On This Page
Alabama Small Claims Court Limits
Alabama small claims court limit is $6,000 for all plaintiffs including individuals and businesses.
Court Name: Small Claims Docket of District Court
Official Website: https://judicial.alabama.gov/library/SmallClaimsRules
Filing Fees in Alabama
Filing fees vary based on the amount you're claiming:
| Claim Amount | Filing Fee |
|---|---|
| Under $1,500 | $52 |
Additional $10 per defendant. Sheriff service fee is $30. Fee waivers available for indigent plaintiffs.
Serving the Defendant
Service must be completed at least 14 days before the hearing date.
Allowed Service Methods:
- Personal service by sheriff
- Certified mail
- Private process server
Important: You must serve the defendant at least 14 days before the hearing date.
What to Expect at Your Hearing
After filing, you'll typically wait 30-60 days for your hearing date.
Attorneys Allowed: Attorneys are permitted in Alabama small claims court but are not required.
Appeals
Either party may appeal to Circuit Court within 14 days of judgment.
Alabama Statute of Limitations
You must file your lawsuit within these time limits from when the dispute occurred:
| Type of Claim | Time Limit |
|---|---|
| Written Contract | years |
| Oral Contract | years |
| Property Damage | years |
| Personal Injury | years |
Do I Need a Demand Letter Before Filing?
While not legally required, sending a demand letter before filing often resolves disputes faster and demonstrates good faith to the court.
Create Your Free Demand Letter
Before going to court, try sending a demand letter. It's free, takes 5 minutes, and often resolves disputes without filing.
Create Free Demand LetterFrequently Asked Questions
What is the small claims court limit in Alabama?
The Alabama small claims court limit is $6,000 for all plaintiffs, including both individuals and businesses.
How much does it cost to file a small claims case in Alabama?
Filing fees range from $52 (claims under $1,500) to $215 (claims $3,000-$6,000). Add $10 per additional defendant and $30 for sheriff service.
Can I have a lawyer in Alabama small claims court?
Yes. Unlike some states, Alabama allows attorneys to represent parties in small claims court, though most people choose to represent themselves.
How do I appeal a small claims judgment in Alabama?
Either party may appeal to Circuit Court within 14 days of the judgment. The appeal results in a new trial (trial de novo).
More Resources: All State Guides | Demand Letter Templates | Statute of Limitations Lookup