How does small claims court work in Arizona?
1. Jurisdictional Limit
A.R.S. § 22-503 caps Small Claims Division jurisdiction at $3,500, exclusive of costs and interest — one of the lowest small claims limits in the country.
2. Court Name
Small Claims Division of the Justice Court in each justice precinct.
3. Filing Fee
Filing fees run $37-$45 depending on the precinct, plus $17-$25 for service. Fee deferrals or waivers are available under A.R.S. § 12-302 for indigent filers via an Application for Deferral or Waiver of Court Fees.
4. Filing the Claim
File a Statement of Claim in the precinct where the defendant resides, where the obligation arose, or where the breach occurred (A.R.S. § 22-202). Service is by certified mail by the court or by sheriff/constable.
5. Defendant's Response
Defendants must file a written Answer within 20 days of service (A.R.S. § 22-512). Failure to answer results in default judgment. Counterclaims must be filed with the Answer and within the $3,500 limit.
6. Attorney Representation
A.R.S. § 22-512(B) prohibits attorneys from appearing in Small Claims Division unless both parties stipulate in writing to attorney participation. Corporations and LLCs may be represented by a full-time officer or employee under § 22-512(D).
7. Hearing
Hearings before the justice of the peace or hearing officer are informal; the Arizona Rules of Evidence do not apply (§ 22-516). Decisions are typically rendered immediately.
8. Judgment & Collection
Critically, A.R.S. § 22-519 provides that there is NO appeal from a small claims judgment — the decision is final. To preserve appeal rights, either party may transfer the case to the regular Justice Court civil docket before trial (§ 22-504). Collection tools include writs of garnishment under A.R.S. § 12-1572 (wages and non-wage), writs of execution under § 12-1551, and judgment liens recorded under § 33-961.
9. Statute of Limitations
Standard SOLs apply: 6 years for written contracts (A.R.S. § 12-548), 3 years for oral contracts (§ 12-543), 2 years for personal injury and property damage (§ 12-542), and 3 years for fraud (§ 12-543(3)).
This is legal information, not legal advice.
- You want to preserve appeal rights — you must transfer the case to the regular Justice Court civil docket before trial
- Your claim exceeds $3,500 and must be filed in Justice Court (up to $10,000) or Superior Court
- You want attorney representation and must obtain a written stipulation from the opposing party
- A.R.S. §§ 22-501 to 22-524
This is legal information, not legal advice. Laws vary by jurisdiction and change frequently. Always verify current law with official sources and consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction for advice on your specific situation.