Small Claims

Small Claims Court was established to provide a simple, informal procedure for people to settle certain legal problems cheaply and quickly.

Note: In Small Claims Court, you can sue someone or be sued by someone, and you present your side of the case yourself. You cannot be represented by a lawyer.

Making a Decision

The purpose of this section is to help you decided whether you should use a Kansas Small Claims Court to solve a problem and to help you understand how the Court works. Please remember that procedures vary somewhat from county to county. Always check with the District Court Clerk’s office to be sure you have all of the correct information before taking action in Small Claims Court.

Note: Consumers should remember that even though they may win their case in Small Claims Court, the Court cannot guarantee and is not responsible for collection of any money owed.

Attorneys

If any person involved in a Small Claims litigation is or has been an attorney, all other parties to such litigation shall be entitled to have an attorney appear on their behalf. After the discovery of this fact, if requested, one reasonable continuance shall be granted by the Court. This court handles only fairly simple cases involving small amounts of money or property.

Appeals

Appeals of Small Claims cases must be filed in the District Court which usually means hiring an attorney. Also, the job of court personnel is to process cases. They cannot give you legal advice.

Self-Help

Kansas Legal Services 

Docket Fees