Short answer. In Arkansas, small claims (Small claims division of the district court) cover claims up to $5,000. Where to file: The county where a defendant currently lives, or the county where the defendant was to perform the obligation. The fee to start a case is $30 to $65, depending on the claim.
Can I file my claim in Arkansas small claims?
Enter an amount to compare it with the Arkansas limit of $5,000.
Arkansas small claims at a glance
- Limit
- $5,000. The Attorney General's guide describes disputes of less than $5,000. Not for divorce, guardianship, name change, bankruptcy, or title to or possession of real estate.
- Court
- Small claims division of the district court
- Who can file
- Anyone 18 or older; a minor can file through a parent, relative or 'next friend' over 18. Collection agencies and businesses that lend money with interest can't file in small claims.
- Where to file
- The county where a defendant currently lives, or the county where the defendant was to perform the obligation.
- Serving the other side
- Usually by certified mail, by the sheriff, or by another authorized person. The plaintiff pays for service.
- Appeal
- Within 30 days of the judgment, in the circuit court of the county where the case was heard. Another filing fee applies and a bond may be required.
Arkansas filing fees
| Fee | Amount | Note |
|---|---|---|
| filing fee, typical low end | $30 | varies by court |
| filing fee, typical high end | $65 | varies by court |
The Attorney General's guide says the clerk's filing fee typically varies between $30 and $65, plus the cost of service. Ask your district court clerk for the exact amount.
Not confirmed for Arkansas: whether lawyers are allowed, online filing. The official Arkansas 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 Arkansas, step by step
- Check that your claim fitsUse the checker above: the Arkansas limit is $5,000, and the official wording is in the summary. Count only what you can show with papers or photos.
- Pick the right courtThe county where a defendant currently lives, or the county where the defendant was to perform the obligation.
- Fill out the claim and pay the feeThe filing fee in Arkansas is $30 to $65, depending on the claim. The Attorney General's guide says the clerk's filing fee typically varies between $30 and $65, plus the cost of service. Ask your district court clerk for the exact amount.
- Have the other side servedUsually by certified mail, by the sheriff, or by another authorized person. The plaintiff pays for service.
- Get ready for the hearingBring the contract, receipts, photos, messages and a short timeline, with copies for the judge and the other side.
- After the decisionWithin 30 days of the judgment, in the circuit court of the county where the case was heard. Another filing fee applies and a bond may be required.
Official Arkansas links
Last checked November 2026.
General information checked against the official Arkansas 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.
Arkansas small claims questions
What is the small claims limit in Arkansas?
$5,000. The Attorney General's guide describes disputes of less than $5,000. Not for divorce, guardianship, name change, bankruptcy, or title to or possession of real estate.
How much does it cost to file a small claim in Arkansas?
filing fee, typical low end: $30 (varies by court); filing fee, typical high end: $65 (varies by court). The Attorney General's guide says the clerk's filing fee typically varies between $30 and $65, plus the cost of service. Ask your district court clerk for the exact amount.
Where do I file a small claim in Arkansas?
The county where a defendant currently lives, or the county where the defendant was to perform the obligation.
Can I appeal a small claims decision in Arkansas?
Within 30 days of the judgment, in the circuit court of the county where the case was heard. Another filing fee applies and a bond may be required.
How is the other side served in a Arkansas small claims case?
Usually by certified mail, by the sheriff, or by another authorized person. The plaintiff pays for service.
Who can file a small claim in Arkansas?
Anyone 18 or older; a minor can file through a parent, relative or 'next friend' over 18. Collection agencies and businesses that lend money with interest can't file in small claims.
Compare every state: small claims limits by state · Arizona small claims · California small claims