A Small Claims Case is a legal action filed in County Court to settle a claim or minor legal dispute in which the demand for monies or the value of property does not exceed $8,000.00 (eight thousand dollars), excluding costs, interest and attorney fees.
Common types of actions handled by Small Claims Court include goods or services sold, money loans, auto negligence, security deposit refunds and unpaid rent (not to include evictions). The Clerk’s Office has specialized forms for each of these types of actions.
Requirements to File a Small Claims Case:
- You must be at least 18 years of age.
- You may be an individual, a person “doing business as” (dba), or a corporation.
- A minor child must have a parent or legal guardian file on his/her behalf.
Small Claims Court is considered a “people’s court” and a lawyer is not required. However, you may wish to consult with an attorney if there are complex legal issues or, you need legal advice on your rights and obligations. The Clerk’s staff cannot provide you with legal advice.
Resources
Rules of Court that Govern Small Claims Cases
Forms
- Instruction Sheet for Small Claims Cases
- Small Claims Cover Page
- Statement of Claim
- Answer and Counter Claim
- Small Claims Flow Chart
- Fact Information Sheet – Business Entity
- Fact Information Sheet- Individual
- Declaratory Judgement Packet
- Small Claims Questions and Answers
- Small Claims Filing Fees
- How to Collect on Final Judgements in Washington County
- Satisfaction of Judgment Fillable Form
