Court Filing Fees by State: How Much Does It Cost to Sue Someone?

Before you file a lawsuit you need to know what it will cost just to get through the courthouse door. Court filing fees vary enormously depending on your state, the type of court, and the dollar amount of your claim. Some fees are modest. Others run into the hundreds before you have even served the other party.

Why Fees Vary So Much

Each state sets its own fee schedule and fees are typically tiered by claim size. A small claims case involving $500 costs far less to file than a civil lawsuit seeking $50,000. On top of the basic filing fee there are usually separate charges for serving the defendant, filing motions, certified copies of documents, and process server or sheriff fees.

What Filing Fees Look Like in Practice

In California, a small claims case up to $1,500 costs about $30 to file. Claims between $1,500 and $5,000 run around $50. A general civil lawsuit can cost $435 or more. Texas small claims cases run $54 to $100 depending on the county. New York City small claims filings cost $15 to $35 depending on claim size. Florida small claims fees range from $55 up to $300 for claims near the $8,000 limit. Federal court civil filings start at $405.

Fee Waivers for Low Income Plaintiffs

If you cannot afford the filing fee you are not locked out of the court system. Every state has a process for requesting a fee waiver, typically called an Application to Proceed In Forma Pauperis. You document your income and expenses to show the fee would cause genuine hardship. These waivers are granted regularly and the courthouse clerk can give you the right form. The process is less intimidating than it sounds.

The Bigger Picture on Litigation Costs

Filing fees are just the beginning. If you hire an attorney their fees will typically far exceed what you pay the court. The American Rule means each side pays their own attorney regardless of who wins, which is one reason small claims court is so valuable. You can pursue a legitimate claim without the cost of an attorney making the whole exercise financially pointless.

Know Your Numbers Before You File

Our Court Fee Calculator gives you estimated filing fees for your state and court type before you commit to anything. Knowing the cost upfront helps you decide whether the case makes financial sense given the amount you are trying to recover.