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District of Columbia Small Claims Court Limits
Washington DC small claims court limit is $10,000 for all plaintiffs.
Court Name: Small Claims and Conciliation Branch of DC Superior Court
Official Website: https://www.dccourts.gov/services/civil-matters/requesting-10k-or-less
Filing Fees in District of Columbia
Filing fees vary based on the amount you're claiming:
| Claim Amount | Filing Fee |
|---|---|
| Typical Range | $15-50 |
Filing fees are relatively low. Additional fees for service of process.
Serving the Defendant
Service must be completed at least 15 days before the hearing date.
Allowed Service Methods:
- Personal service
- Certified mail
- US Marshals Service
Important: You must serve the defendant at least 15 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 DC small claims court. Many parties choose to represent themselves.
Appeals
Either party may appeal within 30 days.
District of Columbia 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 demonstrate good faith effort 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 Washington DC?
The DC small claims court limit is $10,000 for all plaintiffs, handled by the Small Claims Branch of Superior Court.
How long do I have to sue for breach of contract in DC?
In the District of Columbia, you have 3 years to file a lawsuit for breach of written or oral contract.
Where do I file a small claims case in Washington DC?
Small claims cases in DC are filed with the Small Claims and Conciliation Branch of the DC Superior Court.
Can I have a lawyer in DC small claims court?
Yes. Attorneys are permitted in DC small claims court, though many parties represent themselves.
More Resources: All State Guides | Demand Letter Templates | Statute of Limitations Lookup