Phoenix has no single small claims court: the county has 26 justice court precincts, and you file in the one where the transaction or dispute happened, usually where the defendant lives or does business. Use the county's precinct map and tick the 2023-2025 boundaries, not the 2026 or 2027 precincts. In the wrong precinct, the defendant can move the case and you may pay the extra fees.
| Limit | $5,000 |
|---|---|
| Court | Maricopa County Justice Courts, Small Claims Division (by precinct) |
| Phone | (602) 506-8530 (Justice Court Administration, which is not a filing location) |
| Hours | Courts open Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., excluding holidays |
| Fees | $58 for the complaint and summons, and $46 for a defendant's answer. Constable service for writs after judgment costs more. |
| Timing | The court's September 2025 checklist says a hearing is set within 60 calendar days after the answer is filed. |
| Serving papers | Usually by certified mail with return receipt, restricted delivery preferred, or by licensed process server if mail fails. You must file proof of service within 45 days of filing the complaint, or the case can be dismissed. |
Maricopa County Justice Courts, Small Claims Division (by precinct) small claims page
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General information to help you get organized, last checked November 1, 2026. It isn't legal advice, and SueYou isn't a law firm. Laws change and every case is different, so confirm anything important with a lawyer or the court. No lawyer has reviewed this page yet.
