Courts and safety
Who handles suing someone for a small amount of money?
Who handles it
Your state’s court system runs small claims court. The federal courts have no small claims court.
- Not Federal
- State
- Not Local
Facts checked November 5, 2026 · 3 sources
Why state government
Small claims court is a state court meant to settle money disputes quickly, without a lawyer.
What to do next
- Check your state court website for the claim limit, fees, and forms.
- File your claim with the court. You do not need a lawyer.
- Ask whether your court lets you handle the case online.
In your state
Find your state’s official offices on our state pages.
What varies
The most you can ask for in small claims court differs by place.
Learn the background: What is the difference between civil and criminal cases?
Sources
Official recordU.S. District Court: Pro se handbook
Nonpartisan researchNational Center for State Courts: Understanding small claims court
Official recordFTC: Auto repair basics