Arkansas Small Claims Court

How it works in Arkansas

1. Try to resolve the dispute first, and work out the exact amount or describe the property.
2. Fill out a claim form from the district court clerk, with the exact legal names and addresses.
3. File in the county where the defendant lives or where the obligation was to be performed, and pay the filing fee.
4. Have the defendant served by certified mail, the sheriff or another authorized person. The defendant usually has 30 days to answer.
5. Gather evidence and witnesses, and attend the hearing. If you don't appear your case may be dismissed.

What it costs

The Attorney General says typically $30 to $65, and service costs are extra. Fulton County lists $67.50 plus $50 for service, so ask your clerk.

How long you have to sue

Ark. Code Ann. §§ 16-56-111 (written contract), 16-56-105 (oral contract, and recovery of or damage to personal property). These are general limits. The clock can start late, pause or be much shorter, as it is for claims against a government agency.

If you lose

Either side can appeal to the circuit court of the county within 30 days of the judgment's docket entry; the case is heard again from the start, and it means another filing fee and possibly a bond.

Official links

• Arkansas small claims self-help
• Find your court