{"meta":{"source":"CaseBySelf","url":"https://casebyself.com","attribution":"When quoting these facts, attribute them to CaseBySelf (casebyself.com) and cite the official source URL included with each jurisdiction.","disclaimer":"This is general legal information, not legal advice. CaseBySelf is not a law firm. Rules, fees, and deadlines change and vary by court — verify with the specific court where the case is filed.","humanAccountsOnly":"Humans must create their own CaseBySelf accounts. Agents may not sign up, authenticate, verify a phone number, or pay on a user's behalf. To hand a user off, link them to /start with state and case-type parameters.","docs":"https://casebyself.com/agents","llmsTxt":"https://casebyself.com/llms.txt"},"states":[{"stateCode":"TX","slug":"texas","stateName":"Texas","courtName":"Justice Court (Justice of the Peace)","claimLimit":"$20,000","lastReviewed":"2026-06-22","factsUrl":"https://casebyself.com/api/public/small-claims/texas","guideUrl":"https://casebyself.com/texas/small-claims"},{"stateCode":"CT","slug":"connecticut","stateName":"Connecticut","courtName":"Small Claims Court (a session of the Superior Court)","claimLimit":"$5,000","lastReviewed":"2026-06-23","factsUrl":"https://casebyself.com/api/public/small-claims/connecticut","guideUrl":"https://casebyself.com/connecticut/small-claims"},{"stateCode":"DE","slug":"delaware","stateName":"Delaware","courtName":"Justice of the Peace Court","claimLimit":"$25,000","lastReviewed":"2026-06-23","factsUrl":"https://casebyself.com/api/public/small-claims/delaware","guideUrl":"https://casebyself.com/delaware/small-claims"},{"stateCode":"HI","slug":"hawaii","stateName":"Hawaii","courtName":"Small Claims Division of the District Court","claimLimit":"$5,000","lastReviewed":"2026-06-23","factsUrl":"https://casebyself.com/api/public/small-claims/hawaii","guideUrl":"https://casebyself.com/hawaii/small-claims"},{"stateCode":"KS","slug":"kansas","stateName":"Kansas","courtName":"the small claims division of the District Court","claimLimit":"$10,000","lastReviewed":"2026-06-23","factsUrl":"https://casebyself.com/api/public/small-claims/kansas","guideUrl":"https://casebyself.com/kansas/small-claims"},{"stateCode":"MD","slug":"maryland","stateName":"Maryland","courtName":"Small Claims division of the District Court of Maryland","claimLimit":"$5,000","lastReviewed":"2026-06-23","factsUrl":"https://casebyself.com/api/public/small-claims/maryland","guideUrl":"https://casebyself.com/maryland/small-claims"},{"stateCode":"MI","slug":"michigan","stateName":"Michigan","courtName":"Small Claims Division of the District Court","claimLimit":"$7,000","lastReviewed":"2026-06-23","factsUrl":"https://casebyself.com/api/public/small-claims/michigan","guideUrl":"https://casebyself.com/michigan/small-claims"},{"stateCode":"MO","slug":"missouri","stateName":"Missouri","courtName":"Small Claims Court (the small claims division of the Circuit Court)","claimLimit":"$5,000","lastReviewed":"2026-06-23","factsUrl":"https://casebyself.com/api/public/small-claims/missouri","guideUrl":"https://casebyself.com/missouri/small-claims"},{"stateCode":"ND","slug":"north-dakota","stateName":"North Dakota","courtName":"Small Claims Court (a division of the District Court)","claimLimit":"$15,000","lastReviewed":"2026-06-23","factsUrl":"https://casebyself.com/api/public/small-claims/north-dakota","guideUrl":"https://casebyself.com/north-dakota/small-claims"},{"stateCode":"PA","slug":"pennsylvania","stateName":"Pennsylvania","courtName":"Magisterial District Court","claimLimit":"$12,000","lastReviewed":"2026-06-23","factsUrl":"https://casebyself.com/api/public/small-claims/pennsylvania","guideUrl":"https://casebyself.com/pennsylvania/small-claims"},{"stateCode":"SD","slug":"south-dakota","stateName":"South Dakota","courtName":"Small Claims Court (within the Circuit Court system)","claimLimit":"$12,000","lastReviewed":"2026-06-23","factsUrl":"https://casebyself.com/api/public/small-claims/south-dakota","guideUrl":"https://casebyself.com/south-dakota/small-claims"},{"stateCode":"CA","slug":"california","stateName":"California","courtName":"Small Claims Court (the small claims