Kansas Small Claims Court Guide

$10000 Maximum Claim (Individuals)
$10000 Maximum Claim (Businesses)
30-60 days Typical Wait Time
No Lawyers Allowed

Kansas Small Claims Court Limits

Kansas small claims court limit is $10,000 for all plaintiffs.

Court Name: Small Claims Division of District Court

Official Website: https://self-help.kscourts.gov/Home/SmallClaims

Filing Fees in Kansas

Filing fees vary based on the amount you're claiming:

Claim Amount Filing Fee
Typical Range$55-80

Filing fees vary by county. Additional fees for service of process.

Serving the Defendant

Service must be completed at least 10 days before the hearing date.

Allowed Service Methods:

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.

No Lawyers Required: Attorneys are NOT allowed in Kansas small claims court (called 'Pro Se Court'). Corporate parties may still use attorneys.

Appeals

Either party may appeal to District Court within 14 days.

Kansas 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 good faith effort at 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 Letter

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the small claims court limit in Kansas?

The Kansas small claims court limit is $10,000 for all plaintiffs.

Can I have a lawyer in Kansas small claims court?

No. Kansas small claims court (Pro Se Court) does not allow attorney representation for individuals. Corporations may have attorneys.

How long do I have to sue for breach of contract in Kansas?

In Kansas, you have 5 years for written contracts and 3 years for oral contracts from the date of breach.

How do I appeal a small claims judgment in Kansas?

Either party may appeal to District Court within 14 days of the judgment.