Courts · Small Claims
Small Claims Court Limit in Arizona
The most you can sue for in Arizona small claims — with the filing-fee range and whether a lawyer is allowed, cited to the statute.
The limit, the fee & who can appear in Arizona
The claim ceiling, how the filing fee is set, and whether lawyers are allowed at the hearing.
| Maximum claim | $5,000 |
| How the limit works | One statewide limit |
| Filing fee | ~$26–$40+ by county — each justice court sets its own fee; the amount is not fixed by A.R.S. §22-503 |
| Lawyers at the hearing | Not allowedself-represent only An attorney cannot appear in the small-claims division UNLESS both parties agree in writing (A.R.S. §22-512). Absent that written stipulation, both sides represent themselves. |
| Statute / court rule | A.R.S. §22-503 (limit); §22-512 (attorneys) |
Arizona raised the small-claims limit from $3,500 to $5,000 through SB 1022 (2025), effective September 26, 2025. This is the only increase among the fifteen states in 2025–2026 — older pages still showing $3,500 are out of date.
Where to file in Arizona
A reference page, not a filing walkthrough — here's the official resource for procedure.
This page is a reference for the dollar limit, fee, and whether a lawyer is allowed — not a step-by-step filing guide. For the forms, where to file, and how service works, use Arizona's official court self-help resource.
→ Arizona Judicial Branch Self-ServiceWhat Arizona filers get wrong
Arizona's number changed recently, and a lot of sites haven't caught up. The small-claims limit in the justice-court small-claims division is now $5,000 — not the $3,500 you'll still find quoted around the web. The increase came through SB 1022 in 2025 and took effect September 26, 2025; A.R.S. §22-503 now reads "does not exceed $5,000, exclusive of interest and costs," and we confirmed it verbatim on the legislature's site. Arizona's lawyer rule is unusual too: attorneys are barred from the small-claims division unless both parties agree in writing to allow them (§22-512). Fees aren't set by statute — each justice court sets its own, so expect roughly $26–$40 or more depending on the county.
Common questions
What is the small claims limit in Arizona?
Arizona’s small-claims division hears claims up to $5,000 under A.R.S. §22-503. The limit rose from $3,500 to $5,000 effective September 26, 2025.
Did the Arizona small claims limit go up?
Yes. SB 1022 (2025) raised it from $3,500 to $5,000, effective September 26, 2025. Pages still quoting $3,500 are out of date — the current figure is $5,000.
Can I have a lawyer in Arizona small claims court?
Only if both parties agree in writing. Under A.R.S. §22-512, an attorney cannot appear in the small-claims division unless both sides stipulate to it; otherwise each party represents themselves.
How much does it cost to file small claims in Arizona?
It varies by county — roughly $26 to $40 or more. The fee is set by each justice court, not by the statute, so check the specific court where you will file.
Not legal advicePlainStatute provides plain-language summaries of public law for general information only. This is not legal advice. Statutes change; always confirm current requirements with the official source linked above before acting.