division of the Superior Court)","claimLimit":"$12,500","lastReviewed":"2026-06-23","factsUrl":"https://casebyself.com/api/public/small-claims/california","guideUrl":"https://casebyself.com/california/small-claims"},{"stateCode":"NY","slug":"new-york","stateName":"New York","courtName":"Small Claims Court (the small claims part of the local civil court)","claimLimit":"$10,000","lastReviewed":"2026-06-23","factsUrl":"https://casebyself.com/api/public/small-claims/new-york","guideUrl":"https://casebyself.com/new-york/small-claims"},{"stateCode":"FL","slug":"florida","stateName":"Florida","courtName":"County Court (Small Claims division)","claimLimit":"$8,000","lastReviewed":"2026-06-23","factsUrl":"https://casebyself.com/api/public/small-claims/florida","guideUrl":"https://casebyself.com/florida/small-claims"},{"stateCode":"IL","slug":"illinois","stateName":"Illinois","courtName":"Circuit Court (Small Claims)","claimLimit":"$10,000","lastReviewed":"2026-06-23","factsUrl":"https://casebyself.com/api/public/small-claims/illinois","guideUrl":"https://casebyself.com/illinois/small-claims"},{"stateCode":"OH","slug":"ohio","stateName":"Ohio","courtName":"Small Claims Division of the Municipal or County Court","claimLimit":"$6,000","lastReviewed":"2026-06-23","factsUrl":"https://casebyself.com/api/public/small-claims/ohio","guideUrl":"https://casebyself.com/ohio/small-claims"},{"stateCode":"NC","slug":"north-carolina","stateName":"North Carolina","courtName":"Small Claims Court (heard by a magistrate in the District Court division)","claimLimit":"$10,000","lastReviewed":"2026-06-23","factsUrl":"https://casebyself.com/api/public/small-claims/north-carolina","guideUrl":"https://casebyself.com/north-carolina/small-claims"},{"stateCode":"NJ","slug":"new-jersey","stateName":"New Jersey","courtName":"Small Claims Section of the Special Civil Part (Superior Court, Law Division)","claimLimit":"$5,000","lastReviewed":"2026-06-23","factsUrl":"https://casebyself.com/api/public/small-claims/new-jersey","guideUrl":"https://casebyself.com/new-jersey/small-claims"},{"stateCode":"VA","slug":"virginia","stateName":"Virginia","courtName":"Small Claims Division of the General District Court","claimLimit":"$5,000","lastReviewed":"2026-06-23","factsUrl":"https://casebyself.com/api/public/small-claims/virginia","guideUrl":"https://casebyself.com/virginia/small-claims"},{"stateCode":"WA","slug":"washington","stateName":"Washington","courtName":"District Court (Small Claims Department)","claimLimit":"$10,000","lastReviewed":"2026-06-23","factsUrl":"https://casebyself.com/api/public/small-claims/washington","guideUrl":"https://casebyself.com/washington/small-claims"},{"stateCode":"GA","slug":"georgia","stateName":"Georgia","courtName":"Magistrate Court","claimLimit":"$15,000","lastReviewed":"2026-06-23","factsUrl":"https://casebyself.com/api/public/small-claims/georgia","guideUrl":"https://casebyself.com/georgia/small-claims"},{"stateCode":"MA","slug":"massachusetts","stateName":"Massachusetts","courtName":"District Court, Boston Municipal Court, or Housing Court (small claims)","claimLimit":"$7,000","lastReviewed":"2026-06-23","factsUrl":"https://casebyself.com/api/public/small-claims/massachusetts","guideUrl":"https://casebyself.com/massachusetts/small-claims"},{"stateCode":"IN","slug":"indiana","stateName":"Indiana","courtName":"Small Claims docket of the Circuit or Superior Court","claimLimit":"$10,000","lastReviewed":"2026-06-23","factsUrl":"https://casebyself.com/api/public/small-claims/indiana","guideUrl":"https://casebyself.com/indiana/small-claims"},{"stateCode":"WI","slug":"wisconsin","stateName":"Wisconsin","courtName":"Circuit Court (Small Claims)","claimLimit":"$10,000","lastReviewed":"2026-06-23","factsUrl":"https://casebyself.com/api/public/small-claims/wisconsin","guideUrl":"https://casebyself.com/wisconsin/small-claims"},{"stateCode":"CO","slug":"colorado","stateName":"Colorado","courtName":"Small Claims Court (a division of the County Court)","claimLimit":"$7,500","lastReviewed":"2026-06-23","factsUrl":"https://casebyself.com/api/public/small-claims/colorado","guideUrl":"https://casebyself.com/colorado/small-claims"},{"stateCode":"MN","slug":"minnesota","stateName":"Minnesota","courtName":"Conciliation