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How to File a Small Claims Lawsuit in Arkansas (2026)

Reviewed by DocDraft Legal Team · Arkansas · Last updated September 15, 2026

Arkansas District Court handles small claims up to $5,000 in the Small Claims Division under Ark. Code § 16-17-704. Filing fees range from $30 to $65 by county, with some adding a $50 service fee. The statute of limitations is 5 years for written contracts and 3 years for oral contracts.

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What is small claims court in Arkansas?

Arkansas small claims court is the District Court Small Claims Division under Ark. Code § 16-17-704. It hears money claims up to $5,000. Attorneys are excluded under § 16-17-606, making Arkansas one of the strictest no-lawyer jurisdictions in the United States. Statutory post-judgment interest is 10% under Ark. Const. art. 19 § 13.

How much does it cost to file small claims in Arkansas?

Arkansas filing fees vary by county, typically $30-$65. Some counties charge $67.50 filing plus a $50 sheriff service fee. Total startup cost is often under $120. Fee waivers are available through the Arkansas Judiciary for low-income filers, and corporations may file the same as individuals up to the $5,000 cap.

Do I need a lawyer for Arkansas small claims court?

No, and you cannot use one. Ark. Code § 16-17-606 prohibits attorneys and corporate-collection agents from representing parties in small claims. Only the natural party in interest may appear. Corporations may send a non-attorney officer or employee. Arkansas is one of the strictest no-lawyer jurisdictions in the United States.

How long do I have to sue someone in Arkansas small claims?

Arkansas applies a 5-year SOL for written contracts under Ark. Code § 16-56-111 and a 3-year SOL for oral contracts, property damage, and personal injury under § 16-56-105. Debt collection on a written agreement is 5 years; on an open account or oral agreement it is 3 years. Late claims are dismissed on motion.

Arkansas small claims at a glance

Arkansas District Court Small Claims under Ark. Code § 16-17-704 caps claims at $5,000 and bars attorney representation entirely under § 16-17-606. Only the natural party in interest may appear, with corporations limited to non-attorney officers or employees. Arkansas's 10% statutory post-judgment interest rate under Ark. Const. art. 19 § 13 has been in force since 1874 and is among the highest baseline rates in the country. Arkansas applies a 5-year SOL on written contracts under § 16-56-111 and a uniform 3-year SOL on tort claims under § 16-56-105. Appeals from small claims go to circuit court for trial de novo within 30 days, and the appealing party must post a bond covering the judgment plus costs.

Filing cost example: $3,200 vehicle repair dispute

Suppose a Little Rock car owner is owed $3,200 by a body shop after botched repairs. The oral-contract SOL is 3 years under Ark. Code § 16-56-105 and the written-contract SOL is 5 years under § 16-56-111. Filing at Little Rock District Court costs about $30-$65 plus a sheriff service fee around $50. Total startup is approximately $115. The hearing is typically 30-60 days after filing. If the owner wins, post-judgment interest accrues at 10% under Ark. Const. art. 19 § 13. After one year of nonpayment, the unpaid amount grows to about $3,520 before adding filing and service costs.

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Relevant Documents

Billing Dispute Letter

A formal letter to the company or service provider detailing the nature of the billing dispute, including specific charges being contested, reasons for the dispute, and requested resolution. This document establishes a paper trail of your dispute attempt.

Promissory Note

This document is your written promise to repay the loan according to specific terms. It's often simpler than the full loan agreement but creates a legally binding obligation to repay the borrowed funds.

Wage Withholding Order

This document directs an employer to withhold child support or spousal support payments from a spouse's paycheck.

Local Courthouses

Little Rock District Court (Civil Division)

600 W Markham St, Little Rock, AR 72201

Fort Smith District Court (Civil Division)

901 S B St, Fort Smith, AR 72901

Fayetteville District Court (Washington County)

100 W Center St, Fayetteville, AR 72701

Springdale District Court

201 Spring St, Springdale, AR 72764

Jonesboro District Court

410 W Washington Ave, Jonesboro, AR 72401

Relevant Laws

Ark. Code §§ 16-17-601 to 16-17-614 (District Court Small Claims)

Governs Arkansas small claims jurisdiction, the $5,000 limit, no-attorney rule, filing, service, hearings, and appeals to circuit court.

Ark. Code § 16-56-105 and § 16-56-111 (Statute of Limitations)

Sets the 5-year SOL for written contracts (§ 16-56-111) and 3-year SOL for oral contracts, property damage, and personal injury (§ 16-56-105).

Arkansas Judiciary Forms and Publications

Official Arkansas Judiciary portal for small claims forms, fee schedules, and procedural guidance.

Ark. Const. art. 19 § 13 (Post-Judgment Interest)

Sets the default statutory post-judgment interest rate at 10% per year, in force since 1874 and among the highest in the United States.

Ark. Code § 16-110-101 (Garnishment)

Governs wage and bank garnishment procedures for enforcing money judgments against Arkansas debtors.

Regional Variances

Statute of Limitations for Common Claims in Arkansas

Written contract

5 years (Ark. Code § 16-56-111)

Oral contract

3 years (Ark. Code § 16-56-105)

Property damage

3 years (Ark. Code § 16-56-105)

Personal injury

3 years (Ark. Code § 16-56-105)

Debt collection

5 years written / 3 years oral or open account

Suggested Compliance Checklist

Send demand letter (recommended)

30 days before filing days after starting

Send by certified mail with return receipt. Keep the green card as proof of delivery and any defendant response.

Document: demand-letter

Verify claim is within $5,000 Arkansas cap

Before filing days after starting

Ark. Code § 16-17-704 caps small claims at $5,000. Reduce or waive the excess, or file in district court general civil docket or circuit court.

Confirm no-attorney rule applies to your case

Before filing days after starting

Ark. Code § 16-17-606 bars attorneys and corporate-collection agents. Confirm the filer is the natural party or a non-attorney corporate officer.

Gather evidence and witnesses

Before filing days after starting

Pull contracts, invoices, photos, communications. Make three copies of every document for hearing day.

File complaint at district court

Within applicable SOL days after starting

File in the district court covering the defendant's residence or where the dispute arose. Pay the $30-$65 filing fee plus any service charge.

Arrange sheriff or certified-mail service

At least 20 days before hearing days after starting

Service per Ark. R. Civ. P. 4 by sheriff, certified mail, or warning order. File the return of service before the hearing.

Attend hearing with evidence and copies

30-60 days after filing days after starting

Bring all evidence, witnesses, and three copies of every document. Note the date of judgment for the 30-day appeal window.

Frequently Asked Questions

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