Relevant Statutes:
Maximum Dollar Limit:
Locating Agent For Service:
Online Court Forms:
Service Of Process:
Hearing Date:
Attorneys:
Transfer:
Appeals:
Additional Information:
Small Claims Court is a division in District Court and heard in City Court in smaller communities. In 2001 the name Municipal Court was changed to District Court by Act 1693. Some legal materials still refer to District Court as Municipal Court.
Arkansas Code Annotated Sections 16-17-201-210, 218, 601-613, 704-705; Sections 16-19-401-1108; Inferior Court Rules; Arkansas Constitution,
Amendment 64.
$5,000.
Secretary
of State Corporations Division, 256 State Capitol Building, Little Rock,
AR 7220; Phone: (501) 682-3409; Toll free: (888) 233-0325; Fax: (501) 682-3510.
Certified mail (Small Claims only); sheriff or private process server.
30 to 45 days after summons issued.
Not Allowed.
Action may be transferred to Circuit Court if the defendant's counterclaim exceeds $5,000, or Municipal Court if either party seeks legal representation.
Either party can appeal the judgment within 30 days to be heard in Circuit Court.
Right to sue may be transferred only by order of the judge. Defendant must file written answer within 20 days of service if he or she is in the state, within 30 days if outside the state. Plaintiff can recover for damages to personal property, money owed, for delivery of personal property. Free, voluntary mediation programs available.