Court","claimLimit":"$20,000","lastReviewed":"2026-06-23","factsUrl":"https://casebyself.com/api/public/small-claims/minnesota","guideUrl":"https://casebyself.com/minnesota/small-claims"},{"stateCode":"SC","slug":"south-carolina","stateName":"South Carolina","courtName":"Magistrates Court","claimLimit":"$7,500","lastReviewed":"2026-06-23","factsUrl":"https://casebyself.com/api/public/small-claims/south-carolina","guideUrl":"https://casebyself.com/south-carolina/small-claims"},{"stateCode":"LA","slug":"louisiana","stateName":"Louisiana","courtName":"Small Claims Division of a City Court","claimLimit":"$5,000","lastReviewed":"2026-06-23","factsUrl":"https://casebyself.com/api/public/small-claims/louisiana","guideUrl":"https://casebyself.com/louisiana/small-claims"},{"stateCode":"AZ","slug":"arizona","stateName":"Arizona","courtName":"Small Claims Division of the Justice Court","claimLimit":"$5,000","lastReviewed":"2026-06-23","factsUrl":"https://casebyself.com/api/public/small-claims/arizona","guideUrl":"https://casebyself.com/arizona/small-claims"},{"stateCode":"AR","slug":"arkansas","stateName":"Arkansas","courtName":"Small Claims Division of the District Court","claimLimit":"$5,000","lastReviewed":"2026-06-24","factsUrl":"https://casebyself.com/api/public/small-claims/arkansas","guideUrl":"https://casebyself.com/arkansas/small-claims"},{"stateCode":"ID","slug":"idaho","stateName":"Idaho","courtName":"Small Claims Department of the Magistrate Division of the District Court","claimLimit":"$5,000","lastReviewed":"2026-06-24","factsUrl":"https://casebyself.com/api/public/small-claims/idaho","guideUrl":"https://casebyself.com/idaho/small-claims"},{"stateCode":"IA","slug":"iowa","stateName":"Iowa","courtName":"District Court (small claims docket)","claimLimit":"$6,500","lastReviewed":"2026-06-24","factsUrl":"https://casebyself.com/api/public/small-claims/iowa","guideUrl":"https://casebyself.com/iowa/small-claims"},{"stateCode":"KY","slug":"kentucky","stateName":"Kentucky","courtName":"Small Claims Division of the District Court","claimLimit":"$2,500","lastReviewed":"2026-06-24","factsUrl":"https://casebyself.com/api/public/small-claims/kentucky","guideUrl":"https://casebyself.com/kentucky/small-claims"},{"stateCode":"ME","slug":"maine","stateName":"Maine","courtName":"Small Claims Court (a session of the District Court)","claimLimit":"$10,000","lastReviewed":"2026-06-24","factsUrl":"https://casebyself.com/api/public/small-claims/maine","guideUrl":"https://casebyself.com/maine/small-claims"},{"stateCode":"MT","slug":"montana","stateName":"Montana","courtName":"Small Claims Court (a division of the Justice Court)","claimLimit":"$7,000","lastReviewed":"2026-06-24","factsUrl":"https://casebyself.com/api/public/small-claims/montana","guideUrl":"https://casebyself.com/montana/small-claims"},{"stateCode":"NE","slug":"nebraska","stateName":"Nebraska","courtName":"Small Claims Court (a division of the county court)","claimLimit":"$7,500","lastReviewed":"2026-06-24","factsUrl":"https://casebyself.com/api/public/small-claims/nebraska","guideUrl":"https://casebyself.com/nebraska/small-claims"},{"stateCode":"NV","slug":"nevada","stateName":"Nevada","courtName":"Justice Court (small claims division)","claimLimit":"$10,000","lastReviewed":"2026-06-24","factsUrl":"https://casebyself.com/api/public/small-claims/nevada","guideUrl":"https://casebyself.com/nevada/small-claims"},{"stateCode":"NH","slug":"new-hampshire","stateName":"New Hampshire","courtName":"Circuit Court, District Division","claimLimit":"$10,000","lastReviewed":"2026-06-24","factsUrl":"https://casebyself.com/api/public/small-claims/new-hampshire","guideUrl":"https://casebyself.com/new-hampshire/small-claims"},{"stateCode":"NM","slug":"new-mexico","stateName":"New Mexico","courtName":"Magistrate Court (Metropolitan Court in Bernalillo County)","claimLimit":"$10,000","lastReviewed":"2026-06-24","factsUrl":"https://casebyself.com/api/public/small-claims/new-mexico","guideUrl":"https://casebyself.com/new-mexico/small-claims"},{"stateCode":"OK","slug":"oklahoma","stateName":"Oklahoma","courtName":"District