What does it cost?
There is no uniform filing fee for small claims courts; the amount of the filing fee varies from court to court. Each court sets its own filing fees. The filing fee may not cover all the cost of your claim. For example, costs may be higher if: there is more than one defendant; notice of the filing of the claim is served upon the defendant by an officer of the court or sheriff’s department rather than by mail; some witnesses will not come to the court hearing voluntarily and have to be subpoenaed (officially ordered by the court to come to the hearing); cross-claims have been filed; additional parties have been added; further court action is necessary to collect the money awarded. If you ask for reimbursement of all court costs, damages, and interest, and you win, you may be able to recover the filing fee, the cost of serving the notice, subpoena costs, and those incurred in enforcing a judgment, along with your damages, and interest on your damages.

Show All Answers

1. What is small claims court?
2. What cases can the court handle?
3. Who can sue or be sued?
4. Where do I file my claim?
5. How do I file my claim?
6. What does it cost?
7. I’ve been sued! What do I do now?
8. What if the claim is settled before hearing?
9. How do I prepare my case?
10. What is mediation?
11. How does mediation work?
12. Why mediate?
13. What if I do not appear at the hearing / trial?
14. What if I win or lose?
15. How do I get my money?