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Arizona Small Claims Court Limits
Arizona small claims court limit is $5,000 for all plaintiffs. Cases are heard in Justice Court.
Court Name: Justice Court
Official Website: https://www.azcourts.gov/selfservicecenter/Small-Claims
Filing Fees in Arizona
Filing fees vary based on the amount you're claiming:
| Claim Amount | Filing Fee |
|---|---|
| Typical Range | $25-75 |
Filing fees vary by county and claim amount. Maricopa County charges approximately $50-75. Service fees additional.
Serving the Defendant
Defendant must be served at least 10 days before the hearing date.
Allowed Service Methods:
- Personal service by sheriff or constable
- Certified mail
- Private process server
Important: You must serve the defendant at least 10 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 Arizona Justice Court. If one party has an attorney, the other may request a continuance to obtain one.
Appeals
Either party may appeal to Superior Court within 14 days.
Arizona 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?
A demand letter is not required but is strongly recommended to show the court you attempted to resolve the dispute.
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 Arizona?
The Arizona small claims court limit is $5,000 for all plaintiffs. Cases are heard in Justice Court.
What is small claims court called in Arizona?
In Arizona, small claims cases are heard in Justice Court, which handles civil cases up to $5,000.
How long do I have to file a breach of contract lawsuit in Arizona?
In Arizona, you have 6 years for written contracts and 3 years for oral contracts from the date of breach.
Can I have a lawyer in Arizona small claims court?
Yes. Attorneys are permitted in Arizona Justice Court. If the other party has a lawyer, you can request time to get one too.
More Resources: All State Guides | Demand Letter Templates | Statute of Limitations Lookup