{"id":369001,"date":"2016-04-04T10:47:05","date_gmt":"2016-04-04T15:47:05","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ability-fl-prod.internetbrands.com\/ability-law\/litigation\/going-to-court\/small-claims-cases.html"},"modified":"2026-08-05T13:26:32","modified_gmt":"2026-08-05T18:26:32","slug":"small-claims-cases","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/litigation\/going-to-court\/small-claims-cases.html","title":{"rendered":"What Can I Sue for in Small Claims Court?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div class=\"wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 fl-sectionWithSidebar fl-container fl-flex fl-flex-wrap fl-gap30\">\n<div class=\"fl-page-articles fl-section-main fl-section-main-full-width\"><h1 class=\"fl-no-margin-top\">What Can I Sue for in Small Claims Court?<\/h1>\n\n<section class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline\">\n    <div class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-content\">\n                    By <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team\/susan-buckner-j-d\/\">Susan Buckner, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by <a\n                href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team\/melissa-bender-esq\/\">Melissa Bender, Esq.<\/a>\n                | Last updated\n        <time>\n                            August 05, 2026\n                    <\/time>\n    <\/div>\n\n    \n    <details class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle fl-gutenberg-byline-legally-reviewed\">\n        <summary>\n            <i class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n            Legally Reviewed\n        <\/summary>\n\n        <div class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle-content\">\n            <p><em>This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team.html\">FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/company-history\/editorial-policy.html\">our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/details>\n\n    <details class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle fl-gutenberg-byline-fast-checked\">\n        <summary>\n            <i class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n            Fact-Checked\n        <\/summary>\n\n        <div class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle-content\">\n            <p><em>The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team\/contributing-authors.html\">contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please <a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/?fli=bylinelink\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/details>\n<\/section>\n\n\n<div class=\"fl-key-takeaways fl-mb30\" data-testid=\"fl-key-takeaways\">\n    <div class=\"fl-card-content\">\n        <div class=\"fl-card-body fl-card-bg-teal fl-flex fl-flex-column\">\n                            <h2 class=\"fl-card-title fl-h2 fl-no-margin\">Key Takeaways<\/h2>\n                        <ul>\n<li>Most civil disputes can be filed in a <span data-term-id=\"59622158\">small claims court<\/span> if the value of the claim is low enough.<\/li>\n<li>The maximum value varies by state, but most <span data-term-id=\"59622158\">small claims courts<\/span> can hear cases up to $10,000. <span data-term-id=\"59622179\">Civil courts<\/span> hear disputes above the limit.<\/li>\n<li>Certain types of legal issues must go to separate courts regardless of monetary value.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>Not all court cases require teams of attorneys and crates of evidence. Most disputes involve much smaller sums and less dramatic issues.<\/p>\n<p>For example, say your neighbor\u2019s tree falls on your fence. You disagree with your neighbor over who should pay for repairs. The estimated cost is only a thousand dollars, but that\u2019s certainly enough to make a dent in your bank account. This dispute goes to <span data-term-id=\"59622158\">small claims court<\/span>.<\/p>\n<p>Small claims cases differ from <span data-term-id=\"59622179\">civil court<\/span> in many ways, but the judgments are just as official. While they don\u2019t require a lawyer\u2019s representation, you may want to consult a <a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/litigation-appeals\/?fli=dcta\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">trial attorney<\/a> if you have questions along the way.<\/p>\n<h2>How Do <span data-term-id=\"59622158\">Small Claims Court<\/span> Cases Work?<\/h2>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/litigation\/going-to-court\/small-claims-court\/\"><span data-term-id=\"59622158\">Small claims courts<\/span>\u00a0<\/a>are part of the state court system. They provide a more streamlined alternative to regular <span data-term-id=\"59622179\">civil court<\/span>.<\/p>\n<p>Litigants file their complaints with the court, but the <span data-term-id=\"59622161\">filing fees<\/span> are smaller than in <span data-term-id=\"59622179\">civil court<\/span>. Small claims <span data-term-id=\"59622161\">filing fees<\/span> are often\u00a0less than $200. The person suing (the <span data-term-id=\"59622163\">plaintiff<\/span>) usually does not have to serve the other party (the <span data-term-id=\"59622160\">defendant<\/span>), so there are no process server fees.