Small Claims Court
When a dry cleaner won't pay a fair amount, small-claims court is usually the strongest lever — no lawyer required. The guides below cover the process; the table covers every state's dollar limit, with a detailed page for each.
Small-claims court is built for exactly this: a clear dispute over a few hundred or few thousand dollars, no lawyer required. Here's how to use it against a dry cleaner.
For a typical lost-or-ruined-clothes claim, no. Small-claims court is designed so ordinary people can handle it themselves — and several states restrict lawyers in the hearing.
Small-claims cases are won by whoever shows up organized. Here's exactly what to bring, how to arrange it, and what to say when the judge looks up.
Small-claims dollar limits by state
Reviewed June 10, 2026. Limits change and can vary by court or county — each state page links the official court site to confirm.
| State | Small-claims limit |
|---|---|
| Alabama | $6,000 |
| Alaska | $10,000 |
| Arizona | $5,000 |
| Arkansas | $5,000 |
| California | $12,500 |
| Colorado | $7,500 |
| Connecticut | $5,000 |
| Delaware | $25,000 |
| Florida | $8,000 |
| Georgia | $15,000 |
| Hawaii | $5,000 |
| Idaho | $5,000 |
| Illinois | $10,000 |
| Indiana | $10,000 |
| Iowa | $6,500 |
| Kansas | $4,000 |
| Kentucky | $2,500 |
| Louisiana | $5,000 |
| Maine | $10,000 |
| Maryland | $5,000 |
| Massachusetts | $7,000 |
| Michigan | $7,000 |
| Minnesota | $20,000 |
| Mississippi | $3,500 |
| Missouri | $5,000 |
| Montana | $7,000 |
| Nebraska | $3,900 |
| Nevada | $10,000 |
| New Hampshire | $10,000 |
| New Jersey | $5,000 |
| New Mexico | $10,000 |
| New York | $10,000 |
| North Carolina | $10,000 |
| North Dakota | $15,000 |
| Ohio | $6,000 |
| Oklahoma | $10,000 |
| Oregon | $10,000 |
| Pennsylvania | $12,000 |
| Rhode Island | $5,000 |
| South Carolina | $7,500 |
| South Dakota | $12,000 |
| Tennessee | $25,000 |
| Texas | $20,000 |
| Utah | $20,000 |
| Vermont | $10,000 |
| Virginia | $5,000 |
| Washington | $10,000 |
| West Virginia | $20,000 |
| Wisconsin | $10,000 |
| Wyoming | $6,000 |
| District of Columbia | $10,000 |