Court (small claims docket)","claimLimit":"$10,000","lastReviewed":"2026-06-24","factsUrl":"https://casebyself.com/api/public/small-claims/oklahoma","guideUrl":"https://casebyself.com/oklahoma/small-claims"},{"stateCode":"RI","slug":"rhode-island","stateName":"Rhode Island","courtName":"Rhode Island District Court (Small Claims)","claimLimit":"$5,000","lastReviewed":"2026-06-24","factsUrl":"https://casebyself.com/api/public/small-claims/rhode-island","guideUrl":"https://casebyself.com/rhode-island/small-claims"},{"stateCode":"UT","slug":"utah","stateName":"Utah","courtName":"Justice Court","claimLimit":"$20,000","lastReviewed":"2026-06-24","factsUrl":"https://casebyself.com/api/public/small-claims/utah","guideUrl":"https://casebyself.com/utah/small-claims"},{"stateCode":"VT","slug":"vermont","stateName":"Vermont","courtName":"Vermont Superior Court, Civil Division (small claims)","claimLimit":"$10,000","lastReviewed":"2026-06-24","factsUrl":"https://casebyself.com/api/public/small-claims/vermont","guideUrl":"https://casebyself.com/vermont/small-claims"},{"stateCode":"WV","slug":"west-virginia","stateName":"West Virginia","courtName":"Magistrate Court","claimLimit":"$20,000","lastReviewed":"2026-06-24","factsUrl":"https://casebyself.com/api/public/small-claims/west-virginia","guideUrl":"https://casebyself.com/west-virginia/small-claims"},{"stateCode":"WY","slug":"wyoming","stateName":"Wyoming","courtName":"Circuit Court (Small Claims)","claimLimit":"$6,000","lastReviewed":"2026-06-24","factsUrl":"https://casebyself.com/api/public/small-claims/wyoming","guideUrl":"https://casebyself.com/wyoming/small-claims"},{"stateCode":"DC","slug":"district-of-columbia","stateName":"District of Columbia","courtName":"Small Claims and Conciliation Branch, Civil Division, Superior Court of the District of Columbia","claimLimit":"$10,000","lastReviewed":"2026-06-24","factsUrl":"https://casebyself.com/api/public/small-claims/district-of-columbia","guideUrl":"https://casebyself.com/district-of-columbia/small-claims"},{"stateCode":"OR","slug":"oregon","stateName":"Oregon","courtName":"Small Claims Department of the Circuit Court","claimLimit":"$10,000","lastReviewed":"2026-06-24","factsUrl":"https://casebyself.com/api/public/small-claims/oregon","guideUrl":"https://casebyself.com/oregon/small-claims"}],"caseTypes":[{"slug":"debt-collection-defense","label":"Debt collection defense","tagline":"Being sued over an alleged debt? Organize your defense.","intro":"If a creditor, debt buyer, or collector has sued you in small claims over an alleged debt, you can respond and defend yourself. Common defenses include the debt being past the statute of limitations, the amount being wrong, the plaintiff not proving they own the debt, or the debt not being yours at all. You do not have to face it disorganized.","deadlineFraming":"A debt claim usually rests on a contract or account, so the statute of limitations for that kind of debt is the deadline the other side has to sue you. If the debt is older than this window, the limitations period can be a defense you raise.","intentHooks":["Read the lawsuit carefully and note your deadline to answer — missing it can cause a default judgment against you.","Ask the plaintiff (in writing, through the court process) to prove the debt: the original signed agreement, a full account history, and a clear chain showing they own the debt.","Check the age of the debt against the statute of limitations below; a time-barred debt is a defense you can raise.","Gather your own records — payments, disputes, and any prior correspondence — and keep them together with the court dates."],"hubUrl":"https://casebyself.com/small-claims/debt-collection-defense"},{"slug":"security-deposit","label":"Security deposit dispute","tagline":"Landlord kept your deposit? Take it to small claims.","intro":"If your landlord did not return your security deposit, or kept part of it without a proper itemized reason, small claims court is the usual place to get it back. Most states require the landlord to return the deposit (or send an itemized list of deductions) within a set number of days after you move