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Kentucky Small Claims Court Limits
Kentucky has one of the lowest small claims limits at $2,500. The Small Claims Division is part of District Court.
Court Name: Small Claims Division of District Court
Official Website: https://www.kycourts.gov/Legal-Help/Pages/default.aspx
Filing Fees in Kentucky
Filing fees vary based on the amount you're claiming:
| Claim Amount | Filing Fee |
|---|---|
| Typical Range | $25-50 |
Filing fees are relatively low. Additional fees for service of process.
Serving the Defendant
Service must be completed at least 10 days before the hearing date.
Allowed Service Methods:
- Personal service by sheriff
- Certified mail
- Warning order attorney (if address unknown)
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 30-45 days for your hearing date.
Attorneys Allowed: Attorneys are permitted in Kentucky small claims court. Most parties represent themselves due to low claim amounts.
Appeals
Either party may appeal to Circuit Court within 30 days.
Kentucky 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. Given Kentucky's low limit, many disputes can be resolved without court.
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 Kentucky?
Kentucky has one of the lowest small claims limits in the US at just $2,500.
How long do I have to sue for personal injury in Kentucky?
Kentucky has a very short 1-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims. Act quickly.
How long do I have to sue for breach of contract in Kentucky?
In Kentucky, you have 10 years for written contracts and 5 years for oral contracts from the date of breach.
Can I have a lawyer in Kentucky small claims court?
Yes. Attorneys are permitted, though most people represent themselves due to the low dollar limit.
More Resources: All State Guides | Demand Letter Templates | Statute of Limitations Lookup