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Unpaid invoice in Kentucky small claims

Client won't pay your invoice? Collect it in small claims.

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.

In Kentucky, small-claims cases are heard in the Small Claims Division of the District Court and you can sue for up to $2,500 (exclusive of interest and costs).

Unpaid invoice: steps that matter

  1. Send a final written demand (a clear statement of what is owed and a payment deadline) and keep proof you sent it.
  2. Gather your contract or written terms, the invoice, delivery/completion proof, and any messages showing the other side accepted the work.
  3. Confirm you are within the statute of limitations below before you file.
  4. File in the correct court for where the defendant is or where the work happened, and keep every date and document together.

Filing your Small Claims Complaint (AOC-175) in Kentucky

  1. Complete the Small Claims Complaint (AOC-175). Fill out the AOC-175 with the correct name and address of the person or business you are suing and an explanation of the dispute. The clerk cannot fill it out or give legal advice.
  2. File in the correct county (or e-file). File with the Circuit Court Clerk in the county where the defendant lives or does business (contract disputes have exceptions). You can also e-file at ehelp.kycourts.net.
  3. Pay the filing fee. Pay the filing fee when you file. By KRS 24A.270 it equals the District Court fee for claims of $500 or less.
  4. Clerk issues the summons and serves the defendant. The clerk issues the Small Claims Summons (AOC-180) and serves the defendant with the complaint. Tell the clerk whether you want certified mail or sheriff service.
  5. Confirm service and appear at the hearing. Check with the clerk that the defendant was served, then appear at the hearing date listed on the summons with your evidence and witnesses.

Filing fees: The filing fee is set by statute to equal the District Court fee for claims of $500 or less (KRS 24A.270); the official handbook confirms a fee is charged but does not state the dollar amount, so verify it with the clerk. Certified-mail or sheriff service costs are paid separately.

Deadline that applies to your unpaid invoice

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.

Written contract: 15 years (Kentucky Small Claims Handbook (P-6))

Answering a lawsuit: No written answer is required. The defendant is summoned to appear at the hearing, set 20 to 40 days after service; failing to appear can result in a default judgment.

Serving the defendant: After filing, the Circuit Court Clerk issues the summons (AOC-180) and serves the defendant with the complaint. You choose the method: certified mail (return receipt, postage prepaid to the clerk) or personal service by the Sheriff (fee paid to the Sheriff).

Appeals: Either party may appeal to Circuit Court within 10 days of the judgment being entered (KRS 24A.340), then file a Statement of Appeal within 30 days. The Circuit Court reviews only whether the law was applied correctly; no new evidence is allowed.

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: Kentucky Court of Justice: Small Claims Handbook (P-6). Last reviewed 2026-06-24.