How much you can claim
The limit depends on the state and ranges from $2,500 to $25,000. If your claim exceeds it, most states let you waive the excess and sue for the cap.
What filing costs
Filing fees usually run $30 to $75 and are recoverable if you win. Some states waive fees for low income. You pay the court, not a lawyer.
Who can sue whom
You can sue a person or a business doing business in your state. Generally you file in the county where the defendant lives or where the dispute happened.
Assemble the file
Three copies of everything: the complaint form, your chronology, and each exhibit in order. The judge will not scroll your phone — print the screenshots.
Serve the defendant
The court tells you how to serve (certified mail, sheriff, or an approved service). No valid service, no trial — even if you are right.
The hearing
It is informal: you tell the story, show the evidence, answer questions. Bring a one-page chronology and a damages calculation. Most hearings last 10 to 30 minutes.
After the judgment
Winning is not collecting. If they do not pay, you can request a wage garnishment, a bank levy or a property lien, depending on your state.
We draft the letter, mail it certified, and hand you the court file.