Most people can't afford to hire an attorney to litigate on their behalf, especially when a relatively small dollar amount is at stake. Small claims court solves this problem. Small claims court procedures are simplified, quick, and inexpensive, making it an excellent forum for straightforward disputes, such as security deposit cases or automotive repair disputes.
What Is the Dollar Limit in Arkansas Small Claims Cases?
Because of the relaxed procedures, you won’t be able to recover as much as you might in other courts. You can recover up to $5,000 in an Arkansas small claims court action. (Ark. Sup. Ct. Admin. Order No. 18 (2025).)
If you’d like to recover more, you must go to a higher court. However, it might not be worth the effort required to learn the complicated rules or the expense of hiring an attorney.
What Type of Claim Can I Bring in an Arkansas Small Claims Court?
Almost any matter that can be resolved by awarding money is fair game. Small claims court is often used to recover unpaid debts, wages, security deposits, and medical costs after minor injuries, such as dog bites. For instance, small claims court works well if you want reimbursement for your rental unit’s broken fence after an unapproved Airbnb party or for a door ding incurred in a parking lot.
"Defendants," or the parties being sued, can include mechanics, dry cleaners, and caterers who fail to provide agreed-upon services. Or, if a retailer doesn’t give you a refund after your lawn mower malfunctions or your hair dryer catches fire, you can use small claims court to bring a defective merchandise claim.
Landlords can also use small claims court to recover unpaid rent and property damage. In some states, landlords can file eviction lawsuits in small claims court. But eviction lawsuits are not allowed in Arkansas small claims court.
Also, small claims court probably won’t be the proper forum if you want something other than money. For example, you must go to a family law court if you want to file for divorce or change child custody.
And, typically, most small claims courts won’t allow you to ask for punitive or “punishment” damages, bring libel or slander actions, or sue a governmental entity. Because the actions you can bring in small claims court vary by state, check your local small claims court website for specifics.
How Do I File a Small Claims Action in Arkansas?
The first step is filling out the necessary forms for your claim and paying the required fees. The claim would be called a “complaint” in a higher court.
If you are at least 18 years old and asking for less than the small claims court limit of $5,000, you can file a claim in Arkansas’s small claims court. Those under 18 must be emancipated or have a parent or guardian file on their behalf.
Also, most small claims courts allow business entities, such as corporations or partnerships, to bring actions in small claims courts. In Arkansas, though, collection agencies, collection agents, and any other businesses involved in the business of lending money with interest are prohibited from using small claims court. (Ark. Sup. Ct. Admin. Order No. 18 (2025).)
Consult your small claims court clerk or website for special rules.
What Information Do I Need to File My Small Claims Suit in Arkansas?
You'll need the name and address of the defendant (the person or business you're suing). You'll also need details about your claim, including the date the claim arose and the amount you intend to ask for, known as your "damages." Because each small claims court has its own local rules, and some have specific forms, more particulars might be needed.
How Much Time Do I Have to File a Small Claims Action in Arkansas?
A law known as a "statute of limitations" provides the maximum amount of time you have to file your lawsuit. Limiting time helps courts resolve cases while memories are fresh and evidence is still available. How much time you'll have under the statute of limitations will depend on whether it's an injury or property damage case, an oral or written contract matter, or another cause of action.
Laws can change, so make sure you're reading the most current version of the statute of limitations. Also, the rules aren't always as simple as they seem. For instance, the statute of limitations will stop temporarily or “toll” in some situations, such as if the plaintiff is a minor or incarcerated.
How Do I Find the Statute of Limitations for a Small Claims Case in Arkansas?
Statute of limitations periods are in Arkansas’s statutory codes, the set of laws organized by topic and identified with code numbers. The following steps will help you find the appropriate statute of limitations period for your case type.
- Search for your state’s name, the type of action, and “statute of limitations.” For example, if you Google “Arkansas written contract statute of limitations,” the statutory period appears at the top of the Google search results page as “five years.”
- If the code section doesn’t appear in the results, add “code section” to your search. For example, search for “Arkansas written contract statute of limitations code section.” The results will retrieve “Ark. Code § 16-56-111.”
- To read the statute, find your state’s legislative website by searching for “Arkansas State Legislature.” Select “Arkansas Code” and follow the prompts to find the code section.
You can also visit your local library to conduct your statutes of limitation (or other legal) research. The law librarian will be able to direct you to appropriate resources. Also, consider using your small claims court’s self-help services. Many higher courts offer similar services.
Caution: Check the applicable statute of limitations carefully. When conducting statute of limitations research, be thorough. You’ll lose the ability to pursue your case if you rely on the wrong statutory period and file too late.
Which Arkansas Small Claims Court Should I File In?
In Arkansas, you'll file in the small claims division of the Arkansas District Court. If you choose the wrong location, or "venue," the defendant can ask the court to move or dismiss the action.
The venue rules require you to file the case as follows:
- In the county where any defendant resides
- where the obligation was to be performed, or
- where the injury occurred.
(Ark. Code § 16-17-706 (2025).)
You can find information about a business location on the Arkansas Secretary of State business entity search webpage.
