Oregon Small Claims Court Guide
Everything you need to know about filing a small claims case in Oregon — dollar limits, filing fees, court locations, and step-by-step guidance.
Oregon Quick Facts
Maximum Claim
$10,000
Filing Fee
$53–$102
Court fees added to your case — not due today
Court
Small Claims Court (Justice Court)
Overview
Small Claims in Oregon
Oregon small claims court is a division of the Justice Court and handles civil disputes where the amount claimed does not exceed $10,000. The court provides a simplified and affordable process for resolving monetary disputes. Oregon is distinctive in restricting attorneys to ensure efficiency and keep the proceedings informal.
Filing fees in Oregon are $53 for claims under $2,500 and $102 for claims of $2,501–$10,000. These fees are recoverable as court costs if you win your case. The informal proceedings are designed for self-represented litigants, and attorneys are restricted from participating to ensure efficiency and keep costs down.
Oregon 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.
To file, you must submit a complaint form to the Justice Court serving the county 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.
Where to File
File in the Justice Court of the county 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 Oregon. The defendant must be served at least 14 days before the hearing.
Statute of Limitations
Written contracts: 6 years. Oral contracts: 6 years. Property damage: 6 years. Personal injury: 2 years. Fraud: 2 years from discovery.
Appeal Rules
Either party may appeal to the Circuit Court within 10 days. The case is retried de novo.
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