Indiana Small Claims Playbook: Filing, Service, Hearing and Collecting
Checked against official court sources, updated October 2026.
Quick answer: Indiana small claims go on the small claims docket of a county's Circuit or Superior Court. You can sue for up to $10,000. Outside Marion County, filing costs $97 ($87 if e-filed); Marion County has nine township small claims courts with their own fees. Either side can appeal to the Indiana Court of Appeals within 30 days. Check your court's rules.
How does small claims court work in Indiana?
Indiana small claims cases go on the small claims docket of a county's Circuit or Superior Court, for claims up to $10,000. Indianapolis is different: Marion County has nine township small claims courts with their own statute and fees. Outside Marion County, filing costs $97 total ($87 if e-filed).
Official sources are listed under Sources below.
How much can I sue for in Indiana?
Small claims cases can be up to $10,000 (IC 33-28-3-4 and IC 33-29-2-4). In Marion County's township small claims courts, the limit is also $10,000, not counting interest or attorney fees (IC 33-34-3-2). Filing in small claims gives up anything over $10,000; you can't sue later for the rest. Small claims covers money owed, property damage, personal injury, landlord-tenant cases with rent due up to $10,000, and return of property. It can't handle foreclosures or land-contract possession.
How much does it cost to file?
$97 outside Marion County, or $87 if e-filed, plus $28 if you ask for sheriff service. Marion County township courts: $115 to file plus $15 service per defendant.
| Court | Total filing cost |
|---|---|
| Circuit or Superior Court (outside Marion County) | $97 ($87 e-filed). Sheriff service extra. |
| Marion County township courts | $115 plus $15 service per defendant |
Outside Marion County, sheriff service, if you ask for it, adds $28.
Where do I file a small claim in Indiana?
Any county where the transaction happened, the obligation was incurred or is to be performed, or the defendant lives or works. In Marion County, file in one of the nine township small claims courts. Landlord-tenant claims must be filed in the township where the rental property is located (IC 33-34-3-1(c)). A defendant can file a motion to change venue within 10 days of being served, and the court decides; it isn't automatic (IC 33-34-3-1). A jury demand made at least 3 calendar days before trial moves the case to superior court, and the defendant pays that court's filing costs (IC 33-34-3-11).
How do I file a small claim in Indiana?
Get a Notice of Claim from the clerk, file it in the right county with the fee, and the defendant is served at least 10 days before the court date.
- Check the claim fits the $10,000 limit and the deadline to sue.
- Pick the county (and the township in Marion County).
- Fill out a Notice of Claim and attach any contract and, for accounts, the Affidavit of Debt (PDF).
- File with the clerk and pay the fee.
- The defendant is served by certified mail or sheriff at least 10 days before the court date.
- Go to the first court date. Many courts use it to see whether the claim is disputed, then set a trial.
Next step
- Confirm the county, and the township court if you're in Marion County.
- Get a Notice of Claim from the clerk.
- Plan service by certified mail or sheriff.
Indiana small claims FAQ
What form do I use for small claims in Indiana?
A Notice of Claim, free from the clerk. If you're suing on an account, attach the Affidavit of Debt.
Do I need a lawyer for small claims in Indiana?
No. You can represent yourself. A power of attorney doesn't let you represent someone else.
How is the defendant served in Indiana small claims?
By certified mail or sheriff, at least 10 days before the court date. If service fails, you can file an Alias Notice of Claim.
How long do I have to appeal in Indiana small claims?
30 days from judgment, to the Indiana Court of Appeals. This includes Marion County township court judgments.
Where do I file small claims in Indianapolis?
In one of the nine Marion County township small claims courts.
Related guides
Small Claims Starter Kit (basic timeline and checklists).
Sources
- Indiana Small Claims Manual (PDF) (checked 2026-10-24)
- Indiana Small Claims Manual page (checked 2026-10-24)
- Indiana Trial Court Fee Manual (PDF) (checked 2026-10-24)
- Affidavit of Debt (PDF) (checked 2026-10-24)
- Marion County small claims court locations (checked 2026-10-15)
- Directory of Courts and Clerks in Indiana (PDF) (checked 2026-10-24)
- Indiana Code Title 33 (see 33-34-3) (checked 2026-10-24)
- House Enrolled Act 1144 (2025) (PDF) (checked 2026-10-15)
- Center Township Small Claims Court (checked 2026-10-24)
- Lake County Clerk small claims (checked 2026-10-24)
- Allen County court locations (checked 2026-10-15)
What's in the Indiana Playbook section
- Can a business sue in Indiana small claims?
- How much should I ask for in Indiana small claims?
- Where to file in Indiana
- Indiana small claims forms and fees
- Serving the defendant: options and fees
- How to file a small claim in Indiana, step by step (made-up example)
- Indiana small claims checklist
- Indiana small claims timeline and deadlines
- What to expect at your Indiana small claims hearing
- Appeals in Indiana small claims
- Collecting after you win in Indiana
Want the whole game plan for Indiana? The Indiana Playbook takes you from filing to hearing day: what to gather, how to label your exhibits, a one-page timeline, and a day-of plan for your hearing. One yearly membership covers every state guide. See the Playbook
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.