ABA Family Legal Guide

When and How to Use a Lawyer

1.2 When Do You Need a Lawyer?

1.2a Help from Nonlawyers

What is a small-claims court?

A small-claims court is a streamlined forum in which people can air their dispute and have a judge decide it promptly and fairly. Most states have procedures that allow people to represent themselves in small-claims court if the total amount of their claim is under a certain dollar amount--usually under $2,500. The cost is minimal, procedures are simple, and there is usually little delay. Keep small-claims courts in mind if your problem is not very complicated and your losses are relatively small. Chapter 2, "How the Legal System Works," provides guidance on how to file and proceed with a small-claims lawsuit.