How to file small claims in Oregon
Sue for up to $10,000 in the Circuit Court (small-claims department); filing fee around $100.
Oregon Circuit Courts hear small claims up to $10,000, but you must first demand payment in good faith, and lawyers are barred without the judge's permission.
- Dollar limit: $10,000 — $10,000 in Circuit Court small claims; claims of $750–$10,000 may be moved to regular court if the defendant requests a jury.
- Filing fee: $100 — About $50 (≤$2,500) or $100 ($2,500–$10,000), plus service.
- Where to file: Circuit Court (small-claims department)
- Lawyers at the hearing: not allowed — you represent yourself
- Confirm your claim is at or under the dollar limit and within the statute of limitations for your claim type.
- Send a written demand letter first — most courts expect it, and it often gets you paid without filing.
- Get the correct filing form (often a "Statement of Claim" or "Plaintiff's Claim") from the Circuit Court clerk or the court's website.
- File the form with the Circuit Court for the county where the defendant lives or where the dispute happened, and pay the filing fee.
- Arrange service of process so the defendant is officially notified (by the sheriff, certified mail, or a process server, per local rules).
- Gather your evidence — contract, texts, photos, receipts, the demand letter — and bring organized copies to your hearing.
- Show up on your court date and present your case; if you win, ask the judge how to collect the judgment.
- Oregon requires you to demand payment in good faith before filing; attorneys are not allowed without the judge's permission.
What are you suing for?
Source: Or. Rev. Stat. § 46.405. Reviewed 2026-06-17.
Nearby states: Washington ($10,000) · California ($12,500) · Idaho ($5,000) · Nevada ($10,000).
General legal information, not legal advice. Rules change and vary by county and court; consult a licensed attorney or your court clerk.
Updated July 2026