<\/p>\n<p>The court clerk\u2019s office sets the <span data-term-id=\"59622188\">small claims <\/span><span data-term-id=\"59622190\">hearing<\/span><span data-term-id=\"59622190\"> date<\/span> and advises both parties by mail. At the hearing, the judge hears the evidence, reviews the documents filed by both parties,\u00a0and often\u00a0gives a verdict on the same day. Most state laws do not allow attorneys to represent clients in <span data-term-id=\"59622158\">small claims courts<\/span>, so there is no lengthy <span data-term-id=\"59622162\">witness<\/span> testimony or cross-examination.<\/p>\n<h2>What Kinds of Cases Can I File in <span data-term-id=\"59622158\">Small Claims Court<\/span>?<\/h2>\n<p><span data-term-id=\"59622158\">Small claims courts<\/span> are\u00a0limited jurisdiction\u00a0courts. They only hear certain types of cases. These cases must also fall below a maximum dollar value. High-value <span data-term-id=\"59622171\">civil cases<\/span> must go to <span data-term-id=\"59622179\">civil court<\/span>.<\/p>\n<p><span data-term-id=\"59622158\">Small claims courts<\/span> can hear most types of <span data-term-id=\"59622179\">civil court<\/span> cases, such as:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Small <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/injury\/accident-injury-law.html\">personal injury<\/a> claims<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/bankruptcy\/debt-relief\/debt-collection-laws.html\">Debt collection<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/realestate\/landlord-tenant-law.html\">Landlord\/tenant claims<\/a> (<span data-term-id=\"59622168\">eviction<\/span>, <span data-term-id=\"59622164\">security deposit<\/span>, lease agreements)<\/li>\n<li>Issues with <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/realestate\/owning-a-home\/home-improvement-contractors.html\">contractors or home remodels<\/a><\/li>\n<li>Property damage claims<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/employment\/wages-and-benefits\/wage-and-hour-laws.html\">Wage and hour<\/a> disputes<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>What Is the Limit for <span data-term-id=\"59622158\">Small Claims Court<\/span>?<\/h2>\n<p>The small claims limit depends on your state laws. Most states hear <span data-term-id=\"59622171\">civil cases<\/span> with dollar values below $10,000, although a few states\u2019 <span data-term-id=\"59622158\">small claims courts<\/span> are as high as $15,000. Some states, such as California, have\u00a0limited <span data-term-id=\"59622179\">civil courts<\/span>\u00a0which hear cases up to $35,000.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Unlimited <span data-term-id=\"59622179\">civil courts<\/span>\u00a0take the remaining cases. You should confirm with the clerk\u2019s office before filing any documents.<\/p>\n<h2>Which Cases Are Ineligible for <span data-term-id=\"59622158\">Small Claims Court<\/span>?<\/h2>\n<p><span data-term-id=\"59622158\">Small claims courts<\/span> do not hear:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/family\/family-legal-help\/state-family-courts.html\">Family law<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/bankruptcy\/what-is-bankruptcy\/united-states-bankruptcy-courts.html\"><span data-term-id=\"59622180\">bankruptcy<\/span><\/a>, or <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/estate\/probate\/probate-courts-laws.html\">probate<\/a> cases, which go to their own courts<\/li>\n<li>Small criminal cases, such as <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/traffic\/traffic-tickets\/traffic-ticket-basics.html\">traffic tickets<\/a> or DUIs<\/li>\n<li>Claims requiring <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/litigation\/filing-a-lawsuit\/what-is-injunctive-relief.html\">injunctive relief<\/a>, such as <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/smallbusiness\/business-contracts-forms\/what-is-specific-performance-as-a-legal-remedy.html\">specific performance<\/a> of a contract<\/li>\n<li>Cases asking for remedies over the statutory amount<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>A small claims case requires a money judgment or an award with a dollar value. <span data-term-id=\"59622158\">Small claims courts<\/span> can grant a <span data-term-id=\"59622163\">plaintiff<\/span>\u2019s claim that a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/realestate\/neighbors\/fencing-laws-and-your-neighbors-faqs.html\">fence was improperly installed<\/a> and should be rebuilt\u00a0because that has a dollar value. They\u00a0cannot resolve a case for someone who wants the neighbor to stop grilling steak because they <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/realestate\/neighbors\/cooking-smells-and-other-odors-from-neighbors-here-s-what-the-l.html\">don\u2019t like the smell<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>States may also restrict certain types of cases, such as <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/injury\/torts-and-personal-injuries\/defamation-libel-slander.html\"><span data-term-id=\"59622182\">libel<\/span>, <span data-term-id=\"59622181\">slander<\/span><\/a>, and harassment claims. Claims related to privacy and reputation often concern court orders beyond a monetary award.