On This Page
Arkansas Small Claims Court Limits
Arkansas small claims court limit is $5,000 for all plaintiffs. Cases are heard in District Court.
Court Name: Small Claims Division of District Court
Official Website: https://arkansasag.gov/divisions/public-protection/legal-resources/guide-to-small-claims-court/
Filing Fees in Arkansas
Filing fees vary based on the amount you're claiming:
| Claim Amount | Filing Fee |
|---|---|
| Typical Range | $30-65 |
Filing fees vary by county and claim amount. Additional fees for service of process.
Serving the Defendant
Service must be completed at least 5 days before the hearing date.
Allowed Service Methods:
- Personal service by sheriff
- Certified mail
- Warning order (for unknown addresses)
Important: You must serve the defendant at least 5 days before the hearing date.
What to Expect at Your Hearing
After filing, you'll typically wait 30-45 days for your hearing date.
Attorneys Allowed: Attorneys are permitted in Arkansas small claims court but are not required.
Appeals
Either party may appeal to Circuit Court within 30 days.
Arkansas 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 before filing is recommended to show good faith and may lead to faster resolution.
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 Arkansas?
The Arkansas small claims court limit is $5,000 for all plaintiffs, including individuals and businesses.
How much does it cost to file a small claims case in Arkansas?
Filing fees typically range from $30-$65 depending on the county and claim amount. Service fees are additional.
How long do I have to file a contract lawsuit in Arkansas?
In Arkansas, you have 5 years for written contracts and 3 years for oral contracts from the date of breach.
Can I appeal a small claims judgment in Arkansas?
Yes. Either party may appeal to Circuit Court within 30 days of the judgment for a new trial.
More Resources: All State Guides | Demand Letter Templates | Statute of Limitations Lookup