Arizona Small-Claims Division – Complaint for Monetary Damages
(A.R.S. § 22-501 et seq.; Justice Court Small Claims Division)
[// GUIDANCE: This template is intentionally drafted to exceed the informational requirements of the standard Arizona Small Claims “Complaint & Summons” form so that counsel may tailor it to complex fact patterns while remaining within the streamlined procedural rules. Remove any provisions that are unnecessary for your particular filing and ensure all bracketed fields are completed before submission.]
TABLE OF CONTENTS
- Document Header
- Parties
- Jurisdiction & Venue
- Statement of Claim
- Amount in Controversy & Compliance with Monetary Limits
- Relief Requested
- Certification of Compliance with Small Claims Requirements
- Verification & Signature
- Certificate of Service
1. DOCUMENT HEADER
Court:
IN THE JUSTICE COURT OF THE STATE OF ARIZONA
IN AND FOR THE COUNTY OF [COUNTY]
SMALL CLAIMS DIVISION
Case No.: [Leave blank – to be assigned by Clerk]
Plaintiff(s):
[PLAINTIFF FULL LEGAL NAME], an individual
Address: [ADDRESS]
Telephone: [PHONE]
Email (optional): [EMAIL]
Defendant(s):
[DEFENDANT FULL LEGAL NAME], an individual
Address: [ADDRESS]
Telephone (if known): [PHONE]
Email (if known): [EMAIL]
Title of Pleading:
COMPLAINT FOR MONEY DAMAGES (SMALL CLAIMS)
Filing Date: [DATE]
2. PARTIES
2.1 Plaintiff. [PLAINTIFF NAME] (“Plaintiff”) is a resident of the State of Arizona, County of [COUNTY], and is competent to bring this action in his/her own right.
2.2 Defendant. [DEFENDANT NAME] (“Defendant”) is believed to reside or conduct business in the County of [COUNTY], State of Arizona, and is subject to the jurisdiction of this Court.
3. JURISDICTION & VENUE
3.1 Monetary Jurisdiction. Pursuant to A.R.S. § 22-505(A), the Small Claims Division has jurisdiction over civil actions in which the amount in controversy does not exceed $3,500, exclusive of interest and allowable costs. The total amount sought herein does not exceed that limit.
3.2 Subject-Matter Jurisdiction. This action seeks purely monetary relief and does not request injunctive, equitable, or other non-monetary remedies that are barred in small-claims proceedings under A.R.S. § 22-505(C).
3.3 Venue. Venue is proper in this Court because the Defendant resides, transacts business, or the events giving rise to this claim occurred within this precinct. (A.R.S. § 22-503).
4. STATEMENT OF CLAIM
4.1 Factual Allegations.
a. On or about [DATE], Plaintiff and Defendant entered into [brief description of transaction, e.g., “a written agreement for the sale of personal property”] under which Defendant agreed to pay Plaintiff $[AMOUNT].
b. Plaintiff fully performed all obligations by [describe performance].
c. Despite due demand, Defendant has failed to pay the agreed amount.
4.2 Cause(s) of Action.
a. Breach of Contract. Defendant’s failure to pay constitutes a breach of contract.
b. [OPTIONAL] Unjust Enrichment. In the alternative, Defendant has been unjustly enriched at Plaintiff’s expense.
4.3 Damages. As a direct and proximate result of Defendant’s conduct, Plaintiff has suffered monetary damages in the amount of $[PRINCIPAL], plus pre-judgment interest at the statutory rate from [DATE], and court costs.
[// GUIDANCE: If claiming interest, ensure the contract or A.R.S. § 44-1201 statutory rate applies and calculate through anticipated judgment date.]
5. AMOUNT IN CONTROVERSY & COMPLIANCE WITH MONETARY LIMITS
The total amount demanded, inclusive of principal, pre-judgment interest, and allowable court costs, is $[TOTAL ≤ $3,500], thereby satisfying the jurisdictional limitation prescribed by A.R.S. § 22-505(A).
6. RELIEF REQUESTED
Plaintiff respectfully requests that the Court enter judgment in favor of Plaintiff and against Defendant as follows:
1. Principal damages in the amount of $[PRINCIPAL];
2. Pre-judgment interest at the statutory rate from [DATE] until judgment;
3. Post-judgment interest at the statutory rate until paid in full;
4. Court costs as allowed by law; and
5. Such other and further relief as the Court deems just and proper.
[// GUIDANCE: Attorney’s fees are generally not recoverable in Small Claims per A.R.S. § 22-512 unless expressly permitted under a contract and not prohibited by statute. Confirm recoverability before including.]
7. CERTIFICATION OF COMPLIANCE WITH SMALL CLAIMS REQUIREMENTS
I hereby certify under penalty of perjury that:
a. The amount in controversy does not exceed $3,500, exclusive of interest and costs;
b. The claim is for money damages only and does not include libel, slander, forcible entry, unlawful detainer, or request for injunctive relief;
c. No party is requesting or represented by an attorney at trial, except as allowed under A.R.S. § 22-512(C);
d. I am aware that judgments of the Small Claims Division are not appealable except as provided by A.R.S. § 22-519, and I voluntarily elect to proceed in this forum.
8. VERIFICATION & SIGNATURE
I declare under penalty of perjury under the laws of the State of Arizona that the foregoing is true and correct to the best of my knowledge and belief.
Date: [DATE]
[PLAINTIFF NAME]
Plaintiff, Pro Se
Address: [ADDRESS]
Phone: [PHONE]
Email: [EMAIL] (optional)
9. CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE
I certify that a copy of this Complaint (and any accompanying documents) was served on Defendant by:
☐ Certified U.S. Mail, return receipt requested, postage prepaid
☐ Personal service by a registered process server
☐ Constable/Sheriff
on the _ day of ___, 20____, addressed to:
[DEFENDANT NAME]
[DEFENDANT ADDRESS]
[PLAINTIFF NAME]
[// GUIDANCE: After filing, the Clerk will usually issue a Small Claims Summons. Verify local precinct procedures—some precincts provide a combined “Complaint & Summons” form and handle service via certified mail. Adjust this section accordingly.]
IMPORTANT STATUTORY REFERENCES
• Monetary Limit – A.R.S. § 22-505(A)
• Bar on Injunctive Relief – A.R.S. § 22-505(C)
• Attorney Representation – A.R.S. § 22-512
• No Appeal – A.R.S. § 22-519
[// GUIDANCE:
1. Complete all bracketed fields, attach copies of any written contract, invoices, or other supporting documents, and file the original plus required copies with the Justice Court Clerk.
2. Pay the current filing fee (varies by county) or file an application for deferral/waiver if eligible.
3. Strictly comply with service requirements; improper service is the most common reason for dismissal or nullification of default judgments.
4. Keep proof of service and all postal receipts for presentation at trial.
5. Prepare a concise chronology and bring three (3) copies of all exhibits to the hearing.
]