<\/p>\n<p>Any <span data-term-id=\"59622163\">plaintiff<\/span> may file a case in <span data-term-id=\"59622158\">small claims court<\/span> if the dollar value is under the statutory amount. <span data-term-id=\"59622163\">Plaintiffs<\/span> can name individuals, large corporations, and\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/litigation\/going-to-court\/settling-small-business-claims-in-small-claims-court.html\">small businesses<\/a>\u00a0as <span data-term-id=\"59622160\">defendants<\/span>. If the case must go to the superior court, you should consider hiring an attorney.<\/p>\n<h2>What Kind of Damages Can I Sue for in <span data-term-id=\"59622158\">Small Claims Court<\/span>?<\/h2>\n<p>Common types of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/litigation\/legal-system\/what-are-compensatory-damages.html\">compensatory damages<\/a> in a small claims case may include:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Repair or replacement costs due to property damage<\/li>\n<li>Monetary value of the unpaid debt and any interest accrued<\/li>\n<li>Medical expenses<\/li>\n<li>Lost wages or business income<\/li>\n<li>Court fees, such as the initial <span data-term-id=\"59622161\">filing fee<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/injury\/accident-injury-law\/what-are-punitive-damages.html\">Punitive damages<\/a> are generally not available in <span data-term-id=\"59622158\">small claims court<\/span>. Even <span data-term-id=\"59622179\">civil courts<\/span> rarely award punitive damages to penalize a <span data-term-id=\"59622160\">defendant<\/span>\u2019s behavior. Small claims cases focus on the <a href=\"https:\/\/dictionary.findlaw.com\/definition\/damage.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">actual damages<\/a> the <span data-term-id=\"59622163\">plaintiff<\/span> states they suffered.<\/p>\n<p>Some states do not allow you to sue for <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/injury\/car-accidents\/what-is-a-pain-and-suffering-multiplier.html\">pain and suffering<\/a> or <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/litigation\/filing-a-lawsuit\/can-i-sue-for-emotional-distress.html\">emotional distress damages<\/a> in <span data-term-id=\"59622158\">small claims court<\/span>. These damages are often hard to prove. <span data-term-id=\"59622158\">Small claims courts<\/span> aren\u2019t intended to evaluate complex or speculative damages. <span data-term-id=\"59622179\">Civil court<\/span> may be a more appropriate venue for these claims.<\/p>\n<p><span data-term-id=\"59622158\">Small claims courts<\/span> address monetary relief rather than ordering the <span data-term-id=\"59622160\">defendant<\/span> to do or cease doing an action. For example, you can\u2019t seek a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/family\/domestic-violence\/domestic-violence-orders-of-protection-and-restraining-orders.html\">restraining order<\/a> in a small claims lawsuit. Or, imagine you loaned an expensive item to a friend who <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/injury\/torts-and-personal-injuries\/conversion.html\">won\u2019t give it back<\/a>. You could sue to recover the value of the item in <span data-term-id=\"59622158\">small claims court<\/span> so you can buy a replacement. But to actually take that specific item back, you would begin a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/injury\/accident-injury-law\/replevin.html\">replevin action<\/a> in <span data-term-id=\"59622179\">civil court<\/span>.<\/p>\n<p>If you have a <span data-term-id=\"59622171\">civil case<\/span> that calls for a more complex remedy, you can discuss other legal options with a lawyer.<\/p>\n<h2>Should I Hire a Lawyer?<\/h2>\n<p>In most states, court rules prohibit <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/hirealawyer\/do-you-need-a-lawyer.html\">attorney representation<\/a> in <span data-term-id=\"59622158\">small claims court<\/span>. Attorneys may represent corporate entities, but there are additional rules in these cases.<\/p>\n<p>You should get <span data-term-id=\"59622172\">legal advice<\/span> about your case if you need clarification on any facts in the matter. You may want an attorney\u2019s help if:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>The other party filed a <a href=\"https:\/\/dictionary.findlaw.com\/definition\/counterclaim.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span data-term-id=\"59622166\">counterclaim<\/span><\/a> against you<\/li>\n<li>The amount of money is close to the statutory limit<\/li>\n<li>You need to postpone (&#8220;continue&#8221;) the court hearing<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Courts often have self-help clinics at the courthouse or through their websites. Staff at these clinics <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/hirealawyer\/do-you-need-a-lawyer\/what-is-legal-advice.html\">cannot give <span data-term-id=\"59622172\">legal advice<\/span><\/a>, but they can provide general information about forms and filing.