Indiana Small Claims Court Guide
Everything you need to know about filing a small claims case in Indiana — dollar limits, filing fees, court locations, and step-by-step guidance.
Indiana Quick Facts
Maximum Claim
$6,000
Filing Fee
$97
Court fees added to your case — not due today
Court
Small Claims Court (Town or City Court)
Overview
Small Claims in Indiana
Indiana small claims court is handled by the Town and City Courts and provides a simplified process for resolving civil disputes where the amount claimed does not exceed $6,000. The court is designed to be accessible and affordable for individuals and businesses seeking to recover monetary damages without the expense and complexity of formal litigation.
The filing fee in Indiana is a flat $97, which is added to the defendant's bill if you win your case. This means the prevailing party can recover the filing fee as part of the judgment. The informal proceedings are designed for self-represented litigants, and attorneys are not permitted to appear on behalf of parties in small claims court.
Indiana small claims court is commonly used for collecting unpaid debts, recovering security deposits, seeking compensation for property damage, and resolving breach of contract matters. The court can award monetary judgments, including filing fees and court costs, which are recoverable from the losing party. The simplified rules of evidence and informal hearing format make it practical for people without legal training.
To file, you must submit a complaint form to the Town or City Court serving the area where the defendant lives or where the dispute occurred. After filing, the court issues a summons for service on the defendant, typically by certified mail or a private process server. The hearing is usually scheduled within 30 to 60 days, and the judge typically rules immediately or within a few days.
Where to File
File in the Town or City Court where the defendant lives, works, or where the incident occurred. For business defendants, file where the business is located or where the contract was to be performed.
Service of Process
Service may be completed by certified mail, sheriff, or a private process server. Certified mail is commonly used for small claims cases in Indiana. The defendant must be served at least 10 days before the hearing.
Statute of Limitations
Written contracts: 10 years. Oral contracts: 6 years. Property damage: 2 years. Personal injury: 2 years. Fraud: 6 years from discovery.
Appeal Rules
Either party may appeal to the Superior or Circuit Court within 30 days. The case is retried de novo.
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