Small Claims Court is the "People's Court." It is designed to be quick, inexpensive, and typically does not allow lawyers.
Monetary Limits (The "Cap")
Each state limits how much you can sue for. If your claim is above this limit, you must go to regular civil court.
- California: $10,000 (for individuals)
- Texas: $20,000
- New York: $5,000 (City courts), $3,000 (Town courts)
- Florida: $8,000
The Cost to File
Filing fees are very reasonable, usually scaling with the amount you are suing for. They typically range from $30 to $100.
Is It Worth It?
Winning the judgment is the easy part; collecting the money is hard. Ensure the person you are suing has wages or assets that can be garnished before you spend the time and money to file.
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