Before you sue, know the ceiling. Every state sets a maximum dollar amount its small claims court can award. Pick your state below for the current limit, then read the full table.
What if my claim is over the limit?
You have three options. You can reduce your claim to fit the limit and file in small claims court, though you give up the rest permanently. You can file in a higher court, such as superior or circuit court, where the procedure is more formal. Or you can split nothing: most states forbid dividing one claim into several small ones to dodge the cap. When in doubt, call the court clerk. The call is free and they answer this question every day.
All 50 states and the District of Columbia
| State | Limit |
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This is general information, not legal advice. Limits change when legislatures act. Verify the current figure with the clerk of the court where you plan to file.