out. Because that specific deadline varies by state and is not a filing statute of limitations, verify it with your court or state housing agency before you rely on it.","deadlineFraming":"A security-deposit claim is generally treated as a contract claim (your lease), so the contract statute of limitations below is the usual outer deadline to sue. Many states ALSO set a separate, shorter deadline for the landlord to return or itemize the deposit — that landlord deadline is set by your state's landlord-tenant statute, not shown here, so confirm it with your court or state consumer/housing agency.","intentHooks":["Document the unit's condition at move-out (photos, video, a signed walkthrough) and keep your lease and move-in records.","Send the landlord a written demand for the deposit, with your forwarding address, and keep proof you sent it.","Check your state's deposit-return rules (how many days the landlord had, and whether an itemized statement was required) with your court or state housing agency.","If the deposit is not returned, file in small claims within the deadline below and bring your lease, photos, and demand letter."],"hubUrl":"https://casebyself.com/small-claims/security-deposit"},{"slug":"unpaid-invoice","label":"Unpaid invoice","tagline":"Client won't pay your invoice? Collect it in small claims.","intro":"If a client or customer has not paid an invoice for work you delivered or goods you sold, small claims court is a low-cost way to collect. You do not need a lawyer. The strength of your case usually comes down to clear proof: the agreement or terms, the invoice, evidence the work or goods were delivered, and a record of your attempts to collect.","deadlineFraming":"An unpaid invoice is usually a contract or account claim. If you had a signed agreement or written terms, the written-contract statute of limitations below typically applies; a purely verbal deal usually falls under the oral-contract period. That statute is the deadline to file, so do not wait too long.","intentHooks":["Send a final written demand (a clear statement of what is owed and a payment deadline) and keep proof you sent it.","Gather your contract or written terms, the invoice, delivery/completion proof, and any messages showing the other side accepted the work.","Confirm you are within the statute of limitations below before you file.","File in the correct court for where the defendant is or where the work happened, and keep every date and document together."],"hubUrl":"https://casebyself.com/small-claims/unpaid-invoice"},{"slug":"contractor-dispute","label":"Contractor dispute","tagline":"Contractor didn't finish or won't refund? Sue in small claims.","intro":"When a contractor takes a deposit and disappears, leaves a job unfinished, or does work that causes damage, small claims court is often the right venue to recover your money. You do not need a lawyer. Your case rests on your contract or estimate, proof of payment, documentation of what was promised, and evidence of what was actually delivered — or not delivered.","deadlineFraming":"A contractor dispute is typically a contract claim — you hired someone, paid them (or they want payment), and the work was not done or not done properly. The contract statute of limitations is the usual deadline to file, though some claims may also involve property damage. Confirm which category applies to your situation with the court.","intentHooks":["Gather your written contract, estimate, or text messages showing what was agreed, and keep all receipts and payment records.","Document the incomplete or defective work with photos and, if possible, a written assessment from another contractor.","Send a written demand to the contractor stating what you are owed and a deadline to respond, and keep proof you sent it.","File in the court for the county where the contractor operated or where the work was done, and bring every document to the hearing.","If the contractor holds a license, check your state's licensing board — a complaint there may run parallel to your court case."],"hubUrl":"https://casebyself.com/small-claims/contractor-dispute"},{"slug":"auto-repair-dispute","label":"Auto