Wednesday, October 21, 2026.

Small claims court is built so you can walk in without a lawyer. The price of that is there is no appeal. One hearing, decision final. Below is where to find the rule behind each step, so you can check it yourself.

THE ROUTINE AND WHERE TO VERIFY IT

(1) Build the record before you file. The agreement or the invoice. Every text and email where they acknowledged the debt. Proof of what you delivered. A dated log of every time you asked to be paid.

(2) Check whether you are still in time. In Arizona a debt on a written contract runs six years, A.R.S. section 12-548. An oral agreement or an open account runs three, section 12-543.

(3) Send one written demand. State the facts, name one specific number, give a date, no emotion and no threats. Send it so delivery is proven and keep the receipt.

(4) Check the dollar limit before you pick the court. Arizona small claims is $5,000 or less, A.R.S. section 22-503(A). It was $3,500 until 2025, raised by Senate Bill 1022, 2025 Ariz. Sess. Laws ch. 94. The state's own small claims packets still print $3,500. The handout is not the law.

(5) The whole claim has to fit under the limit. You cannot split one debt into two cases to get under it.

(6) Understand the trade. No attorney can appear, A.R.S. section 22-512(B), unless both sides stipulate in writing, section 22-512(C). The price is that there is no appeal, A.R.S. section 22-519. The decision is final and binding. To keep an appeal alive, ask to transfer to the civil division of justice court before the hearing.

(7) File where they are or where it happened, A.R.S. section 12-401.

(8) Serve them the way the court requires. Certified mail, return receipt, restricted delivery. If anyone other than the named defendant signs, service is no good and you need a licensed process server. A company is served through its statutory agent or an officer. File proof of service within 45 days or the case can be dismissed.

(9) The defendant has 20 calendar days to answer.

TODAY'S PROMPT: COUNTERPUNCH RECORD

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This is Arizona. Every state sets its own dollar limit, its own rule on attorneys, and its own rule on appeals. Look up yours. This episode is information, not legal advice.