Arizona's small claims court is attorney-free by design — giving everyday Arizonans a fair shot at resolving disputes up to $5,000.
Key limits, fees, and rules you need to know before filing.
Follow these steps carefully to ensure your claim is processed correctly.
Your claim must not exceed $5,000. You cannot split a larger claim into multiple small claims cases.
Go to the Justice Court in the precinct where the defendant lives or where the transaction occurred. Obtain and complete the plaintiff's complaint form.
Filing fees range from $28 to $98 depending on the amount of your claim.
You are responsible for serving the defendant. You can hire a process server or have the court serve by certified mail for an additional fee.
Arizona does not allow attorneys at small claims hearings. Come prepared with all your evidence and present your case directly to the judge.
If you win, you can collect through wage garnishment or bank account seizure if the defendant does not pay voluntarily.
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Arizona established its Justice Court system as part of its territorial government, long before statehood in 1912. The small claims division evolved from the broader Justice Court structure to address the growing need for fast, low-cost dispute resolution.
A defining feature of Arizona's small claims court is its prohibition on attorney representation — a rule that reflects Arizona's philosophy of ensuring ordinary citizens can access justice without being outmatched by legally represented opponents.
Arizona revised its small claims rules substantially in the 1990s and again in 2013, streamlining procedures and updating forms to be more user-friendly.
Arizona small claims court is a division of the Justice Court specifically designed to resolve monetary disputes of $5,000 or less in a simple, inexpensive manner. Notably, attorneys are NOT allowed to represent parties in small claims — ensuring a level playing field.
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