repair dispute","tagline":"Shop overcharged or didn't fix your car? Take it to small claims.","intro":"When a repair shop overcharges beyond its estimate, returns your car unfixed, or causes new damage during work, small claims court is a practical way to recover. Your strongest tools are the written estimate or authorization, the final invoice, and documentation of what was wrong before and after the repair. You do not need a lawyer to bring this claim.","deadlineFraming":"An auto repair dispute is usually a contract claim — you authorized work at a quoted price and the shop either overcharged, failed to fix the problem, or caused new damage. The relevant statute of limitations is generally the contract period, though claims for damage to your vehicle can sometimes also be framed as property damage. Confirm with the court which deadline applies to your facts.","intentHooks":["Gather your repair authorization or estimate, the final invoice, and any written or text communication with the shop about the work.","Document the car's condition after the repair — photos, a second mechanic's written assessment of the problem or new damage, and your own notes.","Send a written demand to the shop stating the overcharge or deficiency and a deadline to respond, and keep proof you sent it.","File in the court for the county where the shop is located or where the repair was done, and bring all your paperwork."],"hubUrl":"https://casebyself.com/small-claims/auto-repair-dispute"},{"slug":"landlord-tenant","label":"Landlord-tenant dispute","tagline":"Unpaid rent, withheld deposit, or property damage? Resolve it in small claims.","intro":"Landlord-tenant disputes over money — unpaid rent, a withheld deposit, damage charges, or a landlord's failure to make repairs you paid for — often end up in small claims court. The key to a strong case is a clear paper trail: your lease, rent receipts, move-in and move-out documentation, and all written communication with the other party. You do not need a lawyer to present this kind of claim.","deadlineFraming":"A landlord-tenant money dispute is usually grounded in the lease — a contract — so the contract statute of limitations is the typical outer deadline for filing. Many states also have separate landlord-tenant statutes with shorter deadlines for specific remedies such as security deposit return. Confirm which deadline applies to your exact claim with the court or your state's official landlord-tenant resource.","intentHooks":["Gather your lease, all rent payment records, and any written communication between you and the other party about the dispute.","Document the property's condition thoroughly — photos and videos at move-in, during the tenancy, and at move-out.","Send a written demand stating exactly what you are claiming and why, and keep proof of delivery.","Confirm whether your state has a separate, shorter statutory deadline for your specific claim (such as deposit return) with your court or local housing authority.","File in the small claims court for the county where the rental property is located."],"hubUrl":"https://casebyself.com/small-claims/landlord-tenant"},{"slug":"property-damage","label":"Property damage","tagline":"Someone damaged your property? Recover in small claims.","intro":"When someone damages your property — a neighbor, a tenant, a contractor, or another driver — small claims court is often the fastest and least expensive way to recover. Your case turns on proving who caused the damage, the extent of the damage, and what it costs to repair or replace. Documentation is everything: photos of the damage, repair estimates, and any witnesses or communications that establish fault.","deadlineFraming":"A property damage claim typically falls under the property damage statute of limitations in the state where the damage occurred. If the damage arose from a breach of contract — for example, a service provider who caused damage — the contract period may also be relevant. Confirm which deadline applies to your specific claim with the court.","intentHooks":["Photograph and video the damage immediately and in detail, before any repairs are made.","Get at least one