<\/p>\n<h2>What Happens When I File My <span data-term-id=\"59622158\">Small Claims Court<\/span> Lawsuit?<\/h2>\n<p>When you<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/litigation\/going-to-court\/how-do-i-file-a-small-claims-court-lawsuit.html\">\u00a0file your small claims lawsuit<\/a>, the court notifies the opposing party by issuing a summons to appear. Your complaint,\u00a0sometimes called a petition or <span data-term-id=\"59622176\">affidavit<\/span>,\u00a0must contain:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>The <span data-term-id=\"59622160\">defendant<\/span>\u2019s correct name<\/li>\n<li>The <span data-term-id=\"59622160\">defendant<\/span>\u2019s street and mailing address<\/li>\n<li>The <span data-term-id=\"59622160\">defendant<\/span>\u2019s phone number and contact information<\/li>\n<li>If the <span data-term-id=\"59622160\">defendant<\/span> is a business entity, you must have their registered agent\u2019s address<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>In some jurisdictions, you may be responsible for serving the summons and complaint on the <span data-term-id=\"59622160\">defendant<\/span>. This step is the <a href=\"https:\/\/dictionary.findlaw.com\/definition\/service-of-process.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span data-term-id=\"59622189\">service of process<\/span><\/a>. You cannot\u00a0serve the summons yourself, so you must have a third party do so or have a process server deliver it. Some states allow notice through registered or <span data-term-id=\"59622173\">certified mail<\/span>.<\/p>\n<p>Once all parties receive notice of the court date, you must attend the court hearing and present your evidence. Some courts require the parties to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/adr\/mediation.html\">attend <span data-term-id=\"59622169\">mediation<\/span><\/a> to attempt to reach a <span data-term-id=\"59622167\">settlement<\/span> before the judge hears the case.<\/p>\n<p>The <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/litigation\/legal-system\/what-is-a-judges-role-in-court.html\">judge may issue a verdict<\/a> immediately or take it\u00a0under advisement.\u00a0In that case, you and the <span data-term-id=\"59622160\">defendant<\/span> will receive the verdict by mail.<\/p>\n<h2>What Should I Bring to <span data-term-id=\"59622158\">Small Claims Court<\/span>?<\/h2>\n<p>When your court date arrives, bring anything relevant to your case. It helps to make copies for yourself, the other party, and the judge. If you have bank statements or contracts, highlight the relevant portions for the judge.<\/p>\n<p>Bring copies of things like:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Contracts or invoices<\/li>\n<li>Receipts and canceled checks,\u00a0including downloaded copies<\/li>\n<li>Photos of injuries or property damage<\/li>\n<li>Any <span data-term-id=\"59622162\">witnesses<\/span> whom you wish to testify on your behalf<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>If you must get a court order or <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/litigation\/going-to-court\/what-is-a-subpoena.html\"><span data-term-id=\"59622165\">subpoena<\/span><\/a> for any <span data-term-id=\"59622162\">witnesses<\/span> or material, you may need help from an attorney or other legal professional.<\/p>\n<h2>What if the Other Party Doesn\u2019t Show Up?<\/h2>\n<p>If the <span data-term-id=\"59622160\">defendant<\/span> does not show up for the court date, the judge will issue a <span data-term-id=\"59622174\">default judgment<\/span> for the <span data-term-id=\"59622163\">plaintiff<\/span>. The <span data-term-id=\"59622163\">plaintiff<\/span> can then have the\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/litigation\/filing-a-lawsuit\/after-a-judgment-collecting-money.html\">judgment enforced<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>If the <span data-term-id=\"59622163\">plaintiff<\/span> fails to appear, the judge often\u00a0dismisses the case. The <span data-term-id=\"59622163\">plaintiff<\/span> must start their case over again.<\/p>\n<p>If the absent party has a valid reason for missing court, the judge has the discretion to reschedule the case. It is rare for a judge to reschedule small claims cases.<\/p>\n<h2>Can I <span data-term-id=\"59622159\">Appeal<\/span> a Small Claims Judgment?<\/h2>\n<p>You can <span data-term-id=\"59622159\">appeal<\/span> most court verdicts. Arbitration agreements can\u00a0waive the right to <span data-term-id=\"59622159\">appeal<\/span>, which is a reason some\u00a0people avoid arbitration when possible.<\/p>\n<p><span data-term-id=\"59622178\">Court costs<\/span> and <span data-term-id=\"59622161\">filing fees<\/span> are the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/litigation\/filing-a-lawsuit\/appealing-a-court-decision-or-judgment.html\">main issues in <span data-term-id=\"59622159\">appealing<\/span><\/a> small claims cases. <span data-term-id=\"59622161\">Filing fees<\/span> start at around $200-300 in most states, but that\u2019s only for the notice of <span data-term-id=\"59622159\">appeal<\/span>. The appellant must also pay for the court transcript and enter it into the appellate record.