A small claims lawsuit is a claim against another party for damages of an amount less than $3,500.00. These lawsuits are designed to resolve civil disputes in front of a small claims hearing officer or a Justice of the Peace. Parties in a small claims action may be represented by an attorney only if both parties agree to the use of attorneys. Filers of small claims actions do not have the right to appeal or the right to a jury trial.

The plaintiff must file a complaint in the justice court precinct (the “venue”) where the defendant resides or as permitted by ARS § 22-202.

You may obtain forms from the court or visit www.azcourts.gov/efilinginformation for information on how to prepare your documents electronically.

Brochure

Flowchart

New Small Claims Rules Summed Up (Courts)

Rules of Small Claims Procedure

Arizona Revised Statutes (A.R.S.), Title 22, Chapter 5: Small Claims Divisions of Justice Courts

Justice Court Rules of Civil Procedure, Rule 140 only