Small claims in Kentucky
The court
- District Court, Small Claims Division
- The small claims division of the district court in the county where the other side lives or does business.
The most you can claim
| Claiming as | Most you can claim | Rule |
|---|---|---|
| An individual | $2,500 | KRS 24A.230(1) |
| A business | $2,500 | KRS 24A.230(1) |
| A public agency | $2,500 | KRS 24A.230(1) |
What it costs to file
The fee runs from $38 to $38, set by the size of the claim.
Ky. CR 3.03(1)(a), Supreme Court Order 2026-15 · The small claims filing fee is $38, for a case that does not exceed $2,500. Your circuit court clerk's office can confirm any added charges.
How long you have
The shortest window in this state is 2 years from the day the damage happened.
KRS 413.125 · A claim for damage to your personal property must be filed within two years of the damage. This is the shorter of the windows that can apply, so treat it as the deadline.
Does small claims fit your dispute in Kentucky?
Pick what it is about. The next screens ask the amount and the dates. Nothing is saved, and no account is needed.
The detail
- The limit
The limit is the most the court can award on one claim. It depends on who is claiming, and in some states on which court hears it.
- What it costs
The court charges this when you hand in the claim. It is separate from the amount you are claiming.
- How long you have
Every kind of claim has its own window, counted from the day the clock started. Miss it and the court usually cannot hear the claim.
Common questions
- How much can you claim in small claims court in Kentucky?
- An individual can claim up to $2,500. A business can claim up to $2,500. A public agency can claim up to $2,500. That comes from KRS 24A.230(1).
- What does it cost to file a small claims claim in Kentucky?
- $38 for a claim up to $2,500. That comes from Ky. CR 3.03(1)(a), Supreme Court Order 2026-15.
- How long do you have to bring a small claims claim in Kentucky?
- The shortest window is 2 years, counted from the day the damage happened, under KRS 413.125. Other kinds of claim run longer; the time-limit page lists each one.
- Do you have to ask for the money before filing in Kentucky?
- No, Kentucky does not require it, per Kentucky Small Claims Handbook (P-6). Sending a demand letter first is still the usual first step, and it is often what gets the money paid.
- Which court handles small claims in Kentucky?
- District Court, Small Claims Division. The small claims division of the district court in the county where the other side lives or does business.
Verify with your court
Numbers change, and a court can post its own variation. Open Kentucky's small claims page and confirm anything you are about to rely on.
Open the court's small claims pageVerified on 2026-09-05, sources:
Verified on 2026-09-05, sources: Rules effective from 2026-07-01.
- KRS 24A.230(1) · effective 2011-06-08 · The small claims division of district court hears money claims of up to $2,500, not counting interest and costs.
- Ky. CR 3.03(1)(a), Supreme Court Order 2026-15 · effective 2026-07-01 · The small claims filing fee is $38, for a case that does not exceed $2,500. Your circuit court clerk's office can confirm any added charges.
- KRS 413.125 · effective 1988-07-15 · A claim for damage to your personal property must be filed within two years of the damage. This is the shorter of the windows that can apply, so treat it as the deadline.
- Kentucky Small Claims Handbook (P-6) · effective 2025-01-01 · Kentucky does not require a written demand before filing a small claim. The handbook asks you to try to settle first, and asking in writing is the usual first step.
FairSquare assembles documents and explains your court's rules. It is not a substitute for advice about your situation.