SMALL CLAIMS COMPLAINT
IN THE MAGISTRATE DIVISION OF THE DISTRICT COURT OF THE STATE OF IDAHO
IN AND FOR THE COUNTY OF [COUNTY]
| Plaintiff: | [PLAINTIFF LEGAL NAME] |
| Address: | [STREET] • [CITY], ID [ZIP] |
| Telephone: | [PHONE] |
| E-Mail: | [EMAIL] |
| v. | |
| Defendant: | [DEFENDANT LEGAL NAME] |
| Address: | [STREET] • [CITY], ID [ZIP] |
| Telephone: | [PHONE] |
| E-Mail: | [EMAIL] |
Case No.: ______
TABLE OF CONTENTS
- Document Header
- Definitions
- Jurisdiction & Venue
- Statement of Claim
- Representations & Warranties
- Requested Relief
- Notice of Appeal Rights
- General Provisions
- Verification & Signature Block
[// GUIDANCE: Numbered headings facilitate quick reference for the magistrate and court clerks.]
1. DOCUMENT HEADER
1.1 Effective Date. This Small Claims Complaint (“Complaint”) is deemed filed on the date the Clerk of Court stamps the pleading as received (“Effective Date”).
1.2 Governing Law & Forum. This action is governed exclusively by the Idaho Small Claims statutes, Idaho Court Rules, and local court rules. The forum is the Small Claims Department of the Magistrate Division for [COUNTY] County, Idaho.
1.3 Parties. The plaintiff and defendant identified above are collectively referred to herein as the “Parties” and individually as a “Party.”
2. DEFINITIONS
For ease of reference, the following capitalized terms have the meanings set forth below:
“Claim Amount” – The principal sum of money alleged to be owed by Defendant to Plaintiff, not to exceed Five Thousand Dollars ($5,000.00), exclusive of court costs, service fees, and statutory interest, consistent with Idaho Code § 1-2301.
“Costs” – All filing fees, service of process fees, and other court-approved expenses recoverable under Idaho small-claims procedure.
“Interest” – Pre-judgment and post-judgment interest calculated at the statutory rate in effect on the date judgment is entered.
[// GUIDANCE: Add or delete Defined Terms as necessary. Ensure consistency of capitalization throughout.]
3. JURISDICTION & VENUE
3.1 Statutory Jurisdiction. Pursuant to Idaho Code § 1-2301, this Court has jurisdiction because Plaintiff seeks only monetary relief (and/or return of personal property) not exceeding the $5,000 statutory maximum.
3.2 Proper Venue. Venue is proper in [COUNTY] County because:
a. Defendant resides or does business in this county; or
b. The events giving rise to this claim occurred in this county; or
c. The subject personal property is located in this county.
3.3 No Disallowed Claims. The claim does not seek injunctive relief, real property remedies, defamation damages, punitive damages, or any other relief barred from small-claims jurisdiction.
4. STATEMENT OF CLAIM
4.1 Factual Allegations. Plaintiff alleges the following facts giving rise to Defendant’s liability (attach additional pages if necessary):
- On or about [DATE], Plaintiff and Defendant entered into [NATURE OF TRANSACTION / AGREEMENT].
- Defendant agreed to pay Plaintiff $[AGREED SUM] on or before [DUE DATE].
- Despite demand, Defendant has paid only $[PAID AMOUNT] and currently owes $[UNPAID BALANCE].
- (Optional) Plaintiff delivered all goods/services as agreed and fully performed all contractual obligations.
4.2 Amount Owed. The Claim Amount presently due and owing is $[CLAIM AMOUNT] plus Costs and Interest.
4.3 Demand Made. Plaintiff made written and/or oral demand for payment on [DEMAND DATE], which Defendant ignored or refused.
4.4 Condition Precedent. All conditions precedent to the filing of this action have been satisfied or waived.
[// GUIDANCE: Insert concise, fact-specific allegations; avoid unnecessary legal conclusions. Attach exhibits—e.g., promissory notes, invoices, correspondence—labeled “Exhibit A,” “Exhibit B,” etc.]
5. REPRESENTATIONS & WARRANTIES
Plaintiff makes the following sworn representations to the Court:
5.1 Eligibility. Plaintiff is an individual or qualifying business entity permitted to file in small claims court under Idaho law.
5.2 Amount in Controversy. The Claim Amount does not exceed the statutory maximum of $5,000, exclusive of Costs and Interest.
5.3 Good-Faith Basis. Plaintiff believes in good faith that Defendant is legally responsible for the Claim Amount.
5.4 Non-Duplication. This claim has not been filed in any other court or previously adjudicated between the Parties.
5.5 Attorney Representation. Plaintiff (check one): ☐ is ☐ is not represented by counsel. If represented, Plaintiff acknowledges that attorney fees are recoverable only as specifically authorized by Idaho statute or contract.
6. REQUESTED RELIEF
Plaintiff respectfully requests that the Court enter judgment in favor of Plaintiff and against Defendant as follows:
6.1 Principal. Claim Amount of $[CLAIM AMOUNT].
6.2 Costs. Court costs, service fees, and other allowable expenses.
6.3 Interest. Pre-judgment and post-judgment interest at the statutory rate from [DATE] until paid in full.
6.4 Additional Relief. Any other relief the Court deems just and proper under Idaho small-claims procedure.
7. NOTICE OF APPEAL RIGHTS
Pursuant to Idaho small-claims procedure, only the Defendant may appeal a judgment entered in this action, and must do so within thirty (30) days after the judgment is given. The Plaintiff waives any right to appeal the judgment.
[// GUIDANCE: Idaho Code grants a unilateral appeal right to the defendant; informing both Parties upfront promotes procedural fairness.]
8. GENERAL PROVISIONS
8.1 Service of Process. Plaintiff will effect service of the summons and this Complaint on Defendant by a method authorized under Idaho law and will file proof of service with the Court before the hearing date.
8.2 Hearing Date. Plaintiff requests that the Court set this matter for hearing on the earliest available date consistent with Idaho small-claims scheduling practices.
8.3 Settlement Encouraged. Plaintiff remains willing to discuss settlement prior to hearing and will promptly notify the Court if settlement is reached.
8.4 Exhibits. Attached hereto and incorporated by reference are the following exhibits:
• Exhibit A – [DESCRIPTION]
• Exhibit B – [DESCRIPTION]
8.5 Amendment. Plaintiff reserves the right to amend this Complaint as justice may require, subject to Idaho Rules of Civil Procedure and small-claims rules.
9. VERIFICATION & SIGNATURE BLOCK
I, [PLAINTIFF NAME], declare under penalty of perjury that the foregoing statements are true and correct to the best of my knowledge, information, and belief, and that this claim is brought in good faith and within the jurisdictional limits of Idaho small-claims court.
Date: ____ ______
[PLAINTIFF NAME], Plaintiff
(☐ Pro Se ☐ By Counsel)
[// GUIDANCE: Some Idaho counties require notarization; others accept unsworn verification under penalty of perjury. Confirm local practice and add notary block if necessary.]
OPTIONAL NOTARY ACKNOWLEDGMENT
State of Idaho )
County of ______) ss.
On this ___ day of ____, 20__, before me, the undersigned, a Notary Public in and for said State, personally appeared [PLAINTIFF NAME], proved to me on the basis of satisfactory evidence to be the person whose name is subscribed to the foregoing instrument, and acknowledged that he/she executed the same.
Notary Public ____
Residing at ___
Commission Expires _____
END OF COMPLAINT