General legal information for the United States, not legal advice. Read the disclaimer
Law Pebble
How is this page verified?Every figure on this page comes from a source listed on it: published 50-state surveys that we cross-check (a number appears only when at least two agree) or the official government page named under Sources. Local rules were read on the official page on 2026-10-20 and are re-checked on a schedule. Laws change, so confirm with the source before you act.How we verifyBy Law Pebble Editorial TeamData compiled 2026-10-20

How it works

Each state sets a cap on the claim an individual can bring in small claims court, from $2,500 in Kentucky to $25,000 in Tennessee in our data. The checker compares your amount to your state's cap and shows the filing fee range, whether lawyers are allowed at the hearing and how appeals work, all from our state data. The comparison is our arithmetic.

Things the limit does not tell you

  • Some states set a lower cap for businesses, which the result shows when we have it.
  • Courts usually count the amount of the claim, not court costs and interest, but this varies, so ask the clerk.
  • Splitting one dispute into several smaller claims to stay under the cap is generally not allowed.
  • Fees differ by county and by claim size, and fee waivers exist for people with low income.
  • Some claims, such as evictions and certain family matters, are handled in other courts regardless of amount.

Worked examples (our calculation)

These use an invented claim of $7,500.

StateLimitClaimResult
Kentucky$2,500$7,500Over by $5,000
California$12,500$7,500Within the limit
Tennessee$25,000$7,500Within the limit

Next steps

If your claim fits, how small claims court works walks through filing and the hearing, and whether you need a lawyer covers the choice. See every state in the small claims limits table. A written demand often settles a dispute before filing.

This tool gives general information and is not legal advice. Courts update their limits and fees, so confirm the current figure with the court clerk before you file.