Small Claims Court Complaint Template – Free Download 2026

SMALL CLAIMS COURT OF [____________], COUNTY OF [____________], STATE OF [____________]. Plaintiff: [Full Legal Name], [Address], [Phone], [Email]. Defendant: [Full Legal Name], [Address, if known]. Case No.: [____________] (to be assigned). STATEMENT OF CLAIM / PLAINTIFF'S COMPLAINT. Plaintiff files this claim for money damages against Defendant. The total amount claimed is $[____________], which is within the jurisdictional limit of this Court (maximum: $[____________] in the State of [____________]).

This Court has jurisdiction over this matter because: [Defendant resides in this county / the contract at issue was entered into in this county / the transaction giving rise to this claim occurred in this county / the property at issue is located in this county: ____________]. Venue is proper in this Court pursuant to [applicable state small claims statute, e.g., [State] Code of Civil Procedure § ____________]. Plaintiff has [complied with all required pre-filing demand requirements / attempted to resolve this matter informally by [describe attempt: ____________] on [____________]] and has been unable to obtain voluntary resolution.

The following facts give rise to Plaintiff's claim: 1. On or about [____________], [describe the transaction, agreement, event, or relationship giving rise to the claim in plain, specific terms: ____________]. 2. Defendant [agreed to / was obligated to / was responsible to] [____________] by [____________]. 3. On or about [____________], Defendant [failed to pay / breached the agreement by / damaged Plaintiff's property by / refused to return / other: ____________]. 4. As a result of Defendant's [breach / negligence / failure / conduct], Plaintiff suffered the damages described below.

The legal basis for Plaintiff's claim is: [BREACH OF CONTRACT — Defendant entered into a [written / oral] contract with Plaintiff on [____________] in which Defendant agreed to [____________] in exchange for [____________]. Defendant breached the contract by [____________], and Plaintiff performed all obligations under the contract.] [PROPERTY DAMAGE — Defendant negligently or intentionally damaged Plaintiff's property, described as [____________], on [____________] at [____________], causing damage in the amount of [____________].] [MONEY OWED — Defendant owes Plaintiff $[____________] for [goods sold and delivered / services rendered / loan / security deposit / other: ____________] that remains unpaid despite Plaintiff's demand for payment on [____________].]

Evidence supporting Plaintiff's claim includes the following, which Plaintiff will present at the hearing: (a) [written contract / agreement / invoice / receipt / other document: ____________]; (b) [photographs / videos of damage: ____________]; (c) [written communications (emails, texts, letters) between the parties: ____________]; (d) [estimates or invoices for repairs or replacement: ____________]; (e) [witness testimony from: ____________]; and (f) [other evidence: ____________]. Plaintiff has served or will serve Defendant with copies of all documentary evidence prior to the hearing as required by court rules.

Plaintiff's damages are calculated as follows: (a) Principal amount owed / damage amount: $[____________]; (b) Pre-judgment interest at [____________]% per annum from [____________] to [____________]: $[____________]; (c) [Court filing fee: $[____________]]; (d) [Cost of service of process: $[____________]]; (e) [Other recoverable costs: ____________: $[____________]]. TOTAL CLAIMED: $[____________]. These amounts are supported by the documents listed above and are accurate to the best of Plaintiff's knowledge.

Plaintiff has made demand upon Defendant for payment or performance prior to filing this claim. On [____________], Plaintiff [sent a written demand letter by [certified mail / email / hand delivery] / verbally demanded payment in the presence of [____________]] demanding [payment / return of property / performance: ____________]. Defendant [failed to respond / refused to pay / responded by [____________]] as of the date of this filing. Copies of all demand communications are attached as supporting evidence.

Plaintiff respectfully requests that the Court enter judgment in Plaintiff's favor and against Defendant for: (a) the principal sum of $[____________]; (b) pre-judgment interest in the amount of $[____________], or as calculated by the Court under applicable law; (c) court costs and filing fees in the amount of $[____________]; (d) [return of personal property described as ____________, or its fair market value of $____________ in the alternative]; and (e) such other and further relief as the Court deems just and equitable.

Plaintiff declares under penalty of perjury that the information provided in this Statement of Claim is true and correct to the best of Plaintiff's knowledge and belief. Plaintiff acknowledges that filing a false claim may result in penalties. Plaintiff's Signature: [____________]. Printed Name: [____________]. Date: [____________]. Mailing Address: [____________]. Telephone: [____________]. Email: [____________]. Plaintiff [is / is not] represented by an attorney in this matter. [If represented: Attorney Name: ____________, Bar No.: ____________, Address: ____________.]