Claim
The form that starts the case: who you are, who owes you, how much, and why.
Statement of claim · Complaint
The claim form is short on purpose. It asks for the amount, a plain description of what happened, and the dates. You sign it, hand it in, and pay the filing fee.
The amount you put down is what the court can award. You cannot ask for more later in the same case, so count it up before you file.
Related words
Common questions
- What does claim mean in small claims court?
- The form that starts the case: who you are, who owes you, how much, and why. The claim form is short on purpose. It asks for the amount, a plain description of what happened, and the dates. You sign it, hand it in, and pay the filing fee.
- What does claimant mean in small claims court?
- The person or business bringing the claim, the one asking to be paid. The claimant starts the case by filling in the claim form and paying the filing fee. Most court forms use the word plaintiff for the same role.
- What does filing fee mean in small claims court?
- What the court charges to open the case, usually set by the size of the claim. The fee is paid when you hand the claim in. Most states set it in bands, so a small claim costs less to file than a large one; a few leave it to each court.
- What does evidence mean in small claims court?
- The documents, photos, messages, and receipts that show what happened and what it cost. Evidence is anything that shows a fact: a signed agreement, an invoice, a bank record, a text thread, a photo with a date on it, a repair estimate.
Verified on 2026-09-06, sources:
Verified on 2026-09-06, sources:
FairSquare assembles documents and explains your court's rules. It is not a substitute for advice about your situation.