https://small-claims-fees-by-state.pages.dev/blog/ Guides and explainers from Small Claims Fees by State en-us https://small-claims-fees-by-state.pages.dev/blog/filing-fee-back-settlement-before-trial https://small-claims-fees-by-state.pages.dev/blog/filing-fee-back-settlement-before-trial The court will not refund it, but the settlement can include it. The continuance trick, the dismissal trap, and the one line to put in writing. Mon, 19 Oct 2026 12:00:00 GMT https://small-claims-fees-by-state.pages.dev/blog/how-to-pay-small-claims-court-filing-fee https://small-claims-fees-by-state.pages.dev/blog/how-to-pay-small-claims-court-filing-fee Cash, check, money order, or card depending on the court. The personal-check trap and what to bring to the window. Sun, 18 Oct 2026 12:00:00 GMT https://small-claims-fees-by-state.pages.dev/blog/counter-sued-in-small-claims-court-what-to-do https://small-claims-fees-by-state.pages.dev/blog/counter-sued-in-small-claims-court-what-to-do You usually do not have to file a written response. Your three options, the deadlines that matter, and why most counterclaims are bargaining chips. Sat, 17 Oct 2026 12:00:00 GMT https://small-claims-fees-by-state.pages.dev/blog/jury-trial-small-claims-court https://small-claims-fees-by-state.pages.dev/blog/jury-trial-small-claims-court Can you get a jury trial in small claims court? In most states, no: the judge or magistrate decides. Texas lets either party demand a jury, and Indiana lets the defendant move the case to a full docket for one. The rules, the fees, and the tradeoff. Fri, 16 Oct 2026 12:00:00 GMT https://small-claims-fees-by-state.pages.dev/blog/cost-to-serve-small-claims-court https://small-claims-fees-by-state.pages.dev/blog/cost-to-serve-small-claims-court How much does it cost to serve someone in small claims court? Certified mail runs about $10 to $15, sheriff service $40 to $100, and private process servers $50 to $150. The method rules that decide which one you can use. Thu, 15 Oct 2026 12:00:00 GMT https://small-claims-fees-by-state.pages.dev/blog/small-claims-mediation-before-trial https://small-claims-fees-by-state.pages.dev/blog/small-claims-mediation-before-trial Many courts offer mediation before trial, some require it, and it is usually free. How it works, what a mediator can and cannot do, and when to take the deal. Wed, 14 Oct 2026 12:00:00 GMT https://small-claims-fees-by-state.pages.dev/blog/cost-sue-landlord-small-claims-court https://small-claims-fees-by-state.pages.dev/blog/cost-sue-landlord-small-claims-court Usually $50 to $120 to file. The line-by-line costs, what you can win back, and why security deposit cases are the best small claims bet. Tue, 13 Oct 2026 12:00:00 GMT https://small-claims-fees-by-state.pages.dev/blog/demand-letter-before-filing-small-claims https://small-claims-fees-by-state.pages.dev/blog/demand-letter-before-filing-small-claims Should you send a demand letter before filing small claims court? Usually yes: it's cheap, it settles many disputes, and it becomes Exhibit A. When it's legally required, what to include, and the template that works. Mon, 12 Oct 2026 12:00:00 GMT https://small-claims-fees-by-state.pages.dev/blog/can-business-sue-small-claims-court https://small-claims-fees-by-state.pages.dev/blog/can-business-sue-small-claims-court Yes, businesses can sue in small claims court in most states, but the rules are not the same as for individuals. Lower caps in some states, New York's separate commercial track, and the demand-letter step that trips up first-time business filers. Sun, 11 Oct 2026 12:00:00 GMT https://small-claims-fees-by-state.pages.dev/blog/file-small-claims-court-online-by-state https://small-claims-fees-by-state.pages.dev/blog/file-small-claims-court-online-by-state Many counties let you file online, but there is no national portal. Where e-filing exists and what it does not cover. Sat, 10 Oct 2026 12:00:00 GMT https://small-claims-fees-by-state.pages.dev/blog/small-claims-court-fees-tax-deductible https://small-claims-fees-by-state.pages.dev/blog/small-claims-court-fees-tax-deductible Are small claims court fees tax deductible? If the dispute was business, yes, as an ordinary business expense, win or lose. If it was personal, no. The two-track rule, the reimbursement trap, and what to keep. Fri, 09 Oct 2026 12:00:00 GMT https://small-claims-fees-by-state.pages.dev/blog/how-does-counterclaim-work-small-claims-court https://small-claims-fees-by-state.pages.dev/blog/how-does-counterclaim-work-small-claims-court How does a counterclaim work in small claims court? Being sued does not mean you only defend: file your own claim back, pay a $30 to $100 fee, and have both heard in one hearing. The rules, limits, and timing traps. Thu, 08 Oct 2026 12:00:00 GMT https://small-claims-fees-by-state.pages.dev/blog/appeal-small-claims-court-decision https://small-claims-fees-by-state.pages.dev/blog/appeal-small-claims-court-decision Can you appeal a small claims court decision? Usually yes, but the price varies wildly: $290 in fees in Washington, about $150 in North Carolina, no appeal at all in Hawaii. Do-over vs. review appeals, deadlines, and the math that decides. Wed, 07 Oct 2026 12:00:00 GMT https://small-claims-fees-by-state.pages.dev/blog/collect-small-claims-judgment https://small-claims-fees-by-state.pages.dev/blog/collect-small-claims-judgment How to collect money after winning small claims court? The court will not collect for you. The sequence that works: the waiting window, the demand letter, the debtor's examination, and choosing between a bank levy, wage garnishment, or lien. Tue, 06 Oct 2026 12:00:00 GMT https://small-claims-fees-by-state.pages.dev/blog/how-much-does-it-cost-to-file-small-claims-court https://small-claims-fees-by-state.pages.dev/blog/how-much-does-it-cost-to-file-small-claims-court How much does it cost to file in small claims court? Filing fees run $15 to $300 by state and claim size. The all-in price tag, the state table, and the costs people forget. Mon, 05 Oct 2026 12:00:00 GMT https://small-claims-fees-by-state.pages.dev/blog/who-pays-court-costs-if-you-lose-small-claims https://small-claims-fees-by-state.pages.dev/blog/who-pays-court-costs-if-you-lose-small-claims Who pays court costs if you lose in small claims court? Usually you pay your own filing and service fees and nothing more. Learn what the winner can collect from you and the exceptions that shift costs. Sun, 04 Oct 2026 12:00:00 GMT https://small-claims-fees-by-state.pages.dev/blog/how-to-serve-someone-small-claims-court https://small-claims-fees-by-state.pages.dev/blog/how-to-serve-someone-small-claims-court How to serve someone in small claims court: certified mail, sheriff, process server, and substituted service. Costs, timing, proof of service, and what to do when the defendant dodges. Sat, 03 Oct 2026 12:00:00 GMT https://small-claims-fees-by-state.pages.dev/blog/recover-filing-fees-small-claims https://small-claims-fees-by-state.pages.dev/blog/recover-filing-fees-small-claims In most states, the winner in small claims court can recover filing fees and service costs from the loser. Learn which costs are recoverable, how to claim them, and the one mistake that can cost you. Thu, 01 Oct 2026 18:49:46 GMT https://small-claims-fees-by-state.pages.dev/blog/small-claims-fee-waiver-guide https://small-claims-fees-by-state.pages.dev/blog/small-claims-fee-waiver-guide Small claims filing fees can be waived if you can't afford them. Learn how fee waivers work, who qualifies, which form to ask for in your state, and what a waiver does and doesn't cover. Thu, 01 Oct 2026 18:49:46 GMT