supreme Court page says to check with the specific justice court for additional local fees.
- Have the other side servedHow service works in Arizona wasn't on the page we checked; the clerk will explain it when you file.
- Get ready for the hearingLawyers: not allowed. Bring the contract, receipts, photos, messages and a short timeline, with copies for the judge and the other side.
- After the decisionNo appeal. The decision is final and binding on both parties; the only motions allowed are a change of venue and a motion to vacate a judgment.
Official Arizona links
Last checked November 2026.
General information checked against the official Arizona 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.
Arizona small claims questions
What is the small claims limit in Arizona?
$3,500. Not more than $3,500, not counting interest and costs. Counterclaims are capped at $3,500 too.
How much does it cost to file a small claim in Arizona?
small claims filing: $30 (base statewide fee effective December 28, 2024); small claims answer: $18. Base fees set under A.R.S. 22-281; the Supreme Court page says to check with the specific justice court for additional local fees.
Can a lawyer represent me in Arizona small claims?
Not allowed in Arizona, per the official page.
Where do I file a small claim in Arizona?
The justice court precinct where the defendant resides (A.R.S. 22-202), with exceptions when the defendant lives out of state or the residence is unknown.
Can I appeal a small claims decision in Arizona?
No appeal. The decision is final and binding on both parties; the only motions allowed are a change of venue and a motion to vacate a judgment.
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