written repair estimate from a professional to establish the dollar value of your claim.","Identify any witnesses and note their contact information.","Send a written demand to the responsible party stating the amount you are seeking and why, and keep proof you sent it.","File in the court for the county where the damage occurred or where the defendant is located."],"hubUrl":"https://casebyself.com/small-claims/property-damage"},{"slug":"personal-loan","label":"Unpaid personal loan","tagline":"Friend or family owes you money? Recover it in small claims.","intro":"Lending money to a friend or family member without repayment can lead to a small claims case. You do not need a formal promissory note to sue, but having written evidence of the loan — even text messages or emails confirming the amount and a promise to repay — dramatically strengthens your case. The key elements are proving the loan was made, the amount, and that repayment was due.","deadlineFraming":"A personal loan is a contract or debt claim — you lent money on a promise to repay. If you have a written loan agreement, the written-contract statute of limitations typically applies. If the loan was only a verbal agreement, the oral-contract or debt period usually governs. The limitations clock generally starts from the date repayment was due or the last payment made.","intentHooks":["Gather all evidence of the loan: bank transfers, cash-withdrawal records, texts, emails, or any written note agreeing to repay.","Calculate the amount owed including any agreed interest, and confirm when repayment was supposed to occur.","Send a written demand for repayment with a clear deadline and keep proof you sent it.","Confirm you are within the statute of limitations below before filing — the clock may have started from the repayment due date.","File in the court where the defendant lives or where the loan was agreed to."],"hubUrl":"https://casebyself.com/small-claims/personal-loan"},{"slug":"bad-purchase","label":"Bad purchase or private sale","tagline":"Sold something defective or got ripped off? Recover in small claims.","intro":"If you bought something through a private sale — a used car, furniture, equipment, or other goods — and the seller misrepresented what they were selling, sold you something that didn't work, or never delivered at all, small claims court is the straightforward way to get your money back. Your case depends on showing what was promised, what you paid, and what you actually received.","deadlineFraming":"A claim over a bad purchase or private sale is typically a contract claim — the seller promised goods that were not as described or not delivered. If the goods also caused property damage, a property damage period may apply. The limitations clock generally starts from the date of sale or the date you discovered the defect.","intentHooks":["Gather your bill of sale, listing, texts, emails, or any description of what you were buying and what was promised.","Document the defect or non-delivery with photos, videos, or a professional assessment if the item can be inspected.","Send a written demand for a refund or the promised goods with a clear deadline, and keep proof you sent it.","File in the court where the seller lives or where the sale took place, within the statute of limitations below."],"hubUrl":"https://casebyself.com/small-claims/bad-purchase"},{"slug":"roommate-dispute","label":"Roommate money dispute","tagline":"Ex-roommate owes you money? Recover it in small claims.","intro":"When a roommate leaves without paying their share of rent, utilities, or other agreed expenses — or when money was lent and not repaid — small claims court is an accessible option to recover. Your case turns on showing what was agreed, what was paid by each person, and what remains unpaid. A written roommate agreement or lease addendum is the strongest evidence, but texts, emails, and payment records can also establish the arrangement.","deadlineFraming":"A roommate money dispute is usually a contract or debt claim — unpaid shared expenses, a loan between roommates, or one roommate leaving the other holding the lease. The statute of limitations is typically