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Small claims court: what it means

Small claims court is a state court for money cases that stay under a limit each state sets. The rules are simpler than in other courts, and many people represent themselves.

In Spanish it is

Corte de reclamos menores (small claims)

Also written as: small claims · small-claims court

Two women and a girl laugh together at the bus stop.

Verified on October 17, 2026

2 official sources

See the whole dictionary

The full explanation

In California, for example, you cannot bring a lawyer to the hearing, although you can ask one for advice beforehand. The judge's decision carries the same weight as a judgment from any other court. But if you win, it is usually up to you to collect the money: the court does not collect it for you.

An example

Gabriela believes her former landlord owes her part of her security deposit. She files a case in her county's small claims court and brings her lease, photos and receipts to the hearing.

You will see it in…

Your county court's forms for filing a claim
Money disputes with a landlord, a tenant or a business
Your state court's self-help page

Words that go with it

You will rarely see this word alone. These are the ones that show up with it on the same papers.

More guides that use “small claims court”

Still confused by a paper?

A HUD-approved housing counselor can walk you through it. Agencies usually charge little or nothing, many work in Spanish, and they do not sell you anything.

What a housing counselor does See free help

Official sources

We sum up what these official sources say, in plain words. We add no rules they do not state; when a rule changes, the definition and its date change.

1. Legal Information Institute (Cornell Law School) · Small claims court (external site) · in English · Verified on October 17, 2026
2. California Courts Self-Help Guide · Small claims in California (external site) · in English · Verified on October 17, 2026