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Mississippi Small Claims Court Limits
Mississippi small claims court limit is $3,500 for all plaintiffs, handled by Justice Court.
Court Name: Justice Court
Official Website: https://courts.ms.gov/trialcourts/justicecourt/justicecourt.php
Filing Fees in Mississippi
Filing fees vary based on the amount you're claiming:
| Claim Amount | Filing Fee |
|---|---|
| Typical Range | $32-45 |
Filing fees are relatively low. Additional fees for service by constable.
Serving the Defendant
Service must be completed at least 10 days before the trial date.
Allowed Service Methods:
- Personal service by constable or sheriff
- Certified mail
- 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 Mississippi Justice Court but most parties represent themselves.
Appeals
Either party may appeal to County Court or Circuit Court within 10 days.
Mississippi 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 show 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 LetterFrequently Asked Questions
What is the small claims court limit in Mississippi?
The Mississippi small claims court limit is $3,500, handled by Justice Court.
What is small claims court called in Mississippi?
In Mississippi, small claims cases are heard in Justice Court.
How long do I have to sue for breach of contract in Mississippi?
In Mississippi, you have 3 years to file a lawsuit for breach of written or oral contract.
How do I appeal a Mississippi small claims judgment?
Either party may appeal to County Court or Circuit Court within 10 days of the judgment.
More Resources: All State Guides | Demand Letter Templates | Statute of Limitations Lookup