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How-to · Courts & legal

File an Oregon small-claims case

Small claims are filed to resolve disputes without a lawyer, and court staff cannot give legal advice.

Steps

6 steps
  1. Check that your claim qualifiesThe amount, including the value of any property, must be $10,000 or less. Claims of $750 or less must be small claims.
  2. Try to settle it firstYour claim form must include a statement under oath that you tried to resolve the issue.
  3. Fill out the Small Claim and Notice formIf you want money, itemize and prove your actual loss. Guesses or lump sums are not enough.
  4. File in the right county with your feeFile where a defendant lives or can be found, where the harm happened, or where a contract act was due.
  5. Serve the defendantOptions include a sheriff or process server, an adult who is not a party, or certified mail.
  6. File proof of serviceWhoever serves files a Certificate of Service with the court.

Bring

  • Itemized list of your loss
  • Full, correct names of defendants
If you cannot pay the filing fee, you can apply for a fee deferral or waiver.

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