How we research and update our guides

Small claims rules are set by each state and sometimes by each county, and they change. This page explains where our information comes from, how we check it, and what we do when something changes.

Where the information comes from

Every state guide is built from primary sources: state statutes on the legislature's website, court rules, official fee schedules, and the self-help pages that state courts publish for people without lawyers. Secondary sources such as legal publishers are used only to cross-check. Each page lists the sources it relies on at the bottom.

How we check it

How often we update

We review every state twice a year, in January and July, when most new laws and fee changes take effect, and update a page as soon as we learn of a change. The date at the top of each guide shows when it was last checked.

Legal review

Our guides are written and checked by our editorial team against official sources. They have not yet been reviewed by a licensed attorney. When a lawyer reviews a page, we will show their name, state bar membership and the review date on that page. We will never show a reviewer who did not actually review the content.

Corrections

If you find a mistake or an outdated number, please email [email protected] with a link to the official source. We aim to fix confirmed errors within a few days and note the change.

What we are not

Small Claims Map is operated by RobinClaim LLC. We are not a law firm and do not give legal advice about individual cases. For advice about your situation, contact your court's self-help center or a local legal aid organization.