Arizona small claims Playbook

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The Playbook coaches you as you organize and present your own case. Members: the prep guides that work in any state are in Part 1 of the Playbook below, and Part 2 covers Arizona's forms, filing steps, service and hearing. For the basics, see the Arizona overview.

Who can sue in Arizona small claims?

• Any natural person, corporation, partnership, association, marital community or other organization may sue or defend.
• Assignees cannot start a small claim (except a duly appointed personal representative). So collection agencies on assigned debt cannot file.
• No lawyers unless all parties stipulate in writing before the hearing.

Can a business sue in Arizona small claims?

• Yes. Corporations, partnerships, associations and other organizations can sue and be sued (A.R.S. § 22-512(A)).
• A business appears through its own people: a full-time officer or authorized employee for a corporation, an active general partner or authorized full-time employee for a partnership, and an active member or authorized full-time employee for an association or any other organization or entity (§ 22-512(B)). The business files a notice naming the person who will appear for it (Small Claims Rule 1(c)).
• Lawyers aren't allowed unless the parties agree in writing before the hearing (§ 22-512(D)).
• Condo and planned-community associations: their managing agents and employees can act for them in limited ways (§ 22-512(C)). For details, check your court's rules.
• Assigned claims can't be brought: the plaintiff must be a party to the original transaction (§ 22-512(A)).

Arizona small claims FAQ

What is the small claims limit in Arizona?

$5,000 or less, not counting interest and costs. The same limit applies to counterclaims and to rescission or other equitable relief (A.R.S. § 22-503(A)). You can't split a claim to stay under the limit.

How much does it cost to file small claims in Arizona?

The statewide justice court fees, in effect since December 28, 2024, are $30 to file, $18 to answer, $8 for service by mail and $33 to issue a writ (azcourts.gov Justice Court Filing Fees). Courts can add local fees, so check with your court for its total. In Maricopa County it's $58 to file and $46 to answer (Maricopa County Justice Courts).

Where do I file small claims in Arizona?

The justice court precinct where the defendant lives. A.R.S. § 22-202 allows other precincts in some cases: the plaintiff's precinct if the defendant lives out of state or the address is unknown; either precinct if the debt was made in one and the defendant moved; the precinct named in a written contract, or the defendant's; and any defendant's precinct if there are several. For other venue questions, the venue rules for civil cases in justice courts apply (A.R.S. § 22-505(A)), so check your court's rules.

Do I need a lawyer for small claims in Arizona?

No. Lawyers aren't allowed unless all parties agree in writing before the hearing (§ 22-512(D)).

Where do I find Arizona small claims forms?

Forms are on the AZ Self-Service Center small claims forms page. The complaint must carry the statutory warning that there's no right to appeal (A.R.S. § 22-519). The statewide forms are generic, and each court may have its own preferred forms. The main ones: Complaint (LJSC00001F), Summons (LJSC00002F), Proof of Service by Registered or Certified Mail (LJSC00003F), Answer (LJSC00004F), Counterclaim (LJSC00005F), Subpoena (LJSC00013F) and Motion to Vacate a Judgment (LJSC00015F).

How much should I ask for in Arizona small claims?

Ask for what you can prove: receipts, invoices, estimates and a simple running total. If your loss is bigger than the Arizona limit described above, look closely at your options before filing, because what happens to the extra amount depends on your court's rules. Our guide to how much you can sue for in small claims explains the basics, and the damages calculator (free quick total; the itemized version is in your Playbook) helps you add up your numbers.

Small Claims Coach is built to help you handle your case yourself, without a lawyer — but if your situation is complicated, does not fit our samples, or a deadline is close, you may want to call a lawyer.

Small Claims Coach uses public information to build the Playbook, which coaches you as you organize and present your own case. We are not your lawyer, there is no attorney-client relationship, and we don't want the details of your case.

This information is for educational purposes only. It is not legal advice.