Want it written for you? Answer a few plain-English questions and get a Statement of Claim laid out so you can copy each field onto the official Statement of Claim, plus a script for the hearing and an evidence checklist. Checking is free; $19 for the completed documents.
Check if your Alabama claim qualifiesThe Alabama Small Claims Form
📄 Statement of Claim (Complaint) — statewide AOC eForm
The form that opens your case. Download it free from eforms.alacourt.gov.
Alabama Limit, Fee and Filing Rules
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Court | Small Claims Court (District Court div.) |
| Claim limit | $6,000 |
| Claim form | Statement of Claim (Complaint) — statewide AOC eForm |
| Filing fee | Varies by county or court in Alabama — confirm the exact amount with the clerk before you file |
| Serving the defendant | Sheriff, or certified mail by clerk (confirm the current service rules with the clerk) |
Filing Deadlines in Alabama
How long the law gives you to file. When the clock starts depends on the claim, so do not leave it late: a claim filed after the deadline can be dismissed however strong it is.
| Type of claim | Time to file | Law |
|---|---|---|
| Written contract | 6 years — 3 years for money due on an open or unliquidated account — Ala. Code § 6-2-37(1). | Ala. Code § 6-2-34(4) |
| Oral / verbal agreement | 6 years — 3 years for claims on an open or unliquidated account — Ala. Code § 6-2-37(1). | Ala. Code § 6-2-34(9) |
| Damage to property | 6 years | Ala. Code § 6-2-34(2), (3) |
| Personal injury | 2 years | Ala. Code § 6-2-38(l) |
| Unpaid debt or account | 3 years — 6 years where the debt is founded on a promise in writing — Ala. Code § 6-2-34(4). | Ala. Code § 6-2-37(1) |
Not sure which type yours is? The statute of limitations lookup covers more claim types.
Being Sued in Alabama Instead?
Do you file an answer? You must file a written answer with the court clerk within 14 days after you are served with the summons and complaint. (Ala. Small Claims R. F)
The been-sued deadline lookup covers what happens if you do nothing.
Where to Get the Official Alabama Forms
Court forms are free from the official sources below. Use the current version from your court.
- Official claim form — eforms.alacourt.gov
- Official source — judicial.alabama.gov
- Official source — eforms.alacourt.gov
- The clerk of the Small Claims Court (District Court div.) — can give you the current form and tell you whether your court adds any local paperwork.
How does Alabama compare? See the small claims limits and filing fees for every state.
Alabama Small Claims Forms: FAQ
❓ What form do I file to start a small claims case in Alabama?
The form that opens the case is the Statement of Claim. The official source is eforms.alacourt.gov. Court-issued forms are free; you pay only the filing fee.
❓ How much can you sue for in Alabama small claims court?
In Alabama you can claim up to $6,000 in the Small Claims Court (District Court div.). If your claim is larger, you can usually reduce it to the limit or file in a higher court instead.
❓ How much does it cost to file small claims in Alabama?
Filing fees in Alabama vary by county or court, so confirm the exact amount with the clerk of the Small Claims Court (District Court div.) before you file. Serving the defendant usually costs extra.
❓ Can you fill in the Alabama small claims form for me?
We write a Statement of Claim from your answers, laid out so you can copy each field onto the official Statement of Claim yourself — we do not produce the form itself. It comes with a script for the hearing and an evidence checklist.
Want it written for you?
A few plain-English questions about your Alabama case, then review and file. Checking is free; $19 for the completed documents.
Check if your Alabama claim qualifiesGeneral information, not legal advice. SmallClaimsHelper prepares documents; it is not a law firm.