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Dewey County, South Dakota · Small claims court · Updated Oct 2026

Small claims court in Dewey County, South Dakota

In Dewey County, small claims cases up to $12,000 are heard by the Dewey County Clerk of Courts, Circuit Court (Fourth Judicial Circuit) – Small Claims. Here is where it is, how to reach it and how to file.

$12,000Most you can sue for
$25–$43Filing fee (state figure; confirm with the clerk)
OptionalLawyers allowed, not required
Set by the clerkTypical wait to the hearing

Where to file in Dewey County

Dewey County Clerk of Courts, Circuit Court (Fourth Judicial Circuit) – Small Claims

Address: 710 C Street - Courthouse, Timber Lake, SD 57656 · Map

Phone: 605-865-3566

Online filing: available, per the court

Court website (ujs.sd.gov)

Court addresses, phones and hours change. Call the clerk before you go, and ask whether small claims are filed at this location.

Is this the right county?

File with the clerk of courts in the county where the defendant lives or where the loss happened. You can file by mail, but you may have to travel to that county for the hearing.

If the person or business you are suing is in another county, use that county's court instead. See all South Dakota counties.

How to file in Dewey County

  1. Ask for payment in writing

    South Dakota's small claims rules don't require a demand letter before you file, but asking for payment first is still a good idea. Make a free demand letter.

  2. Fill in the claim (UJS-008)

    Plaintiff's Statement of Claim (filed with the UJS-232 Case Filing Statement) Get the form.

  3. File it with the Dewey County Clerk of Courts, Circuit Court (Fourth Judicial Circuit) – Small Claims and pay the fee

    $24.84 for claims up to $100, $30.84 up to $1,000, $40.84 up to $3,999.99, and $42.84 from $4,000 to $12,000. These amounts include certified mail service on one defendant; each extra defendant adds $11.84. Sheriff service, if needed, costs extra. Fee waiver: Ask the clerk of courts about filing without paying fees. A fee waiver request can't be filed online; it must be filed in person..

  4. Have the papers served

    The clerk mails the notice to the defendant by certified mail. If the mail isn't received, you can ask the sheriff to deliver it in person for an extra fee.

  5. Go to the hearing

    The clerk sets an answer deadline or a hearing date when you file. There's no fixed timeline; ask the clerk. Bring receipts, photos, messages, the contract and your demand letter, with copies.

Want every detail? The full South Dakota filing guide covers each stage with a checklist.

Open the filing guide

Common questions

Where is small claims court in Dewey County?

Small claims in Dewey County are filed with the Dewey County Clerk of Courts, Circuit Court (Fourth Judicial Circuit) – Small Claims, 710 C Street - Courthouse, Timber Lake, SD 57656. Phone: 605-865-3566.

How much can I sue for in Dewey County small claims court?

Up to $12,000. You can sue for up to $12,000. Businesses have the same limit. The court suggests confirming the current limit with the clerk of courts.

How much does it cost to file in Dewey County?

$24.84 for claims up to $100, $30.84 up to $1,000, $40.84 up to $3,999.99, and $42.84 from $4,000 to $12,000. These amounts include certified mail service on one defendant; each extra defendant adds $11.84. Sheriff service, if needed, costs extra. Fee waiver: Ask the clerk of courts about filing without paying fees. A fee waiver request can't be filed online; it must be filed in person..

Can I file a small claim online in Dewey County?

Yes. The court says online filing is available for small claims. Check the court website for the e-filing system and any fees.

Other South Dakota counties