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Alaska Small Claims Court Limits
Alaska small claims court limit is $10,000 for all plaintiffs.
Court Name: Small Claims Court (District Court)
Official Website: https://courts.alaska.gov/shc/small-claims/
Filing Fees in Alaska
Filing fees vary based on the amount you're claiming:
| Claim Amount | Filing Fee |
|---|---|
| Typical Range | $75-150 |
Filing fees vary. Additional fees for service of process. Fee waivers available for low-income plaintiffs.
Serving the Defendant
Service must be completed at least 20 days before the hearing. Plaintiff cannot serve the papers personally.
Allowed Service Methods:
- Personal service
- Certified mail with return receipt
- Process server
Important: You must serve the defendant at least 20 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 Alaska small claims court but are not common.
Appeals
Either party may appeal to Superior Court within 30 days.
Alaska 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?
Sending a demand letter is recommended to demonstrate you attempted to resolve the dispute before filing suit.
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 Alaska?
The Alaska small claims court limit is $10,000 for all plaintiffs, including individuals and businesses.
How long do I have to file a lawsuit for breach of contract in Alaska?
In Alaska, you have 3 years to file a lawsuit for breach of written or oral contract from the date of the breach.
Can I have a lawyer in Alaska small claims court?
Yes. Attorneys are permitted in Alaska small claims court, though most parties represent themselves to save money.
How do I serve papers in Alaska small claims court?
You can use personal service, certified mail with return receipt, or a process server. You cannot serve the papers yourself.
More Resources: All State Guides | Demand Letter Templates | Statute of Limitations Lookup