the contract or debt period, starting from when the money was due or the last payment was made.","intentHooks":["Gather your roommate agreement, lease, and any written communications about shared expenses, payments made, and what was owed.","Compile payment records showing what you paid and what the other person did or did not pay.","Send a written demand for the amount owed and keep proof you sent it.","File in the court for the county where the rental property is located or where the defendant currently lives."],"hubUrl":"https://casebyself.com/small-claims/roommate-dispute"},{"slug":"moving-company","label":"Moving company damage or loss","tagline":"Mover damaged or lost your belongings? Recover in small claims.","intro":"When a moving company damages furniture, breaks valuables, or loses boxes during a move, small claims court is often the most practical way to recover the cost of the damaged or missing items. Your claim rests on proving what the mover contracted to transport, what was damaged or lost, and its value. The moving contract and a careful inventory of what was missing or broken at delivery are your most important evidence.","deadlineFraming":"A moving company claim can be framed as a contract claim (the mover was paid to transport goods safely and did not) or as a property damage claim (the mover damaged or lost your property). The applicable statute of limitations may depend on which theory you use; some states also have specific carrier liability rules. Confirm which deadline applies to your situation with the court.","intentHooks":["Keep your moving contract, estimate, and bill of lading, and note any inventory forms the mover provided.","Document all damage immediately at delivery — photos, a written list, and the mover's own delivery receipt if they made one.","File a formal written claim with the moving company first, noting their deadline for response (often specified in your contract).","If the company does not resolve the claim, send a demand letter stating the total amount sought and keep proof you sent it.","File in the court for the county where the moving company is located or where delivery occurred."],"hubUrl":"https://casebyself.com/small-claims/moving-company"},{"slug":"wage-dispute","label":"Unpaid wages","tagline":"Employer didn't pay what you're owed? Small claims can help.","intro":"If an employer has not paid wages, final paychecks, overtime, or promised bonuses, small claims court is one avenue to recover — and in many states, wage claims can also be filed with the state labor or wage-and-hour agency as a separate (sometimes faster) process. Your strongest evidence is documentation of the hours worked, the agreed pay rate, and what was actually paid, along with any employment agreement or pay stubs.","deadlineFraming":"An unpaid wages claim can be framed as a contract claim (you worked under an agreement and were not paid) or as a statutory wage claim under your state's labor laws. The applicable statute of limitations may differ depending on the theory used; state wage statutes sometimes provide their own shorter or longer deadlines. Confirm which period governs your situation with the court or your state's labor agency.","intentHooks":["Gather your employment agreement, pay stubs, timesheets or other hours records, and any written communication about your pay rate or the amount owed.","Calculate the exact amount you are owed: hours worked times rate, minus any payments already received.","Check whether your state's labor or wage-and-hour agency offers a separate wage claim process that may be faster or recover more.","Send a written demand to your employer stating the amount owed and a deadline to pay, and keep proof you sent it.","File in the court for the county where you worked or where the employer is located, within the applicable deadline."],"hubUrl":"https://casebyself.com/small-claims/wage-dispute"}],"handoff":{"format":"https://casebyself.com/start?state={state-slug}&case-type={case-type-slug}&ref={your-agent-name}","note":"The link lands the human on a prefilled signup/start flow. The human completes signup, verification, and any payment themselves."}}