Arkansas · Contractor dispute

Contractor dispute in Arkansas small claims

Contractor didn't finish or won't refund? Sue in small claims.

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.

In Arkansas, small-claims cases are heard in the Small Claims Division of the District Court and you can sue for up to $5,000.

Good to know: Arkansas small claims is not a separate court but a division within each District Court, with its own docket. Attorneys cannot practice in it, and collection agencies and lenders cannot file there.

Contractor dispute: steps that matter

1. Gather your written contract, estimate, or text messages showing what was agreed, and keep all receipts and payment records.
2. Document the incomplete or defective work with photos and, if possible, a written assessment from another contractor.
3. Send a written demand to the contractor stating what you are owed and a deadline to respond, and keep proof you sent it.
4. File in the court for the county where the contractor operated or where the work was done, and bring every document to the hearing.
5. If the contractor holds a license, check your state's licensing board — a complaint there may run parallel to your court case.

Filing your claim form in Arkansas

1. Complete the claim form. Complete the claim form (complaint) with the names and addresses of both parties, the amount of money or property claimed, and a short explanation of why the defendant owes it. The clerk provides blank forms.
2. File with the clerk and pay the fee. File with the District Court clerk for the proper venue, usually where the defendant lives or where the contract was to be performed (Ark. Code Ann. 16-17-706), and pay the filing fee.
3. Have the defendant served. Unless you request sheriff service, the clerk serves the defendant by certified mail (return receipt, addressee only) with a copy of the claim form. The defendant must be served within 120 days of filing.
4. Wait for the answer or seek default. The defendant has 30 days after service to file an answer. If none is filed, the court may enter a default judgment.
5. Attend the informal hearing. The case is tried informally with relaxed rules of evidence. You carry the burden of proof, and both sides may bring witnesses.

Filing fees: The District Court Benchbook lists a $50 statutory filing fee (Ark. Code Ann. 16-17-705) plus a $15 technology fee; the Attorney General's guide puts the typical total at $30 to $65. Service costs are extra. Verify the amount with your court.

Deadline that applies to your contractor dispute

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.

Written contract: 5 years from the date the contract is broken (Ark. Code Ann. 16-56-111)

Answering a lawsuit: 30 days after the claim form is served on the defendant.

Serving the defendant: Unless you request the sheriff, the defendant is served by certified mail (return receipt, addressee only) with a copy of the claim form. The case is not commenced unless the defendant is served within 120 days of filing.

Appeals: Either party may appeal to circuit court within 30 days of the judgment being entered on the docket, where the case is tried de novo (Ark. Dist. Ct. R. 9 and 10).

All Arkansas small-claims deadlines

The table below lists the filing deadlines Small Claims Division of the District Court applies by claim category. Confirm the exact rule that applies to your contractor dispute claim with your court before relying on any figure.

Arkansas small-claims forms for your contractor dispute case

These forms are published by the Small Claims Division of the District Court. Download and complete them before filing.

• Official Form of Summons (Arkansas Rule of Civil Procedure 4): Supreme Court of Arkansas approved summons (revised effective January 1, 2019) used where personal service is made under Rule 4; incorporates a proof of service for completion by a sheriff, deputy, or other authorized person.
• Notice and Acknowledgment for Service by Mail: Form accompanying service of process by mail, by which the defendant acknowledges receipt of the claim/summons.
• Civil Cover Sheet: Cover sheet filed with civil and small claims actions in district court identifying the parties and nature of the case.
• Civil Cover Sheet - Instructions: Instructions for completing the district court civil cover sheet.

This page is general information, not legal advice, and CaseBySelf is not a law firm. Rules, fees, and deadlines change and vary by court: verify with the specific court where you file. Source: Arkansas Judiciary: District Court Benchbook (Administrative Office of the Courts). Last reviewed 2026-06-24.