If the defendant is a non-resident of Arkansas, or if the defendant's residence is unknown, other rules will apply. Consider reviewing the small claims court website, contacting the court clerk or self-help center, or speaking with a lawyer to ensure you file your action correctly.
How Do I Serve My Small Claims Action in Arkansas?
You must inform the defendant when and where to appear in the small claims action. You accomplish this by delivering a copy of the small claims action in a procedure known as “service of process.”
In Arkansas, you’ll likely have help completing service of process. The court clerk will serve the defendant by certified mail unless the plaintiff requests service by the sheriff or another authorized person.
The procedures can vary depending on the court, so check the local rules. Also, if you don’t know who can accept service for a corporation (authorized agent), check with the Secretary of State. We provided the link above.
Does the Defendant Need to Respond to a Small Claims Action in Arkansas?
Within 30 days of service, the defendant must file a written answer that includes all defenses and explains why the defendant isn’t responsible for the actions alleged by the plaintiff. Also, a copy must be mailed to the plaintiff. (Ark. Dist. Ct. R. 6 (2025).)
Find out more about defending a small claims action.
How Do I Get Ready for Trial in Small Claims Court?
Most people don't enjoy appearing in court, and stress can run high. Unless you request a jury trial, a judge will hear and decide your small claims case in Arkansas.
The best way to ensure that you'll do your best is through careful preparation. You'll want to do the following:
- prepare a compelling statement
- gather documents and evidence, such as contracts, credit card statements, and photographs
- select reliable witnesses (people who saw what happened or experts on the subject matter of the claim involved) to come to court to tell what they have seen or heard (they might be able to submit a statement)
- decide on the order in which you will present your evidence, and
- prepare what you will say in court.
Also, outline the points you plan to make to avoid missing anything. Also, organize the exhibits you want to introduce according to when you'll use them.
It's a good idea to educate yourself on the basic rules of evidence because they apply in small claims court. However, proving your “damages” or the amount you've lost can be simpler because the judge can consider estimates, bills, and other loss statements.
What Happens If the Other Side Doesn’t Show Up?
You'll likely win by default. However, you won't automatically get the requested claim amount. Be prepared to "prove up" your damages. You'll explain to the court how you determined the amount of loss and present supporting evidence.
What Happens If I Win My Arkansas Small Claims Case?
The judge will order the other party to pay a specified amount if you win. Some judges announce the decision immediately following the hearing. However, in most courts, the clerk will “enter” or file and mail the judge's decision a few days after the hearing.
Can I Appeal an Arkansas Small Claims Court Decision?
If you disagree with the outcome of the case, you can appeal. But you'll have to move fast. You'll lose your rights if you don't file an appeal on time.
Calculating how much time you have can be tricky. For instance, when we last checked (verify independently), Arkansas law requires the appeal to be filed within 30 days of entry of the small claims judgment, or the date the judgment is entered into the court records. You must count correctly, so find out if you’ll be mailed a notice of entry of judgment or whether you’ll have to obtain a copy yourself. (Ark. Dist. Ct. R. 9 (2025).)
Caution: Check the dates carefully. You must comply with appeal requirements explicitly. If unsure about the appeal process, follow up with the self-help center or a local attorney.
How Do I Collect a Money Judgment?
Hopefully, all will go smoothly, and you’ll emerge the victor. But the matter won't be over if the defendant isn't willing to pay the court judgment because the court won't collect the money judgment for you. You'll need to take steps to collect the money judgment.
If you analyzed your chances of getting paid before filing, you likely determined that the defendant wasn't “judgment proof” or someone who doesn't have collectible assets. However, not every plaintiff does this research beforehand. Either way, the next step is learning how to collect your small claims money judgment.
Most people try to levy a bank account or garnish wages first because these approaches are usually more fruitful than trying to recover property. If you don't know where to find the defendant's assets, your court will likely have a discovery process that will let you find out.
In some courts, you'll send out a questionnaire. In others, you'll ask the defendant asset-related questions at the courthouse under oath in the hallway. The judge doesn’t get involved unless the defendant refuses to answer a valid question.
Where Can I Find Arkansas Small Claims Court Laws?
Here’s where you’ll find Arkansas small claims laws: Ark. Const. amend. 80 § 7; Ark. Code § 16-17-706; Arkansas District Court Rules 1-11, except where modified by Rule 10; and Arkansas Supreme Court Administrative Order No. 18.
Where Can I Get More Arkansas Small Claims Court Information?
Most small claims courts have some self-help service available, and that's usually a good place to start. The Arkansas Attorney General's website has a helpful Guide to Small Claims Court.
You’ll also find detailed small claims information in Everybody's Guide to Small Claims Court, by Cara O'Neill (Nolo). It includes helpful tips covering all aspects of the small claims process, including preparing a compelling case and collecting the money when you win.
Can I Hire a Lawyer to Represent Me in Arkansas Small Claims Court?
Arkansas doesn't allow attorneys to represent claimants in small claims court. But If you’re uncomfortable doing it all yourself, you can hire a lawyer to help you prepare the claim, serve the defendant, and organize your presentation. Our attorney directory is a good place to start your search.