How to File a Small Claims Case in Maricopa County

Claim limit

$5,000

Filing fee

$58

File online

No — in person or by mail

First court date

Hearing

Filing in Maricopa County, step by step

Every step below happens at Maricopa County Justice Courts, Small Claims Division or through the system it uses.

1. 1. Check the amount is within the limit. Maricopa County small claims handles claims up to $5,000 (exclusive of interest and costs). Above that, the case belongs in a different division and the clerk will refuse it.
2. 2. Name the defendant exactly. A judgment against a misspelled name or a trade name that is not the legal entity is difficult to collect. For a business, use the registered legal name.
3. 3. Fill out the claim form. Maricopa County uses Small Claims Complaint, Small Claims Summons and Notice, Small Claims Answer, Small Claims Agreement to Use of Attorneys, Small Claims Proof of Service, Application for Deferral or Waiver of Court Fees and Costs. The blank forms are free. What you write in the statement of what happened is what gets the case accepted or sent back.
4. 4. File it and pay. Maricopa County accepts filings in person at the justice court precinct with proper venue; by mail to that justice court precinct; small claims cases cannot be electronically filed in the maricopa county justice courts; azturbocourt only prepares limited-jurisdiction forms to print and file on paper. The fee is $58.
5. 5. Serve the defendant. Filing does not notify the defendant — service does, and the case cannot proceed without it. The plaintiff arranges and pays for service after filing; the court does not serve the defendant.

Where to file in Maricopa County

• In person at the justice court precinct with proper venue
• By mail to that justice court precinct
• Small claims cases cannot be electronically filed in the Maricopa County Justice Courts; AZTurboCourt only prepares limited-jurisdiction forms to print and file on paper

Walk-in filing is available at 16 locations: Encanto (Downtown Justice Center), El Centro (Downtown Justice Center), West McDowell (Downtown Justice Center), Arcadia Biltmore, South Mountain, Dreamy Draw (Phoenix), Desert Ridge (Phoenix), Agua Fria (Avondale), Arrowhead (Surprise), Country Meadows (Avondale), Highland (Mesa), East Mesa, Kyrene (Chandler), San Marcos (Chandler), San Tan (Chandler), 26 precincts total — see justicecourts.maricopa.gov/about-us/court-locations.

What happens after you file

The court sets your date after the defendant is served. The first appearance is hearing. If the defendant loses, they have 0 days to move for a new trial and 0 days to appeal.

Why not just do it yourself?

The forms are free. Why pay anything?

The forms are free. Knowing what to write in them is not. Most rejected filings are rejected on the claim narrative, not the paperwork.

What happens if I get it wrong?

You refile and pay $58 again. That is the actual cost of guessing.

Do I need a lawyer?

No. Small claims is designed for people representing themselves, and most attorneys will not take a case this size.

Common questions

Where do I file a small claims case in Maricopa County?

Maricopa County Justice Courts, Small Claims Division, 620 W. Jackson Street, Phoenix, AZ 85003. Open 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., Monday-Friday (excluding holidays).

Can I file small claims online in Maricopa County?

No. Maricopa County takes small claims filings in person or by mail.

How long does a small claims case take in Maricopa County?

It depends on the court's calendar and on how quickly the defendant is served. The court sets the date once service is complete.

How much can I sue for in Maricopa County?

Up to $5,000, exclusive of interest and costs.