In the fall of 2024, the Arizona Department of Child Safety (DCS) mailed letters to parents who once had an open dependency and/or severance case.
Did you receive a letter? Visit the DCS letter page for more information.
Note that the ruling in a small claims case is final and not eligible for appeal.
Prior to filing a small claim suit you will need the following:
- Time and patience
- Filing fees
- Dates that filings occurred, filings were served, and fees paid
- Information for Filing Small Claims Handout
- Contact information for plaintiff/defendant
- A copy of the Small Claim Summons/Complaint/Answer/Counterclaim/Reply for yourself, the court, and one for each person named in the suit
- Evidence Service Form
Criteria:
- A small claim suit cannot exceed $3500
- Individuals, partnerships, associations, or corporations can file a small claim
- Types of claims that can be filed are:
- Contracts
- Personal Injury
- Money Debts
- Property Damage
- The claim must be filed where the defendant resides or where the cause of the suit took place
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