Small Claims Court Calculator
Overview
Calculate small claims court filing fees, case value limits, and estimate legal costs. Determine if your case qualifies for small claims court in your state.
Key Facts
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Calculator ID | small-claims |
| Category | Business |
| Vertical | Business & Legal |
| App route | /verticals/business/small-claims |
| API endpoint | /api/public/calculate?id=small-claims |
Inputs
| Input ID | Label | Type | Required | Default | Constraints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| - | - | - | - | - | - |
How to Use
- Enter Claim Details — Select your state and enter your claim amount (damages or money owed)
- Add Distance — Input distance to defendant location (affects service of process fees)
- Review Costs — Review filing costs, eligibility status, and collection information
Result Surfaces
| Output | Display Type | Format |
|---|---|---|
| Computed results | result-card | - |
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FAQ
What is the maximum amount for small claims court?
Varies by state: California $10,000 ($5,000 for businesses), Texas $20,000, New York $10,000, Florida $8,000. Most states: $5,000-$10,000. Check your state's limit. If your claim exceeds the limit, you must file in regular civil court (needs lawyer, higher costs).
How much does it cost to file a small claims case?
Filing fees: $30-$150 depending on claim amount and state. Service of process (serving defendant): $20-$75. Total upfront cost: $50-$225. If you win, the court may order the defendant to pay your filing fees, but there's no guarantee you'll collect.
Do I need a lawyer for small claims court?
No, most states don't allow lawyers in small claims court (it's designed for self-representation). You present your case directly to the judge. Bring all evidence: contracts, receipts, photos, emails, text messages. Judges decide same day.
Evidence
src/lib/calculators/registry.ts(metadata)src/lib/calculators/page-registry.ts(page/HowTo metadata)src/lib/calculators/business/small-claims.ts(calculator config)
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