<\/p>\n<p>There are time limits to filing an <span data-term-id=\"59622159\">appeal<\/span>. In most states, parties must file a notice of <span data-term-id=\"59622159\">appeal<\/span> within 30 days of the verdict. The format for <span data-term-id=\"59622159\">appeal<\/span> documents and the filing process differs from standard court forms.<\/p>\n<p>If the verdict is worth <span data-term-id=\"59622159\">appealing<\/span>, you should consult\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/litigation-appeals\/?fli=dcta\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">a civil attorney<\/a>. The average small claims claimant should not undertake <span data-term-id=\"59622159\">appeals<\/span> alone.<\/p>\n<h2>When To Call a Lawyer<\/h2>\n<p>If you\u2019re considering filing a lawsuit, the following scenarios may call for an attorney:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>You aren\u2019t sure about the value of your claim<\/li>\n<li>Your claim is too high for <span data-term-id=\"59622158\">small claims court<\/span><\/li>\n<li>A <span data-term-id=\"59622158\">small claims court<\/span> can\u2019t hear the type of case you have<\/li>\n<li>You want to <span data-term-id=\"59622159\">appeal<\/span> a <span data-term-id=\"59622158\">small claims court<\/span> decision<\/li>\n<li>You&#8217;d like help with preparing to present your case<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>A lawyer can help clarify the legal process and explain the options available to you. You can browse civil trial lawyers near you with <a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/litigation-appeals\/?fli=dcta\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">FindLaw\u2019s attorney directory<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"was-this-helpful\">\n    <div\n            class=\"was-this-helpful__question-container\"\n            aria-labelledby=\"was-this-helpful__question\"\n            role=\"group\"\n    >\n        <span\n                id=\"was-this-helpful__question\"\n                class=\"was-this-helpful__question fl-text-lg-bold\"\n        >Was this helpful?<\/span>\n        <button\n                class=\"was-this-helpful__button fl-text-sm\"\n                aria-label=\"Yes\"\n                value=\"yes\"\n        >\n            <span class=\"was-this-helpful__button-text fl-text-bold\">Yes<\/span>\n            <i class=\"was-this-helpful__button-icon\">\n                <svg width=\"22\" height=\"22\" viewBox=\"0 0 22 22\" fill=\"none\" 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for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--solved-problem\"\n                        >Solved my problem<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--other\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"positive-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Other\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--other\"\n                        >Other<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                <\/fieldset>\n            <\/div>\n            <div 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<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Small claims courts handle cases under a certain financial amount. Learn about filing fees, limited jurisdiction, summons, default judgments, and much more at FindLaw.com.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":41135,"featured_media":0,"parent":368979,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"app\/Http\/Controllers\/Templates\/ArticleWithBreadcrumbsController.php","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_stopmodifiedupdate":true,"_modified_date":"","_autodraft_ids":[],"_cloudinary_featured_overwrite":false,"_sb_is_suggestion_mode":false,"_sb_show_suggestion_boards":false,"_sb_show_comment_boards":false,"_sb_suggestion_history":"","_sb_update_block_changes":"","_is_real_time_mode":false,"_realtime_collaborators":"","footnotes":"","cf_checklist_status":["SEO Title Length","Alt Text for All Images","Category Assigned","Rank Math SEO Plugin Validation","External Links"]},"categories":[2803],"tags":[],"state_laws_tags":[],"flmsa":[],"class_list":["post-369001","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry","category-litigation"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/369001","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/41135"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=369001"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/369001\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":402522,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/369001\/revisions\/402522"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/368979"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=369001"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=369001"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=369001"},{"taxonomy":"state_laws_tags","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/state_laws_tags?post=369001"},{"taxonomy":"flmsa","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/flmsa?post=369001"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}