smallclaims50

Counterclaims in small claims court

This guide explains counterclaims in small claims court for people dealing with small claims matters. Rules differ by state — always confirm the current rule with the official court or agency for your state.

Key points

• Check the deadline first. Every small claims topic has a time limit; missing it usually ends the claim.
• Gather documents before starting. Contracts, receipts, pay records, emails and photos carry the case.
• Use official sources. Court self-help pages and state agencies publish the authoritative forms.

What it costs

Item	Typical range
Demand letter	Free - $0
Filing fee	$30 - $75
Service of process	$20 - $100

Next steps

Identify your state’s rule, collect your paperwork, then choose the route that fits your budget: self-help with official forms, a document preparer, or a licensed attorney for contested matters.

smallclaims50.com is an independent directory: procedural information only, never legal advice.