IN THE DISTRICT COURT OF [COUNTY NAME], ALABAMA
SMALL CLAIMS DIVISION
[PLAINTIFF NAME],
Plaintiff,
v.
[DEFENDANT NAME],
Defendant.
Case No.: ____
COMPLAINT (SMALL CLAIMS – MONETARY DAMAGES)
[// GUIDANCE: Use this template for a money-damages claim that does not exceed the Alabama small-claims jurisdictional limit of $6,000, exclusive of interest and costs. See Ala. Code § 12-12-30.]
TABLE OF CONTENTS
- Parties & Service Information
- Jurisdiction & Venue
- Factual Allegations
- Cause(s) of Action
- Damages Sought
- Prayer for Relief
- Verification
- Certificate of Service
- Notice of Appeal Rights
1. PARTIES & SERVICE INFORMATION
1.1 Plaintiff.
a. Legal Name: [PLAINTIFF NAME]
b. Address: [PLAINTIFF STREET ADDRESS, CITY, STATE, ZIP]
c. Phone / E-Mail: [CONTACT INFORMATION]
1.2 Defendant.
a. Legal Name: [DEFENDANT NAME]
b. Address for Service: [DEFENDANT STREET ADDRESS, CITY, STATE, ZIP]
c. Method of Service Requested: [☐ Certified Mail | ☐ Sheriff | ☐ Process Server]
[// GUIDANCE: Confirm the Defendant’s physical address; a P.O. Box alone is insufficient for personal service.]
2. JURISDICTION & VENUE
2.1 This Court has subject-matter jurisdiction under Ala. Code § 12-12-30 because the amount in controversy is $[CLAIM AMOUNT], which does not exceed $6,000, exclusive of interest and costs.
2.2 Venue is proper in [COUNTY NAME] because the Defendant [resides / has its principal place of business / the transaction occurred] in this county.
3. FACTUAL ALLEGATIONS
3.1 On or about [DATE], Plaintiff and Defendant entered into [describe transaction—e.g., a written contract for goods, an oral agreement for services, etc.].
3.2 Plaintiff fully performed all obligations, specifically:
a. [Delivered goods/rendered services];
b. [Any other performance].
3.3 Defendant failed to [pay the agreed price / reimburse Plaintiff / otherwise perform] despite due demand made on [DATE OF LAST DEMAND].
3.4 As a direct and proximate result, Plaintiff has suffered monetary damages in the principal sum of $[PRINCIPAL DAMAGES], plus prejudgment interest and court costs.
4. CAUSE(S) OF ACTION
COUNT I – Breach of Contract
4.1 Plaintiff incorporates Paragraphs 3.1 through 3.4 as if fully set forth herein.
4.2 A valid and enforceable contract existed between the parties.
4.3 Plaintiff performed; Defendant materially breached by failing to pay.
4.4 Plaintiff is entitled to damages in the amount stated in Section 5.
[// GUIDANCE: Add additional counts—e.g., Account Stated, Unjust Enrichment—only if supported by facts and Alabama law. Strike counts that do not apply.]
5. DAMAGES SOUGHT
5.1 Principal Amount: $[PRINCIPAL DAMAGES]
5.2 Accrued Pre-Judgment Interest (if contractually or statutorily allowed): $[INTEREST AMOUNT]
5.3 Court Costs: $[FILING FEE + SERVICE COSTS]
5.4 Total Claim Not to Exceed $6,000 (exclusive of interest and costs).
[// GUIDANCE: Alabama small-claims judges strictly enforce the $6,000 jurisdictional ceiling. If the total exceeds the limit, either waive excess or file in the District Court’s regular docket.]
6. PRAYER FOR RELIEF
WHEREFORE, Plaintiff respectfully requests that the Court enter judgment in favor of Plaintiff and against Defendant for:
a. The principal sum of $[PRINCIPAL DAMAGES];
b. Pre-judgment interest as allowed by law or contract;
c. All court costs herein incurred; and
d. Such further and different relief as the Court deems just and proper.
7. VERIFICATION
I, [PLAINTIFF NAME], being first duly sworn, depose and say that I am the Plaintiff in the foregoing action; that I have read the above Complaint and know the contents thereof; and that the same is true and correct of my own knowledge, except as to those matters stated on information and belief, and as to such matters, I believe them to be true.
______
[PLAINTIFF NAME]
STATE OF ALABAMA )
COUNTY OF ______ )
Subscribed and sworn before me on this _ day of _, 20___.
______
Notary Public
My Commission Expires: ____
8. CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE
I certify that a true and correct copy of the foregoing Complaint was served on the Defendant at the address stated above by [method of service] on the _ day of _, 20___.
______
[PLAINTIFF NAME]
9. NOTICE OF APPEAL RIGHTS
Pursuant to Ala. Code § 12-12-30 and applicable Small Claims Rules, any party may appeal a final judgment of this Court to the Circuit Court for a trial de novo by filing a written notice of appeal and paying the required costs within fourteen (14) days after entry of judgment.
[// GUIDANCE: This statutory notice is optional in pleadings but helps preserve transparency and may prevent post-judgment disputes over appellate deadlines.]