Ariz. R. Small Claims P. 1

Small Claims Lawsuit

sha256 a0b7bc60a88f3fe12285150d578b2f76… · retrieved 7/16/2026, 5:23:54 PM · Rules of Small Claims Procedure — the R-18-0021 adoption order, azcourts.gov PDF · awaiting human verification flip (text is verbatim; the flip is the review gate)

Rule 1. Small Claims Lawsuit
(a) Definition and Jurisdictional Limit. A small claims lawsuit is a voluntary, simplified
procedure for a lawsuit in the small claims division of the justice court. The small claims
division may only decide lawsuits in which the debt, damage, tort, injury, or value of the
personal property claims by the plaintiff are not more than $3,500 and counterclaims by the
defendant are not more than $3,500, exclusive of interest and costs. A small claims lawsuit also
includes lawsuits where a party asks the court to disaffirm, avoid, or rescind a contract, or seeks
equitable relief, and the amount at issue is not more than $3,500.
(b) Rules and Statutes. These rules and the Arizona Revised Statutes (“A.R.S.”) Title 22,
Chapter 5, govern procedures for small claims lawsuits and provide a process for inexpensive,
speedy, and informal resolutions. Courts and parties should interpret these rules liberally and
consistently with this purpose.
(c) Representation. Attorneys may not represent a party in a small claims lawsuit unless all the
parties agree in writing. A corporation, partnership, association, or any other business or
organization must file a notice stating the name of an authorized person who will file and appear
in court on its behalf.
(d) No Jury and No Appeal. There is no right to a jury trial or to appeal the judgment in a
small claims lawsuit. The decision of the justice of the peace or hearing officer is final and
binding on both parties.

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