Small Claims Court
A.R.S. 22-503 — claims up to $5,000, without lawyers unless both sides agree in writing
Up to $5,000. The small claims division of the justice court hears civil actions where the claim of either side does not exceed $5,000, exclusive of interest and costs, including actions to rescind a contract or for equitable relief within that amount.
No lawyers, unless both sides agree. An individual represents himself or herself, and an attorney may not appear or take part in a small claim, unless the parties agree in writing before the hearing to allow attorneys.
Small claims does not hear:
- Libel or slander claims.
- Forcible entry, forcible detainer or unlawful detainer actions.
- Actions for specific performance, injunctions or prejudgment remedies.
- Class actions.
- Traffic violations and other criminal matters.
- Actions against the state, its political subdivisions or their officers or employees in an official capacity.
Sources for this section (2)
- A.R.S. 22-503 — Jurisdiction; exceptions
- A.R.S. 22-512 — Parties; representation
Legal information, not legal advice. Verified as of September 2026. Applying it to a particular situation is the work of a licensed Arizona attorney.