Courts · Small Claims
Small Claims Court Limit in Vermont
The most you can sue for in Vermont 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 Vermont
The claim ceiling, how the filing fee is set, and whether lawyers are allowed at the hearing.
| Maximum claim | $10,000 |
| How the limit works | One statewide limit |
| Filing fee | $65–$90 by claim size (32 V.S.A. §1431): $65 if the claim is $1,000 or less, $90 if the claim is more than $1,000. The Judiciary fee schedule may add administrative surcharges |
| Lawyers at the hearing | Allowed |
| Statute / court rule | 12 V.S.A. §5531 (limit); 32 V.S.A. §1431 (fees) |
The general small claims limit is $10,000, but the court cannot hear a collection action for more than $5,000 when the debt comes from a consumer credit transaction or is medical debt (12 V.S.A. §5531). Small claims cases are heard in the civil division of the superior court.
Where to file in Vermont
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 Vermont's official court self-help resource.
→ Vermont Judiciary: Small ClaimsWhat Vermont filers get wrong
Vermont's small claims limit is $10,000, but there is a catch that many summaries leave out. Under 12 V.S.A. §5531, the court cannot hear a collection case for more than $5,000 if the debt comes from a consumer credit transaction or is medical debt. So the honest answer depends on what kind of claim you are bringing: a typical dispute goes up to $10,000, while consumer-credit and medical-debt collections are capped at $5,000. These cases are filed in the small claims side of the superior court's civil division. Lawyers are allowed for either party, though many people appear on their own. The filing fee is modest and set by 32 V.S.A. §1431: $65 for claims of $1,000 or less and $90 for larger claims.
Common questions
What is the small claims limit in Vermont?
Vermont small claims courts hear most claims up to $10,000 under 12 V.S.A. §5531. There is a lower cap of $5,000 for collection actions based on a consumer credit transaction or medical debt.
Why is there a $5,000 limit for some Vermont small claims?
The statute bars the small claims court from hearing a collection case for more than $5,000 when the debt arises from a consumer credit transaction or is medical debt. Other kinds of claims still go up to the general $10,000 limit.
How much does it cost to file small claims in Vermont?
Under 32 V.S.A. §1431 the fee is $65 if your claim is $1,000 or less and $90 if it is more than $1,000. The Judiciary may add administrative surcharges, so confirm the current amount with the court where you file.
Where are small claims heard in Vermont?
In the small claims docket of the civil division of the superior court for the county involved. Lawyers are permitted for either side, but most people represent themselves.
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.