Want it filled in for you? Answer a few plain-English questions and get a completed draft of the Judicial Council Small Claims Petition — every field filled in from your answers, ready to copy onto the official form — plus a script for the hearing and an evidence checklist. Checking is free; $19 for the completed documents.
Check if your Kansas claim qualifiesThe Kansas Small Claims Form
📄 Judicial Council Small Claims Petition
The form that opens your case. Download it free from kjc.ks.gov.
Kansas Limit, Fee and Filing Rules
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Court | District Court (small claims procedure) |
| Claim limit | $10,000 |
| Claim form | Judicial Council Small Claims Petition |
| Filing fee | $47.50 (≤$500) / $67 (>$500) — confirm the current fee with the clerk before filing |
| Serving the defendant | Clerk certified mail or sheriff (confirm the current service rules with the clerk) |
| Law that sets the limit | K.S.A. 61-2703(a) |
| Court data verified | October 6, 2026 |
Filing Deadlines in Kansas
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 | 5 years | K.S.A. 60-511(1) |
| Oral / verbal agreement | 3 years | K.S.A. 60-512(1) |
| Damage to property | 2 years | K.S.A. 60-513(a)(1), (a)(2) |
| Personal injury | 2 years | K.S.A. 60-513(a)(4) |
| Unpaid debt or account | 3 years — 5 years where the obligation is in writing — K.S.A. 60-511(1). | K.S.A. 60-512(1) |
Not sure which type yours is? The statute of limitations lookup covers more claim types.
Being Sued in Kansas Instead?
Do you file an answer? No written answer is required in small claims; the only required pleading is the plaintiff's petition. Appear on the date in the summons. (K.S.A. 61-2705)
If they owe you money: A claim against the plaintiff arising from the same transaction must be filed on the judicial council defendant's-claim form if it is within the small claims limit. No separate deadline is stated. (K.S.A. 61-2705)
The been-sued deadline lookup covers what happens if you do nothing.
Where to Get the Official Kansas Forms
Court forms are free from the official sources below. Use the current version from your court.
- Official claim form — kjc.ks.gov
- Official source — self-help.kscourts.gov
- Official source — kjc.ks.gov
- The law itself — K.S.A. 61-2703(a)
- The clerk of the District Court (small claims procedure) — can give you the current form and tell you whether your court adds any local paperwork.
How does Kansas compare? See the small claims limits and filing fees for every state.
Kansas Small Claims Forms: FAQ
❓ What form do I file to start a small claims case in Kansas?
The form that opens the case is the Judicial Council Small Claims Petition. The official source is kjc.ks.gov. Court-issued forms are free; you pay only the filing fee.
❓ How much can you sue for in Kansas small claims court?
In Kansas you can claim up to $10,000 in the District Court (small claims procedure). 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 Kansas?
The filing fee is $47.50 (≤$500) / $67 (>$500) — confirm the current fee with the clerk before filing. Serving the defendant usually costs extra.
❓ Can you fill in the Kansas small claims form for me?
Yes. Answer a few plain-English questions and we produce a completed draft of the Judicial Council Small Claims Petition, with every field filled in from your answers, ready to copy onto the official form and file. It comes with a script for the hearing and an evidence checklist.
Want it filled in for you?
A few plain-English questions about your Kansas case, then review and file. Checking is free; $19 for the completed documents.
Check if your Kansas claim qualifiesGeneral information, not legal advice. SmallClaimsHelper prepares documents; it is not a law firm.